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.

The post HIRING – HOUSEKEEPER POSITION appeared first on Somerset Estates.

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

The post SOMERSET ESTATES IS HIRING appeared first on Somerset Estates.

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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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. 

The post LET OUR VACANT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES EASE YOUR MIND THIS CHRISTMAS appeared first on Somerset Estates.

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

The post WORDS OF WISDOM FROM BARRY BREED appeared first on Somerset Estates.

Where form meets function from our friends at Lanserring

When our friends at Lanserring created this wonderful new collection for 2021, Celandine Manor, we couldn’t help but tell you all about it!

In the last year, home has started to mean something different to modern families. We have developed a deep intimacy with interior spaces and their design details have become our daily companions.

Meanwhile, relationships are brought into focus. Work and family selves, once distinct, have for the professional working from home, become united. Our homes, and especially our kitchens, must work harder to support the gamut of family and working life – all whilst offering a sense of sanctuary and stability that we now crave more than ever. This was certainly evident when having conversations with our clients. 

What is notable about this work is that it was created in response to the emotional shift observed in clients’ briefs. This superb collection showcases the signature materiality and craftsmanship involved in its creation. It provides a calm, mesmeric space for spending time with family and loved ones; it soothes and comforts; it is a sanctuary.

Photo Credit: Lanserring

The preparation kitchen is an incredible feature which exists to preserve the calm of the main kitchen and there has been a huge focus on the space itself which allows a sense of calm and enjoyment of  all that surrounds you. Spending time as a family: chatting, reading or playing games, untroubled by the clutter of day-to-day life.  We could all do with that now!

There’s lots of solid marble which works incredibly well while still feeling contemporary and clean. It’s great to see the realisation of an attention to detail that Somerset Estates clients require: a design that truly has presence; a gentle, homely ritual for a regenerative space.

Philippa, Director of Somerset Estates was only too happy to comment on the work: “Lanserring are a company at the very top of their game – thoughtful, innovative and ultimately striving for outstanding quality at every step is exactly what we look for in any partnership”. 

Celandine Manor is a wonderful example of home as therapy: a place to regroup and regenerate, a place of sanctuary in the family home.

There are no opulent features designed purely for impact: this is a design that will reveal its intricacies over time. We are big fans of Lanserring’s work and our clients seem to be too!

If you’re looking to make any renovations to your home get in touch with Philippa or Rachel to see how Somerset Estates can assist by emailing info@somersetestates.com

The post YOUR HOME IS A SANCTUARY: WHERE FORM MEETS FUNCTION FROM OUR FRIENDS AT LANSERRING appeared first on Somerset Estates.

And Why To Make Them Your New Summer Project  

With summer right around the corner, our team has been eagerly anticipating the soon-to-arrive days of alfresco dining and outdoor entertaining. And what better time than now to design, renovate, or redecorate the outdoor kitchen of your dreams? We know outdoor kitchens are a game-changer when it comes to making use of your garden, rooftop, or grounds, and particularly in the warmer months, they can easily become what you most love about your home. 

Get inspired by our outdoor kitchen tips and must-haves; then get in touch with our property and home management team to bring your vision to life!

1) Have a theme   

Whether you want your kitchen to feel like a conservatory, a poolside oasis, or a place to cook and play your favourite music while watching the clouds change, nailing down your kitchen’s ideal look early on – whether you are starting from scratch or initiating a makeover – is key. From wicker chairs to leather barstools, to wider designs ranging from the styles of Axel Vervoordt to Chester Jones, mapping out your project and seeing it come to life will make for most fulfilling results.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

We can’t imagine an outdoor kitchen without a pizza oven. From rustic, to modern, to old world Italian, the options are endless. Whether you are opting for wood, charcoal, or gas fuel, this essential can be either a subtle complement to your outdoor kitchen, or a showstopper of a centerpiece. We love this trattoria-style oven, whose cupboard doors make the big reveal that much more exciting.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

3) WWOO

For those of you spending less time at home as offices begin to reopen, consider lower-maintenance, environmentally conscious options that don’t require constant supervision. We are currently loving Dutch designer Piet-Jan van den Kommer’s WWOO garden kitchens, whose concrete bases are made to resist harsh weather conditions, no matter where you live. With their unique finishes including integrated sinks, fireplaces, wine crates and cutting boards, WWOO is one to keep your eye on.

Photo credit: Wwoo

4) Consider your surroundings

When making plans for your outdoor kitchen, think about its proximity to other favourite areas of your property, and think about the view. Will it face your rose garden? A fountain? Can you watch the sunset from the counter? Furthermore, thinking about complements to your dining space can make your alfresco experience that much more enjoyable. Having a stocked bar fridge within a few steps from the pool, or built-in chopping boards facing a city skyline, using where you live as the foundation of what your kitchen will become is essential to its character.

