HOW IT WORKS
A straight forward process. A lasting relationship.
HELM works with a small number of clients across East Devon, Dorset and South Somerset. Every relationship begins with a visit — and is built from there on trust, transparency and a defined standard of care. Whether you own a second home, a holiday let portfolio, a private estate or a vessel on the South West coast, the approach is the same.
WHO HELM WORKS WITH
Four distinct clients.One consistent standard.
01
ABSENT PROPERTY OWNERS
Properties that need a trusted presence when you are not there
You own a property in Devon or Dorset — a retreat, a coastal home, somewhere you love but cannot always be. HELM ensures it is maintained to a consistent standard in your absence, kept secure, and ready for your arrival without you having to ask.
The concern is never whether you'll enjoy it when you're there. It's what might be happening when you're not.
02
HOLIDAY LET OWNERS
Privately run portfolios that need coordination without the overhead
You manage your own holiday let properties — perhaps several of them. The logistics of turnovers, maintenance, and keeping standards consistent across a growing portfolio can quickly outpace what one or two people can sensibly manage alone. HELM steps in as your trusted point of coordination.
Growth in a holiday let portfolio is exciting — until the operational weight of it begins to show in the guest experience.
03
PRIVATE ESTATE OWNERS
High-value properties that require structured external oversight
You may already have household staff — a housekeeper, a driver, a gardener. But coordinating external works, managing contractors, overseeing structural maintenance and ensuring nothing falls between the gaps requires a different kind of oversight. HELM operates as a trusted external partner who understands the standard expected and works within it.
The gap is rarely inside the house. It is in the coordination of everything outside it — trades, grounds, projects, condition.
04
VESSEL & YACHT OWNERS
Boats on the South West coast that deserve the same care as your property
Your vessel is moored or laid up in Devon or Dorset and you are not always here. HELM offers genuine yacht management from someone with thirteen years as First Mate aboard a Super Yachts— winterisation, launch preparation, fuelling, laid-up checks and trusted local oversight for owners who know the difference.
Finding someone locally who actually understands vessels — not just willing to check on one — is harder than it should be.
AREAS WE OPERATE
East Devon
South Somerset
Dorset
South West Coast
THE PROCESS
01
FIRST CONTACT
A short call to see if we are the right fit
It begins with a brief call — nothing formal. The purpose is simply to understand your situation and whether HELM is the right answer. If it feels like it could be, we arrange to meet at the property.
WHAT TO EXPECT
"A relaxed, direct conversation. We listen first — about the property, how you use it, and what currently concerns you about its care."
There is no obligation and no sales process. If HELM is not the right fit, we will say so honestly.
02
THE VISIT
A walkthrough of your property together
We meet at your property — not in an office. Walking through it together allows us to understand its condition, character and what it needs. We look at systems, access, seasonal vulnerabilities and presentation. You will receive our honest assessment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
"A thorough, unhurried visit. We take the time to understand your property before we propose anything."
This visit informs everything that follows. We do not propose until we have seen the property properly.
03
THE PROPOSAL
A clear scope, tailored to your property
Following the visit we put together a written proposal — the recommended tier, what it includes, and any additional services relevant to your situation. Everything is transparent. Nothing is hidden. You are under no pressure to proceed.
WHAT TO EXPECT
"A written proposal within a few days of the visit. Straightforward, specific to your property and easy to read."
If you want to adjust the scope, we discuss it. Stewardship begins only when you are completely comfortable.
04
STEWARDSHIP BEGINS
Ongoing care from day one
Once agreed, stewardship begins immediately. Keys are handed over, access arranged, and your property enters the HELM programme. We manage the tradespeople, coordinate the works and report back — so that burden never falls on you. Your first inspection report is issued within the first two weeks.
WHAT TO EXPECT
"A smooth handover with no fuss. Your first report lands within a fortnight and sets the benchmark for everything that follows."
From this point, you are always kept informed. Your property is never something you have to worry about.
Choose the level of
stewardship that suits
your property.
Every property is different. HELM offers three tiers of stewardship — each designed around a different level of need. All are bespoke to the property and delivered to the same standard. Pricing is tailored to scope and discussed at proposal stage.
TIER ONE
Essential
Core oversight for properties that need a reliable, watchful presence.
INCLUDES
-
Regular property inspections
-
Written condition reports
-
Keyholding & access management
-
Post-departure checks & securing
-
Emergency first response
Tailored to your property
TIER TWO - MOST CHOSEN
Full Stewardship
Comprehensive ongoing care for properties that deserve consistent, detailed attention.
EVERYTHING IN ESSENTIAL, PLUS
-
Pre-arrival preparation
-
Seasonal property care
-
Storm inspection & preparation
-
Maintenance coordination
-
Garden & grounds oversight
Tailored to your property
TIER THREE
Premium
The complete HELM service — every aspect of your property and vessel cared for.
EVERYTHING IN FULL STEWARDSHIP, PLUS
-
Renovation & project oversight
-
End of visit deep clean
-
Carpet & upholstery care
-
Jet wash & exterior care
-
Bespoke arrival services
Tailored to your property