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.

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The London square, from its initial development in the mid-seventeenth century to the present day, is a very ‘English phenomenon’ which would come to define the physical landscape of London’s metropolis, apprise urban planning and bring about social change. Over time, the squares have had a huge impact on the values of many prime residential properties surrounding them and for many, continue to do so.

Originally, the simple act of using railings to enclose the wide open spaces of London’s grand seventeenth-century piazzas was mainly designed as a form of social control to curtail the riotous activities of the general populace who congregated there. Although the number of squares remaining (around 300) have drastically reduced, a considerable proportion remain synonymous with wealth and are surrounded by some of London’s most desirable residential real estate.

Sloane Square, although without a park at its centre, is a typical example. Found on the boundaries of Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Chelsea the estates on all sides are made up of luxuriously-furnished private apartments, terraced houses and designer stores. In July 2020 the average property price stood at nearly £1.3 million and £3.5 million respectively.

During the 1680s and the 1690s, London’s residential squares began to spread from the West End to the suburbs in order to accommodate the social aspirations of the rising professional and mercantile middle classes who also required a healthier way of life. Devonshire Square, New Square, Lincolns Inn and Bridgewater Square were all built during this time.

Bloomsbury Square, one of the earliest London Squares (laid out in the 1660s) and home to the wealthiest members of the aristocracy, gradually became less fashionable. By the mid-nineteenth century, the houses were occupied by middle-class professionals. Later, in the twentieth century, most of the houses had been converted into offices. Current occupants include Le Cordon Bleu, the German Historical Institute and The History of Parliament.

In the early eighteenth century, the growth of pre-eminent stately garden squares such as Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Grays Inn and Kings Square had already gained international acclaim for their unique character which still very much exists today.

The prestigious gardens of Grays Inn, known as The Walks, are a prime example. Home to an impressive marquee in Summer, it provides a wonderful setting full of grandeur for traditionally Britishsummer parties.

In earlier times these fast growing garden enclaves became the responsibility of the privileged residents who lived around them, so they were encouraged to make ‘civic improvements’ by considering ways in which design features and planting could be improved.

Now the responsibility can still be shared by residents or certain institutions who pay for their upkeep, or in some cases managed by borough councils. In any event, they give character to a property in such a way that is truly British and add a traditional element which, as many of them are listed, can’t be taken away, making them highly sought after now and hopefully, for hundreds of years to come.

With current guide prices for properties in Kensington Park Gardens starting at £2,000,000 rising to £3,995,000 in Cadogan Gardens, for prime locations such as Ennismore Gardens you would be approaching the £12,000,000* mark. And whilst London prime residential property yields continue to be stable at 3-3.25%** they nevertheless remain a solid long-term investment that you can truly enjoy.

So, as the London square continues to evolve, they are still seen as synonymous with privilege and wealth. They continue to be an inherent part of the urban plan as well as being firmly placed on the canny investors hit list.

If you’ve bought in London or are considering the move and need a trusted contact in London to assist, we can help put you in touch with the right professional. Please email info@somersetestates.com or call +44 (0) 2034572857 and we would be delighted to speak with you.

*Savils, 2020, **Knight Frank UK Residential Yield Report 2019

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It’s not surprising, with so many working from home during the country’s lockdown, the home study has become a space that households have paid more attention to than ever before. Businesses of all sizes across the globe are now considering the work-from-home model on a more permanent basis.

Despite the Government’s advice encouraging a return to the work environment from 1st August, a study conducted by global research company Gartner found that 74% of business finance leaders plan to move their workforce’s to permanently remote positions after the pandemic. You may be finding yourself in this situation, and working from home will be more commonplace going forward. Given this, it’s important to ensure your home office is still fit for purpose, whether you continue to work from home indefinitely or on a part time basis.

Here are our key suggestions to ensure your work from home setup doesn’t get forgotten as we navigate our way post lockdown.

During the pandemic, so many of us experienced family members at home all using the wifi for varying purposes. The need for a robust bandwidth for online business meetings is still a priority for many. Consider switching to a fibre-optic connection if you have not already done so. It offers a much faster speed than other wired internet connections and will improve download speeds dramatically. It may also be an idea to install a line for the home office only and keep it separate from the rest of the household.

The ergonomics of a workspace is critical. Lighting is an important area in a home office that often gets overlooked, and ensuring you have sufficient indirect lighting is essential to avoid eye strain. Overhead and natural lighting are great, provided they don’t cause any glare on the computer screen. If a desk is positioned next to or in front of a window, consider installing an anti-glare semi-sheer roller blind. They can also be effective in managing heat from windows.

