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Protecting Family Heirlooms for Future Generations

By Anya Cooklin-Lofting

In a world subject to such constant change, family heirlooms can be seen as symbols of heritage, culture, tradition and memory. They are cherished artefacts that hold genuine meaning for families across the world. No matter if the object in question is of astronomical or negligible financial value, these tokens, be they Old Master paintings or gems inherited over generations, heirlooms not only give us a sense of history but also a feeling of deep connection to our lineage. This month, I spoke to three experts in the business of caring for inherited heirlooms to get a sense of what goes into protecting and preserving paintings, antiques, jewellery and more. 

Gander & White: Custodians of The Irreplaceable

Gander & White, renowned for its expertise in fine art transportation and logistics, holds a Royal Warrant and has transported stored collections from some of the most notable galleries and families globally. When it comes to private families and family offices in particular, Alexander Bradford, the company’s Business Development Manager, believes that it’s all about offering clients a bespoke service that caters to each distinct requirement.

When working with Gander & White to transport heirlooms to another property, for example, or put them into storage during a renovation, the process often begins with a consultation. This involves a dedicated project manager assigned to each client. Gander & White also conducts site visits to ensure accurate estimates and the identification of potential challenges. For international moves where a piece of art must be shipped from one residence to another, Gander & White draws on its extensive global knowledge of export regulations and customs formalities. Boasting an unrivalled white glove service, Gander & White ensures the safe passage of these cherished items, often collaborating with partner ICEFAT agents when needed. All members of ICEFAT, an organisation representing over 70 of the finest independent art transportation firms from 34 countries including Gander & White, are subject to rigorous auditing against a series of Standards laid out by EY, meaning clients can rest assured that their heirlooms will be cared for during complex international journeys. 

Bradford and his international team at Gander & White understand the emotional weight his clients attach to family heirlooms and resonate with the idea that they act as bridges between generations. “By working with us and our team of fine art technicians,” he says, “clients are ensuring that their precious objects and collections are treated with the utmost care and attention to ensure that they are preserved in pristine quality for generations to come.”

Doerr Dallas: Preparation Is Key

Doerr Dallas, an independent valuations firm, recognises the importance of understanding the true value of family heirlooms. Rachel Doerr, the company’s founder, has valuable insights into the circumstances that prompt families to seek her expertise. Valuations serve not only as a means to assess financial worth but also as a way to ensure a smooth transition of assets across generations. “Generally, it’s much better for the current owners of the family heirlooms to decide who gets what when the time comes,” she says. “It’s a much cleaner way of working than suggesting that the family or beneficiaries of the will decide between themselves. We very much try to encourage clients to think about what would happen in the worst-case scenario.”

Doerr advocates for informed decisions through valuations. An up-to-date valuation is indispensable, offering reassurance and the ability to make accurate insurance claims in the face of unforeseen events. “Very little will be worth the same amount five years from now – all general items appreciate,” she says. “In the event of a fire, for example, you need to be able to claim back the current value of any objects that were damaged,” she explains, adding that, “without an up-to-date valuation, this won’t be possible.”

Aston Lark: Reassurance Above All

Aston Lark, an insurance company, understands that protecting family heirlooms goes beyond securing financial assets – it’s also about managing the personal connections people have to their belongings. Joshua Meadowcroft, the firm’s Business Development Manager, understands the emotion attached to these treasures where his private clients are concerned. “The key to working with our private clients is primarily about understanding their needs to make sure that we source the correct cover,” says Meadowcroft. “Then we can build trust by offering the best advice to protect their prized assets,” he continues.  For Meadowcroft, this differs to commercial insurance as there is a lot more of an emotive side to private clients’ decision-making. 

Meadowcroft also makes a point of advising his private clients to give them the same level of reassurance that Aston Clark’s institutional or commercial clients enjoy. “Where a business may have different employees providing different advice on aspects of the company, private clients they may not have this breadth of expertise available to them,” he says.  “We feel an obligation to provide this level of guidance, which can include conducting surveys, obtaining values and recommending security companies.”

From fine art to cherished possessions like jewellery or furniture, heirlooms carry stories, values beyond the financial, and memories that transcend time and generations. By taking meticulous care of these relics from our familial pasts, we honour our lineage and leave behind a legacy for future generations. 

