By Ana Farr-Jones

Meet Lauren, our Property Account Manager at Somerset Estates

From preventative maintenance to client relationships, prime property management is a constant process of coordination and care. We asked Lauren to share what happens behind the scenes and how she ensures every home she manages runs seamlessly.

What is your role at Somerset Estates, and what experience do you bring to the team?

I work as a Property Account Manager at Somerset Estates and have been in the industry for over 4 years, specialising in managing prime and super-prime properties. During that time, I have gained hands-on experience overseeing high-value homes with complex requirements, from day-to-day operations through to long-term planning. Working at this level has sharpened my attention to detail and strengthened my ability to anticipate issues before they arise, which is essential when managing exceptional homes for discerning clients.

What does a typical week look like for you when managing prime and super prime properties?

No two weeks are ever exactly the same, which is one of the aspects I enjoy most about the role. A typical week involves visiting the properties I manage to ensure everything runs smoothly and is maintained to the highest standard. I carry out regular inspections, meet with contractors where needed, and check in with clients to ensure nothing has been overlooked.

A large part of my time is also spent responding to client requests, whether coordinating work, sourcing specialist contractors, or managing more urgent matters. The role requires organisation, responsiveness and, above all, a proactive mindset.

What do you think sets Somerset Estates apart in the luxury property management sector?

What truly sets Somerset Estates apart is the genuine care and attention given to each client. It is not simply about managing properties; it is about building strong and lasting relationships. The team takes the time to understand each client’s preferences, expectations, and lifestyle, which allows us to deliver a tailored, discreet service. That personal approach makes a real difference in the luxury property management sector.

What is the most important quality a Property Manager should have when overseeing high-end homes?

Strong relationship building is essential. Whether with clients, contractors or colleagues, clear communication and full transparency are key. High-end properties come with high expectations, so trust is everything. Being reliable, approachable and consistent in communication helps build that trust and ensures everything runs smoothly.

What is one thing homeowners often underestimate about managing a prime residence?

Many homeowners underestimate just how much coordination and attention to detail is required behind the scenes. A prime residence is not only about aesthetics. It involves managing specialist contractors, preventative maintenance schedules, compliance requirements and often complex systems that require expert oversight.

Without a structured and proactive approach, small issues can escalate quickly. Effective management is about consistency and forward planning, rather than reacting when something goes wrong.

What part of your role gives you the most satisfaction?

For me, the most satisfying part of the role is seeing everything come together seamlessly. Whether completing a large-scale project, resolving a complex issue, or simply knowing a client feels completely at ease because they trust us to manage their home, that is what makes it worthwhile.

Building strong relationships over time and knowing you have played a part in protecting and enhancing significant properties is incredibly rewarding.

Tell us something we might not know about you outside of work.

Outside of work, I am very committed to my fitness routine and go to the gym every day. It is a big part of my lifestyle and something I genuinely enjoy. For me, it is not only about physical fitness, but also discipline and mental clarity. Training daily helps me stay focused, manage stress and maintain a positive mindset, which definitely carries over into my professional life. It has become a non-negotiable part of my routine and something that keeps me motivated both in and out of work.

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By Ana Farr-Jones

The post What Makes a Great Property Management Team appeared first on Somerset Estates.

By Ana Farr-Jones

Meet Sophie, our Assistant Operations Manager at Somerset Estates

What is your job at Somerset Estates, and what is your background?

I’m the Assistant Operations Manager, supporting the day to day running of the business. I’ve spent nearly seven years working in Central London’s property market. I started out in a West End estate agency where I learned the ropes and now I’m fortunate to be working in the exciting world of luxury property.

What does a typical day look like for you?

No two days are ever quite the same, which is what makes it so rewarding. I provide operational support across the team, ensuring everything runs efficiently and seamlessly. That means everything from strategic oversight and team coordination to hands on problem solving, whatever is needed to keep the business operating at its best.

What is your favourite aspect of working at Somerset Estates?

The staff. It’s a pleasure to work with such a talented and supportive team. Everyone brings something different to the table, and that makes all the difference in a fast-paced environment.

If there’s one thing homeowners or clients should know, what would it be?

That we genuinely care. At Somerset Estates, we take the time to understand our clients and how they live. Their preferences, their priorities, their pace. We manage every detail of their home with that in mind. It’s not just about fixing problems. It’s about providing a service that is thoughtful and tailored.

Tell us something we might not know about you.

Outside of work, I love to cook and stay active. I’m a regular at spin classes. I also enjoy discovering new places with our dog and am on a constant mission to hunt down the best coffee in London.

