PROJECTS > LONDON
Structuring a Secondary Residence in London for an International UHNW Family
For an UHNW family from the Middle East, London serves as an important secondary residence within an international lifestyle.
The family was rarely based at the property for extended periods and often arrived at short notice, requiring a household structure that functioned seamlessly in both presence and absence.
Stefan Schöning was engaged to design a comprehensive household management concept that ensured continuity, clarity and operational readiness at all times, independent of travel schedules or fluctuating occupancy.
The Opportunity: Operating a Residence Within an Unpredictable Rhythm
A family from the Middle East decided to establish a secondary residence in London to support their international lifestyle and long-term presence in Europe.
Unlike a primary home, this residence would be used irregularly, often at short notice and for varying lengths of stay. Periods of complete absence alternated with spontaneous arrivals, hosting and intensive use of the property.
The core challenge was not the quality of the residence itself, but the absence of a clearly defined household structure that could operate reliably, regardless of whether the principals were present or travelling.
At the same time, the household team needed clarity around roles, responsibilities and communication, particularly between staff accompanying the family internationally and those remaining on site in London.
The objective was to create a residence that felt effortless and fully prepared upon every arrival, while maintaining operational calm, continuity and trust in the background.
My Approach: Creating Structure for Presence and Absence
I began by analysing the unique rhythm of the household, distinguishing clearly between periods of presence and extended absence. Given the family’s international lifestyle and spontaneous travel patterns, the key objective was to establish a management system that functioned flawlessly regardless of occupancy.
A tailored household management concept was developed to define responsibilities, routines and communication flows for both scenarios, ensuring that the residence could be activated or placed into standby mode seamlessly and without last-minute pressure.
In parallel, I aligned the household team to this structure, clarifying roles between travelling staff and those remaining on-site. Clear reporting lines and defined handover processes ensured continuity and operational reliability at all times.
The result was a refined, resilient household system that allowed the family to arrive in London at short notice with complete confidence that their residence would be prepared and impeccably run.
The Result: A Stable, Predictable and Elegantly Run London Residence
Following the implementation of the household management concept, the London residence began operating with a high degree of consistency, clarity and independence, despite the principals’ irregular presence and short-notice visits.
Transitions between absence and arrival became seamless. Staff knew exactly when and how to prepare the residence, communication flows were clearly defined, and responsibilities were aligned across on-site and travelling team members.
The principals gained confidence that their London home would be impeccably prepared at any time, without the need for constant oversight. The household operated calmly and reliably, allowing the residence to function as a true extension of their international lifestyle.
These results reflect the standards I bring to all engagements. Learn more about my approach to supporting UHNW families globally.