Many of us are guilty of shunning professional office furniture in our homes in favour of style. But at the very least, we still recommend investing in a fully adjustable professional office chair with armrests, as they provide the right lumbar support for the lower back and will ensure you’re sitting at the right height. It is also a good idea to install a laptop stand or moveable arm that will help to adjust the monitor to the right comfortable position. As a guide, monitor height should be eye-level if sitting upright with shoulders level and looking ahead without hunching.

With more than one household member working from home, we’ve all been interrupted at some point by small children, a partner or general background noise! With video-conference calls being taken during different time zones, or sharing spaces with other family members soundproofing has become more of a priority for maintaining a professional working environment from home. Sound and echo issues can be temporarily addressed by installing heavy-duty rugs and carpet, as well as hanging large canvas artwork on the walls.

To find out more and to get in touch with one of the team, please contact us by calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 or emailing info@somersetestates.com

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The problem

Part of our exceptional and unique service, is that we work alongside our sister company, Somerset Consult, a firm of Chartered Surveyors and M&E Experts. This gives us extensive knowledge of the construction industry.

On one occasion we were called to a client’s property, after they’d had a new 20- metre residential indoor swimming installed at their home.

The swimming pool was full of green algae which was growing and collecting in the pool, making it unusable and very unwelcoming to the client and their young family.

After an investigative survey, we quickly determined that the pool was originally designed and installed as a standard indoor swimming pool, but was being used by the client as a hot tub. It turned out that following installation, our client had been advised by a third party that the temperature could be adjusted as they wished.

The problem arose due to the increase in water temperature to 30c, exposure to sunlight and a lack of ventilation to control the humidity. Without remedial action, dangerous levels of water bacteria may well have developed.

If designed correctly the pool could indeed serve as a hot tub. This problem was not attributed to a design failure however, but a lack of sound and professional advice from the appointed adviser.

How we reacted

Our approach is to always deliver a fully transparent and comprehensive service and give clients realistic expectations.

We advised the client that they could change the design and function of the pool area, but it would be an extremely costly exercise. We suggested converting a smaller and separate space to be used as a hot tub and spa area if they wished.

This situation was relatively straightforward to resolve. We reset the operating temperatures, thoroughly cleaned the pool and carried out various water and hygiene tests to ensure it was safe and fit for use.

The resolution

We advised the client of the necessity of continual cleaning to prevent algae and bacteria breeding which could result in health issues. Regular specialist maintenance is also required to test and top up water chemicals and check the equipment is operating correctly. Maintenance can save expensive repairs and replacements and keep pools and water in a good condition.

Pools can be expensive to run, but regular routine maintenance keeps costs down. We regularly conduct reviews across all household and property utility bills – replacing equipment such as pumps with environmentally friendly versions can also further reduce energy costs.

Personal service

Part of our service is establishing and managing maintenance, so our clients have complete peace of mind that their property is in the safest of hands with a stress free facilitation service.

Whether it’s a main residency or a second home, we ensure that each aspect is taken care of by professionals so that everything is looked after to the highest standards. We specialise in providing a complete management service for our clients from day-to-day tasks, maintenance requirements, emergency call outs and weekly operational inspections.

To find out more and to get in touch with one of the team, please contact us by calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 or emailing info@somersetestates.com

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Protective Measures We’re Taking

The UK outlook and property landscape is starting to change, as the measures imposed to control the coronavirus crisis are being eased.
Over the past two weeks some restrictions have been lifted gradually, giving us hope of moving onto the next stage of recovery. Properties will begin to re-open, so if you require the best possible advice on how to manage them as effectively as possible, we are only a phone call away.

We’re looking forward to being back in full swing of what we do best – running households, managing properties and giving our clients complete peace of mind, whether they’ve been experiencing lockdown in London or overseas.

Where our clients, staff, contractors and suppliers are concerned, safety is paramount. So whilst Government guidelines have encouraged many to return to work, we are remaining cautious and following all necessary protocols. The safety measures and processes we’re taking are outlined below.

Our Contractors

Prior to any works taking place, we will carry out all necessary Covid-19 risk assessments. All our contractors will follow social distancing rules whilst in the property, and will wear appropriate PPE whilst on site. Our engineers will be working in isolation (unless an emergency prevents this) and following health and safety protocol.

Safeguarding and Management

We’re here to manage and safeguard all our clients’ residences, whether in full occupancy or vacant various measures are undertaken to ensure that vulnerable properties are being monitored and are secure, including preparing them for the time when our clients return to life after lockdown (link to previous article). Our head office is still continuing to work from home, but our staff are available around the clock for any issues and queries you may have. Where possible, we are reducing unnecessary travel and arranging online meetings.