Current favourites include:
☕ Velasquez and Van Wezel, Crouch End
☕ FWD Coffee, Shoreditch
☕ Nostos, right opposite our office – dangerously convenient

If you’re interested in applying for a role at Somerset Estates, then please get in touch via our careers page.

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In celebration of the upcoming three year anniversary of Somerset Estates and a year after the publication of her piece Striking Gold in Female-Led Businesses, I sat down with Rachel Milliams, Property Account Manager at Somerset Estates, to talk about confidently breaking into a traditionally male-dominated field, and the challenges and opportunities it entails. 

When first meeting Rachel Milliams, you might find it hard to believe that she is still in the early stages of her career. Exuding competence and approachability alike, Rachel’s expertise – that she would argue is still growing – comes from working in a fast-paced industry, and learning to be simultaneously proficient and quick. “We need to react quickly to situations, resolve complex construction issues and meet short deadlines; getting things resolved quickly and efficiently is important, but having an understanding of difficult issues is pivotal,” she says, having personally handled a number of complex mechanical and electrical issues. 

Most recently, in February, Rachel tackled a serious issue with no heating or hot water at one of Somerset Estates’ properties. The issue was multi-layered, with faults on a magnitude of equipment that occurred following an energy surge in the area. The repairs necessitated a number of tradesmen to be employed from a variety of sectors. It was imperative that Rachel had a broad understanding of how the mechanical and electrical systems work in a property, to help ascertain what could have gone wrong in order to manage and coordinate the best engineers for the works. Without this knowledge, there would have been no positive or quick end result. 

This very aspect brings me to Rachel’s key pointers for other young women aspiring to enter the industry. Confidence, according to Rachel, is of utmost importance. “A lot of people can overlook young women in the construction industry, assuming that our knowledge is limited,” she tells me. This includes not only making your own capabilities known, but also being unafraid to ask for help and assistance. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Rachel reminds me; if anything, asking questions shows an eagerness to learn. 

On the subject of learning, Rachel’s education combines a perfect balance of possessing a hands-on approach together with knowledge acquired both in the classroom, and  through her family. Rachel grew up with an awareness of the construction and property industry, with her father being the MD of a successful mechanical and electrical building services company. In a typical childhood rebellion, Rachel was set on steering her career as far away from the industry as possible before following in her family’s footsteps.

Today, Rachel is setting her own path, and has big plans not only for herself, but for the industry’s development. “At the moment, it still seems unusual for a woman to work in the Property and Construction industry,” she admits. “Long-term, I’d like to see more female involvement in the industry and further innovations with digitisation.” Always keen to further her education, once joining Somerset Estates Rachel enrolled on a marketing programme to enhance her communication skills and deliver alongside the hands-on experience she was already gaining.  

Rachel’s role models go beyond her father: her commitment to learning from female colleagues in order to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry is acute. “I really struck gold with Philippa,” says Rachel of the Somerset Estates’ director. “Having her as a line manager has been fantastic for my career progression because she has taught me the most proactive ways to approach issues, and has provided me with support that continuously improves my confidence.”

In an industry with no shortage of challenges, often unexpected, Rachel has learned how to overcome roadblocks and above all what to take from them. “I learned early on that it is easy to be overlooked and have your opinions drowned out in Property and Construction – whether that’s down to my gender, my age, or how new I am to the industry, I couldn’t say. 

On numerous occasions I have had thoughts or opinions glossed over, until other colleagues have reiterated my same point. This is exactly why confidence in my own abilities is essential, and not being afraid to push to be heard.” 

Rachel is the first to admit that being a female property manager for a female-led company has allowed her to grow in unique ways. Whilst the collective focus remains ensuring that client needs are met, Rachel sees being female-led as an additional asset in presenting the team at Somerset Estates as approachable and trustworthy. 

A balanced team is not a bonus but a shared value – of both Rachel and Philippa’s – and having a female boss has made all the difference, including making conversations easier. “I have definitely been given more room to grow and taken on more responsibility quicker than I might have done  at other companies,” Rachel says, in recognition of her own personal competence and confidence. With an unwavering focus on growth, I look forward to seeing  Rachel making strides in an industry where equality within its workforce is becoming more the norm.. 

Written by Mark Howarth, Marketing Director

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Somerset Estates  is pleased to announce that we are looking for a proactive and motivated individual to join our team.

The past year has been very exciting for us at Somerset Estates and our workload has increased considerably. We act as agents on behalf of our clients.