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Los Cabos Like a Celebrity

By Amira Hashish

With breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and incredible desert landscapes, not to mention a thriving wellness and nightlife scene, it is little wonder that the Mexican municipality of Los Cabos draws a very glamorous crowd. Its close proximity to southern California makes this glittering destination the go-to getaway for the Hollywood set. It is not super seasonal either thanks to a tropical climate and year round sunshine. Ready to pack your bags? The resorts here are fit for their famous regulars. Find your perfect match according to the celebrity you can relate to most…

Big Bieber Energy: Las Ventanas al Paraíso

Celebrity spots: Justin and Hailey Bieber, Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, the Kardashians and Jessica Alba.

What to expect: This Rosewood Resort is the epitome of sun-soaked contemporary luxury. Brimming with standout architecture and art, it is a firm favourite amongst the showbiz crowd. Owned by Beanie Baby billionaire Ty Warner, it has seven pools, a world-class tennis academy, outdoor cinema and putting range. Some suites and villas have their own pools and bars. For ultimate privacy, there is the art-filled Ty Warner Mansion on the water’s edge with panoramic views over the Sea of Cortez. There are copious dining spots and you can even make your own tacos or sip on a Margarita made by a tequila master.  

Book: rosewoodhotels.com

Gwynnie Glam: One & Only Palmilla

Celebrity spots: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and Miles Teller.

What to expect: The site that is home to One & Only Palmilla is steeped in A-list history. In fact, it was on this very plot of 400 acres of near virgin wonderland, accessible only by yacht or helicopter, that Don Abelardo Rodriguez, son of the Mexican president, and his wife, Hollywood star Lucille Bremmer, built the first resort in Los Cabos. 

Their 15-room luxury hideaway was visited by the likes of John Wayne, Lucille Ball, and the former United States President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Glamour still oozes from the beachside escape on the edge of the Baja Peninsula. It now houses rooms, suites, casita suites or luxury villas alongside four restaurants, a spa and plenty of water-based experiences.

Book: oneandonlyresorts.com/palmilla 

De Niro Design: Nobu Los Cabos

Celebrity Spots: Eva Longoria, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro of course.

What to expect: Robert De Niro and Chef Nobu chose the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula as the location for their first hotel in Mexico. With endless views of sparkling sapphire waters and the signature Nobu style, it is the perfect blend of tranquil and vibey. 

There are ample guest rooms and suites alongside a luxurious spa, shops, infinity pools, private cabanas and a variety of bars and dining spots. The Nobu restaurant on the beach is quite the setting for sushi.

Book: loscabos.nobuhotels.com

Fresh Prince Vibes: Esperanza Auberge

Celebrity spots: Will Smith, Courtney Cox, Sheryl Crow, Chelsea Handler and Fergie (the singer).

What to expect: The only private beach resort in Los Cabos, Esperanza Auberge has long attracted the great and good of Hollywood. In fact, back in the day, this is where Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow chose to honeymoon.

In addition to the coveted beach, there are five swimming pools as well as a generously-sized spa, gym, Pilates studio and tennis courts. The food game is strong too. The newly reimagined Cocina del Mar, set on a rocky promontory surrounded by crashing waves, is the stuff of long lunch dreams.

Book: aubergeresorts.com

Netflix Royalty: Waldorf Astoria Pedregal

Celebrity spots: Lili Reinhart and Cole Sprouse, stars of hit Netflix series Riverdale.

What to expect: The heritage of Mexican culture and cuisine is championed at this resort. Nestled between the cliffside and the Pacific Ocean, you arrive through Mexico’s only private tunnel to be greeted by a breathtaking landscape.

Rooms, suites and villas are designed to be calming and many offer endless sea views. The culinary experiences are helmed by Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet, who sources the freshest ingredients from Baja California to the Yucatan. Head to El Farallon for a meal next to the ocean or to Don Manuel’s for a Mexican feast. 

Book: waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com

Clooney’s Crowd: El Dorado Golf & Beach Club 

Celebrity spots: George Clooney and Tiger Woods.

