While it may sound Bond-esque to some to have a collection strewn across the world ready for use wherever one lands, to an EM, it sounds like an asset-management challenge. With a little planning, however, and implementation of systems, a collection of fine autos can be easily maintained and managed.
Access during Fashion Weeks is not granted lightly. It reflects a year of strategic coordination across calendars, logistics, purchases, and brand relationships, as well as a positive in-person experience with a principal’s team. Understanding each brand’s expectations and communication style becomes part of maintaining the relationships that generate a principal’s preferred status year after year. The next invitation, fitting, or front-row seat depends on professional, timely communication sustained long after the final show.
Education remains one of the most valuable professional tools available to Estate Managers. Whether entering the field for the first time or taking on increased responsibility across complex households, an Estate Manager benefits from formal training, skill-specific instruction, and strategic development.
As my dining room looks more like Santa’s workshops every day, I find myself envying the gift rooms at the homes of past employers. A gift room takes a little work to set up but it can save you during those moments when you need a birthday gift in 5 minutes, or when you’re handed a 100 hostess gifts as guests arrive. Like everything in estate management, It’s about having a system that works when life gets busy, which is most of the time. Set it up properly once, and you’ll never go back to wrapping gifts at your desk again.
Do you conduct a year-end review with your vendors and contractors? It’s one of the most effective ways to assess the strength of your service network and make informed decisions before extending any agreement. A proper review looks at services delivered and the outcome of those services on your operations and budget and provides a non-contentious format to approach renegotiation or scope or cost before entering a new contract.
In many estates, the laundress is handling some of the most fragile and irreplaceable items in the house. One of one couture gowns and suits made by hand on Savile Row require expert care. The skilled laundress knows not only how to interpret laundry care symbols, but has an extensive repertoire of textile reactions to liquids, heat, steam, chemicals, and common care methods.
The 2025 Estate Management Conference was an exceptional gathering, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who took part. The event reflected the strength of our professional community and the generosity of those willing to share knowledge, insight, and time.
As we look ahead to 2026, the Estate Management Network has started our strategic planning, and we’d like for you to be a part of that. This community was built for Estate Managers, and it should continue to reflect what you want and need from it. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts.
As we face increasingly severe hurricanes due to climate change, it becomes critical to have a plan in place for post-storm recovery. We’ve updated our guide to incorporate new technologies and considerations that have emerged to enhance your efforts.
When Estate Managers put structured systems in place, they gain the ability to lead with intention. Staff work with greater confidence, knowing expectations are clear and support is available when adjustments are needed.
Knowing the value of a work of art is essential to properly protect and insure a piece for display, storage, loan, donation, or sale. The best way to get an accurate value is to commission an appraisal.
A private estate requires coordinated leadership to maintain continuity, uphold standards, and manage a diverse set of responsibilities. An internal chain of command is the system that defines who gives direction, who receives it, and how accountability is maintained across the property.