Who I act for
Owners based in London
Owners in town during the week who need the house run properly in their absence and ready on their arrival.
Recent arrivals
Families and individuals who have relocated to the West Country and would prefer not to spend their time on the administration of a new home.
Twenty to a hundred acres
Owners who would like advice on the use of their land, from grazing licences and equestrian facilities to woodland, and the right contractors to maintain it.
New to the area
Clients without established local contacts. I introduce and manage vetted tradespeople, contractors and household staff.
What the office manages
The property
Maintenance, repairs and building works. Contractor selection, supervision and payment. Insurance, utilities and security.
The land
Fencing, hedging and grassland. Grazing licences, livestock and equestrian arrangements. Woodland management.
The household
Recruitment and management of household staff. Guests and entertaining. School holidays, childcare and family arrangements. Care of the house and animals in your absence.
Travel
Travel between London and the West Country and further afield, including private aviation, which I managed for heads of state for many years.
The first year of ownership
| When | What the office handles |
|---|---|
| CompletionWeek one | Keys, utilities, insurance, security and broadband, with the house safe and operational before you arrive. |
| The first monthMonth one | A full review of the property with you, a prioritised schedule of works, and suitable local contractors appointed. |
| The first winterMonths two to five | Heating, drainage and roofs inspected, boundaries secured, the land made safe, and Christmas arrangements made. |
| The first springMonths six to eight | An agreed plan for the land, grazing or haymaking arranged, gardens restored and any building works under way. |
| The first summerMonths nine to twelve | Guests and summer travel arranged, and a household that operates without your day-to-day involvement. |
How an engagement works
Initial meeting
At the property or in London. We discuss what you need, and I confirm whether, and how, I can help.
The first hundred days
A review of the property and its running, introductions to those who work on it, immediate issues resolved and a plan agreed. Charged as a single fixed fee, agreed in advance.
Monthly retainer
An agreed number of days on site each month, with availability by telephone throughout.
Twenty years in private aviation, land and business
My career has been spent managing operations for demanding private clients, where timings are fixed and discretion is expected.
Private aviation
Director of Operations at a listed aircraft management and charter group, responsible for flight programmes for heads of state, principals and their families.
Land
Owner and manager of a regenerative Angus cattle farm, with first-hand experience of grazing, fencing and rural contractors.
Relocation
Currently relocating my own family from the Cotswolds to Devon and renovating the house, experience that shapes the first-year service directly.
Discretion and assurance
I hold a current DBS certificate and full professional insurance. A confidentiality agreement is signed before any engagement begins.
Client names are never disclosed. References are provided privately, on request.
To arrange an initial conversation
Please telephone or email. Introductions through your estate agent, solicitor or accountant are equally welcome. Based in Mid Devon, working across the West Country and in London when required.