Housekeeper:

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, hovering, mopping, wiping dusting and polishing.
• Ensure all rooms are cared for and inspected according to the standards, as set out initially by the client.
• Deal with reasonable complaints/requests with professionalism and patience.
• Check stock levels of all consumables and notify management as and when they need replenishing.
• Adhere to all rules regarding health and safety and be aware of any company related practices/requirements.
• Follow all manuals, instruction, care instructions and guidance (if provided).
• Perform laundry and ironing duties as necessary.
• Ensure a high level of customer service is performed at all times.
• Report any damages or repairs needed to management.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience working as a Cleaner or Housekeeper
• Experience working in luxury residential properties and homes
• Ability to work independently and maintain a high level of performance
• Able to work efficiently without compromising quality or standards
• Excellent prioritisation and time management skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Good communications skills
• Solid references
• Flexible schedule
• Lives in London

Desirable

• Basic cooking skills
• Good with children

All applicants should be responsible, hard-working, trustworthy, detail-oriented, flexible, honest, and reliable.

Benefits

In return we will offer a competitive rate, and valuable experience working in high end residential properties all in the heart of Central London.

• Rate negotiable
• Guaranteed weekly work
• Working in the heart of London

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and covering letter to Lisa Gaskin at lisag@somersetconsult.com.

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Somerset Estates  is pleased to announce that we are looking for a proactive and motivated individual to join our growing team.

The past year has been very exciting for us at Somerset Estates and our workload has increased considerably. To support our team, we are looking for a full time Property Account Manager. Please see below for further job details.

Property Account Manager

About Somerset Estates Property Management

Somerset Estates specialises in bespoke Property Management services. We provide full management and maintenance of prime and super prime residences in London and Surrey. Our offices are located in Victoria Street, London.

Over the past six months our workload has increased considerably. To support our team, we are currently looking for a full time Property Account Manager to assist with our growing business.

We work very closely and alongside our sister company, Somerset Consult, which is a forward thinking specialist construction consultancy. We provide a range of consultancy services from Dispute Resolution, Commercial Management and Building Surveying services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a point of contact for Clients, contractors, services providers and third parties for day-to-day enquiries and maintenance.
• Implement and oversee preventive maintenance, repairs and other works, ensuring that the agreed work had been completed to an agreed standard.
• Respond appropriately to maintenance and emergencies, dealing with all general and emergency issues, as appropriate.

• Manage contractors and maintenance contracts, scheduled works and day to day requests in an efficient and timely manner.
• Source new contractors as and when necessary.
• Attend site to supervise contractors, etc. as and when necessary.
• Check and approve quotations / billing / utilities and payments (if applicable).
• Ensure folders, record keeping documentation, CRM system and calendars are accurate and kept up to date.
• Issue monthly summary reports for each property to the Senior Property Manager.
• Ensure the Senior Property Manager is copied into all major issues / events.
• Attend client meetings to ensure excellent account management is maintained.
• Ensure efficient handovers before periods of annual leave.
• Build strong professional relationships with Clients, contractors and third parties.
• Overall management of Client Accounts and any other duties as deemed necessary.

Essential Requirements

• Experience working in a similar role.
• Highly motivated, dynamic and driven individual.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written, in person and on the phone.
• IT literate – Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Strong organisational skills and administrative skills.
• Able to meet deadlines and targets.
• Attention to detail.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion of Clients and projects.
• Desirable – Experience working with UHNWI.

Benefits

In return we will offer a competitive salary, the chance to be part of a growing family run company and be based in prestigious offices in the heart of Central London.

• Salary ranging from £25,000 – £29,000.
• 20 days annual leave each year (increasing up to 25 days per year), in addition to bank holidays.
• Daily commuting travel expenses (home to office / site).
• Mobile phone allowance.
• Opportunity to work from home two days per week.
• Prospect to enhance skills / qualifications through further education and training.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

If you wish to apply, or know anyone who might be suited to the role, please email Catalina Gidea at catalina@somersetconsult.com

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Our team at Somerset Estates has always worked with the highest-level and most trusted contractors in the industry. Above all, our priority is collaborating with experts in their field, no matter how niche, and we are therefore delighted to introduce one of our esteemed partners, Athena Stonecare. Athena’s expertise in natural stone restoration and maintenance has made them a leading stonework professional, and a go-to for our clients in London and its surrounding counties.