What to expect: This ultra exclusive members-only community prides itself on privacy with villa owners including Clooney himself. Perched on the Golden Corridor that connects San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, it marries traditional Spanish architecture with modern design. 

Play a round of golf on the championship course or simply relax as the lifestyle concierge book in dining and wellness experiences for you.

Find out more: eldoradobeachclub.com

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Spotlight Interview – Phoebe Maddrell, Lifestyle Manager

From everyday management and business administration to those complex projects that require a helping hand, Lifestyle Manager and BBB Member Phoebe Maddrell is well-versed in delivering unparalleled results to UHNW clients.

We recently sat down with Phoebe to discuss work life balance, neurodivergent minds and how she is poised and ready to help clients lighten their load…

Let’s start a little before the beginning if you don’t mind. How did you come to realise that the meticulous planning and organisation of other people’s lives would be something that you would excel in?

I fell into the organisation side – I had worked in corporate businesses for over 8 years before deciding to work onboard yachts in my late twenties. From yachts, I evolved into the role of a Lifestyle Manager which meant I oversaw the clients personal lives, business affairs and multiple properties. With my first land-based position I was lucky enough to work for two talented architects, so there were elements of project management and interior design involved too. I loved the problem solving and strategy required to deal with lots of assets and personalities.

Could you describe your job role to us and the services that you offer to your clients?

I help UHNW clients and their teams accomplish streamlined communication, asset management and an improved work/life balance. So that staff have reduced burn out and the client experiences curated luxury. Without the chaos of lost information, misunderstood requests and frequent staff turnovers. There are also long standing clients who I have previously worked with who ask me to manage individual projects, like a house move or launching an art inventory.

What is it about your role that you enjoy so much?

I’ve always loved the diversity of conundrums to solve and people to work with. I love being engaged to work with an estate or business team and seeing the transformation from disorder to calm, which improves the lives of the clients and employees. I meet a lot of people who feel like an island working in this industry but there’s actually a lot of repeated patterns and problems which can be solved by external oversight. I feel very lucky that I am able to get insight into the inner workings of so many clients’ lives.

Why do you believe that a client should opt for your services over that of a competitor?

I haven’t found any competitors offering what I do, specifically. I feel it’s more common that they do ‘off the shelf’ solutions on how to instate systems which are software based. My offer is more diverse and bespoke. I work with employees or vendors directly via mentorship. I often work with clients directly for full lifestyle audits and implementation – this usually means ensuring all assets and associated admin is accounted for, estates are run efficiently and lifestyles run smoothly. I support all parts of the process and evaluate how we can make things better. The only thing I need is a client who is ready to embrace change.

How do you distinguish a healthy work life balance and what tips do you have for people perhaps struggling to achieve that?

I truly think it is the biggest issue facing our industry as a whole and many talented people are leaving because they are struggling to achieve a balance and feeling very burnt out after the pandemic.

The most important thing is to instate boundaries, especially around your time and availability. A simple tip I regularly recommend is to take a step back and ask, “Is this a me problem, or a them problem?”. This industry has a knack of making us feel that when something goes wrong or becomes difficult it’s a “you” problem, when it may not be. Learning to understand that difference can be vital in maintaining balance and experiencing less stress.

You’re also a proud supporter of neurodivergent minds. Would you mind telling us a little bit more about why this cause is so close to your heart?

Broadly speaking, I think neurodiversity is in its infancy in terms of how we understand what that terminology means. At its heart I think that we are moving towards a more inclusive world, where we recognise that not everyone thinks the same and not everyone learns the same. This really ties into the heart of my business and ethos: when we build systems and hierarchy we need to play to people’s strengths and understand that it is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. That’s how you get the best out of everyone and make the magic happen.

And finally, what goals are you still looking to achieve in your career?

I am really passionate about growing my own empire in this industry by creating a positive change for staff and a meaningful difference within this sector. I want to empower women to negotiate higher salaries and feel valued. To help staff avoid burnout and recognise when jobs are damaging their mental health. And finally, to make my mark on even more estates to create a legacy of knowledge to help them run smoothly for years to come, regardless of what unforeseen circumstances may occur!

Want to know more about how Phoebe could help you? Reach out to her directly by heading on over to Phoe.co.uk or you can also stay up to date by following her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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