Cleaning Standards

Our cleaning protocol has increased across all areas. We actively encourage using the same cleaning personnel on a regular basis. This familiarity ensures the importance of using products that will sterilise the property, without damaging furnishings. This includes higher vigilance on the cleaning of contact-points, such as touch panels, lift buttons and door handles.

We’re Realistic

Whilst we are all adapting to a new ‘normality’, we are fully transparent in our approach to advising our clients. We are honest about the fact that, due to social distancing and reduced travel restrictions, time frames may be affected. However, we endeavour to manage our clients’ expectations at all times. We act as a client representative in all property and lifestyle matters – our sound, trusted and professional advice and reassurance, is the reason why we exist today.

Let us look after your most important asset. You can contact us by emailing: info@somersetestates.com or calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857.

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Our Property Management Provides Complete Peace of Mind 

At Somerset Estates, we provide a personal service for clients’ individual needs and lifestyles. Our service is tailored to each client’s requirements, giving them complete peace of mind and assurance that everything is looked after to the highest standards.

Maintaining a property is time consuming and demanding. We are here to take the everyday stresses of maintaining a property away from our clients.  We’re here to take care of all aspects, whether it’s a main residency or a second home.

We specialise in providing a complete management service for our clients. From day-to-day tasks, maintenance requirements, emergency call outs, and weekly operational inspections, to undertaking risk assessments and carrying out security checks . There is nothing that we cannot facilitate.

Our directory of trusted contractors’ means we only ever use experienced, dedicated and approved professionals. This is to ensure excellent quality of service, impeccable standards and of course, complete discretion. We ensure that every contractor or supplier does the job to a premium specification, assuring our client that everything is in the best possible hands.

We have an excellent relationship with other industry professionals such as interior designers and contractors to supply a full range of services, all tailored to our clients’ exact needs.

Our dedicated team is available round the clock, in all time zones and only one phone call away to assist with any needs.

Maintenance

The Somerset Estates team is always available to assist clients with all aspects of property repair, maintenance and improvements.

We understand the amount of work and time that goes into the successful maintenance of a property, particularly if a client resides outside the UK or does not live permanently at the residence.

We are experienced in dealing with all property maintenance issues and apply our careful attention to detail with any client brief, whether it is large or small. We deal with emergencies such as water leaks and faulty air conditioning, to everyday issues such as arranging for the hallway to be repainted or for the windows to be cleaned.

We have arranged for emergency action to be taken following a leak within a London residency, and, at the other extreme, arranged for the removal of a stain from the upholstery.

We keep our clients informed at every step so they have complete control, no matter the geographical circumstances. We also ensure peace of mind for our clients by only working with trusted and experienced professionals.

Our services include:

• Maintenance works
• Emergency call outs
• Repairs and handyman tasks
• Weekly operational inspections

Home Automation and Technology 

The modern world gives us everything we need at the touch of a button. We understand the frustration when technology doesn’t work correctly, especially at home.

Our comprehensive maintenance services extends to working with experts, ensuring thorough  specialist aftercare of home automation systems, such as audio, lighting, home cinema, multi-room audio visual, programming and motorised blinds and curtains.

We ensure regular maintenance of systems and technology, giving you complete confidence and control of your home.

Security

At Somerset Estates our commitment is to ensure our clients’ properties are secure at all times. We work with specialist security firms to undertake risk assessments to ensure that the correct security measures are implemented.

We understand that security is paramount, therefore we treat the importance of  clients’ security as we would our own. It can be impossible for our clients to check their homes’ security on a regular basis, especially when they are not in residence.

We act as key-holders and carry out weekly security checks where we ensure that everything is in order, including fully operational alarm systems. Our keyholder status also ensures that we are available around the clock to deal with any emergencies or maintenance that the property may require.

Our services include:

• Undertaking risk assessments
• Implementing and maintaining sophisticated security systems
• Home security checks
• Key-holding

Improvements and refurbishment

At Somerset Estates we understand that our clients want to make their property a home and this often includes making it their own with a  redesign. Whether our clients want a full re-model or a small spruce, our team can help create our clients’ perfect home.

We have close relationships with interior designers, architects, audio visual specialists and contractors. These trusted contacts share our commitment to  delivering a high level of service.

Our sister company, Somerset Consult, gives us extensive knowledge of the construction and property industry and our clients are able to benefit from this.

Our services include:

•       Project Management
•       Property Improvements
•       Professional Advice

To make an enquiry please call one of the team on +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 or email info@somersetestates.com

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