Photo credit: Francesco Lagnese

5) Incorporate your garden 

We mean this literally. For all of you organic fruit and veg lovers, whether you are putting your own green thumb to use, or sharing ideas with one of our landscaping maintenance specialists or domestic staff hires, there’s nothing quite like reaching for an extra handful of fresh rocket whilst moseying around your outdoor kitchen to your favourite tunes. Let “from farm to table” take on a whole new meaning.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

6) Get Creative 

Whether obvious or understated, have that one thing that makes your outdoor kitchen stand out from the others. Whether you are lining your countertops with antique brass candlesticks, modern glass wine decanters, or having bistro-style chalkboard walls to record shopping lists and recipe ideas, an outdoor kitchen can be as much of an art studio as a place to enjoy good food and drinks with friends. 

Photo credit: Ryan Benoit, The Horticult

7) Stay close to home 

There is certainly an appeal to a kitchen that is somewhat isolated to the main house, but for those of you that like to have all within arms’ reach, consider your outdoor kitchen to be an attached extension of your home. Whether you are extending counters from your main kitchen to the garden or creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space, the options are endless with the right ingredients at your disposal.

Photo credit: Houszed

If you would like to speak to Philippa or Rachel, please get in touch at info@somersetestates.com

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Somerset Estates is delighted to be included in Spear’s 2021 Property Advisers Index, a list of this year’s Top Recommended providers of prime property management services. We are particularly thrilled to know that our ranking has come as a result of feedback and nominations from an all-rounded group of clients, peers, firms, research and editorial teams, and interviews. 

As noted in the magazine, “When it comes to working with property at the highest level, the difference between a good and great property manager can have a material impact.” 

Being a company who has always lived by exceeding expectations rather than meeting expectations, we have remained focused on honouring both this statement and our values built upon trust and effectiveness. The strength of our team, led by Philippa Somerset, a 2021 Top Recommended Property Manager, has been paramount in both gaining and maintaining the trust of our clients, whose properties and homes we care for in the same way that we would our own. 

A top and trusted provider of property management services is vital for high-net-worth individuals possessing one or more properties, in the United Kingdom or internationally. 

“I am absolutely thrilled to be featured as a Top Recommended Property Manager in such a distinguished publication, alongside other accomplished leaders in the industry. We are honoured to continue to provide our clients with exceptional services that stem from our commitment to trust and excellence alike.”

– Philippa Somerset

The post SOMERSET ESTATES RANKED TOP RECOMMENDED PROPERTY MANAGER BY SPEAR’S 2021 appeared first on Somerset Estates.

We’ve all heard the saying: “Behind every great man is a great woman.” This International Women’s Day, I want to explore this statement from a business perspective, that behind every great company is a great woman.

This is certainly true of Somerset Estates, the female-led business I struck gold with, that has allowed me to grow in unique ways. Somerset Estates has the advantage of being approachable and trustworthy, and gender parity within the company is not only a bonus, but a shared value. Having Philippa Somerset as my line manager has allowed me to work directly with a fantastic role model, and has given me ample room to grow and take on more responsibilities.

Philippa ensured that from the moment we started working together that I was fully involved in, and understood, the day to day running of each of our clients’ properties. This meant that in any emergent situation, I know exactly what to do in order to provide the best service and outcome for our clients. On one occasion, just before Christmas 2019, I discovered a leak at a client’s penthouse during a routine property check. The training I had received from Philippa is likely the reason that I didn’t simply panic. I was quickly able to arrange for a maintenance team to attend to investigate and stop the leak, before any further damage occurred. Confidence, competence, and an unwavering focus on growth makes us stand out in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and has shaped my personal journey, desire to learn, and ability to make my capabilities known.

I grew up with an acute awareness of the challenges surrounding construction and property. My father is the Managing Director of a small but successful M&E company, and he ensured that from a young age I had some basic knowledge of all things construction – a fact that never fails to surprise people! I’d like to see more female involvement in the field.

In a field with no shortage of challenges, which are often unexpected, I have learned how to overcome roadblocks. Embracing difficulties and learning from them – What would I do differently next time? Would I handle that situation differently in the future? –  this is all part of learning and developing in any career. We need to experience the times when things haven’t gone to plan; when we’re pulled left, right and centre out of our comfort zones. These experiences are just as important as the successes – its character and career building. Early on, I recognised that it is easy to be overlooked and have your opinions drowned out in Property and Construction. A lot of people can overlook young women in the construction industry, assuming that our knowledge is limited. I sometimes wish I could tell my younger self to speak up more and push to be heard and ask more questions, to both show people my own capability but also to be unafraid to ask for help and assistance. I used to think this revealed a sign of weakness, when ultimately it simply shows a desire to learn more!

I have learned to talk about myself in higher regard and be proud of my success so far – writing this personal article is an achievement for me! I often get the impression that many men don’t experience this ‘anxiety’ surrounding talking about themselves. I urge all women, today and every day to be proud of your achievements and shout about your story. As an industry, we are making prominent strides towards equal opportunities. This has resulted in a higher number of women in senior roles, which I know has gone hand-in-hand with the positive progression of our industry.

I’d like you all to think of a great woman behind the successful running of your own business or development, and take note of how they have driven its growth. I am sure that amongst the stories of successful women in business you will hear this week, you will be able to relate with your own personal experiences. I thank you personally, and on behalf of Somerset Estates for your support in advancing successful women in business, and am wishing a Happy International Women’s Day to the women that inspire us in every way.

Written by Rachel Milliams (Property Manager)

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