With elegant endurance at the core of all that they deliver, we have chosen Athena for their know-how in a variety of professional services. Natural stone in your home is often an investment and needs to be looked after to retain its character and decorative finish. Athena Stonecare specialises in everything from grinding, to resurfacing, polishing and cleaning marble, limestone, travertine, granite and all types of natural stone.

With client peace of mind at the core of each service that we at Somerset Estates deliver, we have chosen a partner whose stonecare – and aftercare – services know no limit, be it a scratched and stained limestone floor that needs refinishing, or a marble bathroom that has been damaged through incorrect maintenance, Athena Stonecare transforms stone to look brand new.

As a leading provider of natural stone with a team trained and qualified to the highest levels, Athena’s services are always aligned with the most up-to-date technological advancements, while being tailored to both historic and contemporary stonework.

Most recently, our team Somerset Estates was working on a private estate in Surrey, where the limestone in our client’s pool had been damaged and misused, leaving blue residue across the area and a balloon-sized floor stain.

After assessment of the work involved, we immediately arranged for Athena to attend the site, and they arrived promptly that Sunday. Their process of restoration began instantly, and in explaining their course of work, the level of their expertise became apparent. With diamond grinding and stone polishing within Athena’s main area of specialism, for the purpose of elevating the beauty of both natural and man-made stone, Becca Cranfield, Director of Athena Stonecare states:

“Restoring stone can be a complex process involving several stages. The initial grinding phase serves to even out poorly-laid tiles, remove scratches and restore worn or soiled stone surfaces before honing or polishing. The desired finish is then achieved by a system of higher grit diamond segments and pads that can be used in stages for matte, satin or high shine. Every floor is unique and so all of our services are completely bespoke. This means that we keep in constant communication with the client throughout the process to ensure that we achieve the desired finish.”

Athena’s tailored edging equipment and hand-held tools allows the team to provide full treatments right up next to skirting boards, kitchen units and edges to leave a flawless finish regardless of the task.

With Athena, grinding and polishing can be a one-off restorative project, a corrective procedure, or a maintenance programme – popular with most of their clients.

“Our maintenance programmes are tailored to your stone type and budget,” notes Athena. “This means that we can provide a more intensive process to high-traffic areas to ensure that the finish across the area is flawless without unnecessary expense for you. As a chemical free process, stone polishing using this method is an eco-friendly way to enjoy natural stone for many years.”

Matching the right contractor to the right client or property is something that our team at Somerset Estates has long prided ourselves on. In managing the processes and relationships between our contractors and clients, our reputation as a trusted property management company has only strengthened. Our long-standing relationships with contractors like Athena, who are masters of their craft, gives Somerset Estates the ability to provide clients with only the most specialised services.

For an initial quote or survey, and to learn more about Athena and our contractors, please get in touch at info@somersetestates.com

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Last year, whilst one of our clients was out of residency, their penthouse experienced an electrical surge, which caused a significant amount of damage to various appliances within the property, including numerous audio-visual items, fan coil units, lighting equipment and white goods.

How we reacted

We were alerted to this situation immediately, as it is common practice for audio visual specialists and security teams to be monitoring properties 24/7 and contact us for any issues.

We attended the site immediately to investigate the situation. We appointed our electrical contractor to complete a full diagnostic check and discover the source of the problem, which was proven to be an electrical installation fault within the landlord’s main switch room. It was our duty to ensure a detailed inspection was completed and that the insurers were immediately informed. Their policy covered the damage caused by the electrical issue so we arranged for the remedial works to be carried out and ensured that everything was back the way it should be.

The resolution

This was a complex case for a multitude of reasons. Due to the nature of the fault, the severity of the damage, the sophisticated technologies in place and multiple third-party communication, it was necessary to manage the expectations and interests of all parties. These included the client, the loss adjusters and insurers, numerous contractors, the landlord and building management.

Personal service 

At Somerset Estates, our pivotal role is client peace of mind. As we care about our clients on a personal level, we complete a full background check on insurance statuses and insist that all covers are in place. We leave nothing to chance, the risks are simply far too high for an “i” not to be dotted, or a “t” not to be crossed.

Throughout scenarios such as this, we ensure our clients are fully updated, but provide assurance and a stress-free facilitation service, enabling them to feel secure that their property is in the safest of hands.

The post CASE STUDY: OUR RESPONSE TO A LUXURY PROPERTY NIGHTMARE – MAYFAIR, LONDON appeared first on Somerset Estates.

As you prepare travel plans for the holidays, ensuring the protection of your vacant property is of utmost importance for ensuring your peace of mind. Worrying about your property when you are away – especially during the festive season – should never be an issue, and our team is committed to giving our clients’ homes the same care when they are vacant as when they are occupied. 

From security threats to damaging water leaks, our team is here to check your property on a regular basis, and at the ready to tackle any logistical and technical challenges that may occur when you are away. 

As you enjoy your holiday, our staff is available round the clock to address each and every one of your needs, as well as unanticipated situations. We organise and supervise cleaning, oversee contractors, run errands and pay household bills, and tend to all unexpected urgent matters, from trespassing concerns, to power failures, and faulty air conditioning. Our team remains available 24/7, with an emergency phone number allowing us to be of help in any time zone. 

Perhaps most importantly, our regular maintenance of your home in your absence significantly reduces costly repairs and insurance premiums: our ongoing checks prevent potential damages, and ensures that your property is kept in perfect working order, and protected from seasonal changes.

We run your heating and cooling systems on a reduced and steady mode – known as ‘vacancy mode’ – keeping your property running efficiently. We flush taps to avoid harmful bacteria build-up within pipes, and always take preventative measures for seasonal damages. 

Come your return, be it in the middle of the night or on the weekend, we will ensure that your property is ready for your arrival – from having the heating set to your ideal temperature, to having the fridge stocked with your favourite items.

To find out more about our vacant property management services, please get in touch with Philippa or Rachel by calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 / +44 (0) 7904 607136 or emailing  info@somersetestates.com to ease your mind this Christmas and anytime you are away. 

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Mark: Tell us about your background and when you started Decorum?

Barry: Decorum is the result of a long career in the super-prime construction sector which began over 30 years ago with Laing Group in their special projects business, Holloway White Allom (HWA). I began as a carpenter and worked my way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a Board Director with responsibility for looking after our most important private client relationships and new business opportunities.

After 15 years with Laing, changes in the marketplace made it ripe for a new entrant. I co-founded SizeBreed with another former HWA Director, Darren Size, and we built a hugely successful main contracting business specialising in the most special of super-prime residential projects. We quickly became the go-to builders for a select group of internationally-recognisable ultra-high net worth families and constructed, refitted and went on to maintain their residences in London, the Home Counties, the Alps and the Côte d’Azur.

In 2019, I sold my share of the business to Darren, who has continued to take it from strength to strength, and founded Decorum as the go-to client representatives in this small niche of the construction sector.

M: What areas have become your expertise, now that you’re more independent?

B: Working client-side felt like a natural development for me. As the client-facing co-owner at SizeBreed, I have long-standing relationships that, in some cases, transcend multiple generations of the same family. With fashions changing, and with ever-increasing pressures on the sector, the market continues to develop with new people and businesses each doing amazing new things.

Working directly with the clients, we work to ensure that we have exactly the right team around them for their projects, with suitable expertise, experience and, most importantly, client fit. In a sense, it’s a bit like matchmaking – choosing the team that is most likely to set these huge and significant projects up for success (while the smallest start is at around £500,000, many run into the tens of millions of pounds).

This journey often starts with helping the client source the right property, then putting forward a “beauty parade” of the most suitable architects, heritage/planning consultants, interior designers and specialist consultants (from Quantity Surveyors to Mechanical and Electrical, to lighting, Audio Visual and engineering).

As their desires, designs and concepts take shape, we then make early introductions to potential tenderers for their works, so that the spirit of collaboration and partnership between us, the client and the delivery team begins at the earliest possible stage.

M: How would you describe a typical client?

B: Our clients are so varied and their requirements so diverse, it is hard to describe a “typical” one. They tend to be very busy people, with exacting timelines, high standards, and sophisticated tastes. Above all, however, most have had high-level experience of top-tier construction projects – they recognise the need to get a strong team on board and leave the details to that team in order to get the most favourable result and manage the inherent risks in construction as best possible.

M: You’ve had 30 years of experience, which stands for itself, but why do clients come back to you? 

B: We treat all of our clients as relationships. This means that we are open, honest and looking to partner with them and their families for the long-haul. Above all, they need to be happy with the end result. To our clients, we are only as good as our last project, so we move heaven and earth to ensure that they are delighted with the outcome.

M: From an age range point of view…if you’re dealing with the next generation versus older family members: is the next gen just ready to go? Do they want fast-moving new and fresh versus older members of the family wanting to go through more of a process?

B: It would be a mistake, in my view, to fall into the trap of believing that new or young wealth holders are impatient or prone to rushing. In our experience, they are often very sophisticated clients. They do tend to have different needs, and things can change very quickly for them (during the course of a project, for example, their family might grow) – helping them to manage these changes and make important decisions about how best to complete their projects is a real value-add we can provide.

Somerset Estates Management Team

M: Do you want to speak a little more to how you’re collaborating with Somerset and where you see upcoming opportunities?

B: Somerset shares our values of excellence and client care – I see a real overlap in our ethos and approach. What I also love about them is the personal and attentive care clients get – Philippa and David are always at the end of the phone, so the clients get to speak with the decision makers quickly and directly. 

P: The more we’ve grown, the more we have needed to add to our supply chain, and Barry has been really helpful with introductions, as we prefer to only work with businesses with a proven track record at the highest levels of care and personal attention. 

M: You spoke to your core values: honesty, transparency, and reputation. Are there any others that you consider to be integral to the way that you operate as a team? 

B: Value for money is a big one. This often doesn’t mean “low cost”, but value for money is a concept that pervades even the most salubrious passion projects. What matters most, therefore, is the quality, attention to detail, service and fun (yes, fun!) that the clients receive. Often, these residences are “forever” homes; celebrating personal successes and growing families – the process should be enjoyable, and it’s our job to do our best to make sure that is the case. The service and the delivery need to be perfect.

M: Where do you see the key area for growth or nurturing together?

B: Following a difficult couple of years for London, it is so reassuring to see the transactions at the highest end of the market setting global records for prices achieved. London is open for business and, with anxieties over the post-Brexit landscape fading fast, presents a particularly attractive proposition to the global elite. The volume of transactions in the real estate market today serves as a brilliant proxy for the construction sector pipeline in 2-3 years, as these trophy acquisitions will come to be renovated, refitted and maintained thereafter.

M: What are some of your favourite brands and companies to work with? AV, technical, interior design… who is really moving and shaking at the moment?

B: There are far too many to list – the quality in the sector today is truly better, in my view, than it has ever been. In the design world, we love working with Elicyon, Charlton Brown Architects and SP3. For AV, there are some real front-runners in the space – CSS, Tillman Domotics, Nucleus and Cornflake. Of course, there’s Ideaworks, they’re one of the leaders in the luxury residential and marine space. 

M: Talking a bit about how the market is developing: where do you see the biggest challenges in the UK property market at the moment, particularly the high end?

B: It’s harder to find quality labour for the subcontractors: we’ve lost a lot of the Eastern European labour. There’s only 10% of the apprenticeships available, so a real lack of professionals progressing in the industry. Material costs are increasing percentage-wise on steel, timber and concrete. Even getting hold of certain items is proving difficult. 

M: Philippa – anything you’re noticing around current trends and challenges in the marketplace?

P: There has been such a demand in the luxury rental space, particularly in London for properties being firstly available and secondly meeting UHNW client standards. 

Earlier in the year, like many professionals in construction and property we faced delays getting hold of and importing certain goods into the country such as handcrafted parisian leather wallpaper and parts for fan coil units. But I’m a firm believer there’s always a solution to a problem! Our service is continuously thinking outside the box, problem-solving and always delivering a high level of personal attention to each client. 

M: And any changes in terms of clients’ preferences for service? In terms of communications, is it direct contact or through representatives?

B: I find that clients like to be copied in themselves, because sometimes the house staff won’t understand certain issues on the same level as the homeowners. Particularly if there are variations to a contract that will result in extra cost or a potential increase to the programme. And this is equally true of a change of £500 or £50,000. Clients like knowing and being able to monitor these things. 

M: Where do you see the significant areas of development in London, aside from the ones we already know? Is it your typical Nine Elms and areas such as the ones expanding through Battersea? Where else is going to be hot? 

B: Elephant and Castle is probably one of the last that’s catching up and being developed, but that’s not where the super high net worth people are: they’re in the Peninsula; the new units at the top end of Park Lane; the houses that are derelict that need refurbishing in Mayfair, Holland Park and Belgravia; the air spaces; the ones that desire 10/20,000 sq ft apartments without gardens because they do not want the maintenance of a garden. 

M: Philippa, how is that comparing to new business and where you’re seeing areas of growth?

P: Our portfolio includes beautiful properties in Belgravia, Eaton Place, Mayfair and Surrey. There is so much demand for luxury rental properties at the moment and management of vacant properties that are being brought back to life following the lift of international travel. Despite the new restrictions, London is still in a really positive place. 

To hear more about our Property Management services, please get in touch with Philippa by calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 / +44 (0) 7904 607136 or emailing  info@somersetestates.com

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