Estate Custodians

Heritage Estate Custodians, House Managers.

We are David and Mioara Hancock, experienced Heritage Property Custodians, House Managers, and lovers of historic homes and buildings.

Offering trusted custodianship and project coordination for historic properties around the world.

Our most significant recent project has been the complete restoration and management of The Old Eltham Post Office, a grand 1906 heritage building which we carefully returned to life and operated as a refined private residence and luxury accommodation. Every aspect of its preservation, presentation, and ongoing care has been our personal responsibility.

Through this experience and the earlier conversion of an industrial unit to luxury accommodation in Byron Bay, we have developed not only the practical skills required to maintain an important historic property, but also a genuine understanding of the quiet, ongoing attention these buildings require. Heritage homes are not simply structures — they are living places with history, character, and legacy.

We now offer our experience internationally to owners who value the security and peace of mind that comes from having mature, reliable, and respectful people in residence.

Our role can include full-time occupancy, general management, oversight of maintenance and contractors, guest preparation, and the day-to-day care necessary to ensure a property remains secure, alive, and beautifully presented.

We are financially independent, practical, and fully committed to the long-term stewardship of special places entrusted to us.

If you are seeking experienced and trustworthy custodians for your heritage home, we would be very pleased to hear from you.

Heritage Estate Custodians and Managers

Our experience in operating The Old Eltham Post Office has taught us the importance of attention to detail. In actual seeing.

We understand the unique responsibility of living in and caring for important historic buildings — ensuring they remain secure, maintained, and true to their character. Mioara’s particular gift for sympathetic interior design, combined with David’s practical project oversight, and talents as a gardener and carperter allows us to protect and enhance heritage properties with sensitivity and respect.

We are available for long-term custodial, management, or project roles for owners who value trust, continuity, and the careful stewardship of their historic homes.

The Helena Suite – Design and Story

In 2020, Mioara conceived and created The Helena Suite within The Old Eltham Post Office as a refined and deeply personal expression of heritage living.

Her vision was to honour the building’s Edwardian character while introducing a sense of quiet European elegance. Every element was carefully considered — from the balance of light and texture to the choice of furnishings that complement, rather than compete with, the architecture. The result is a space that feels authentic, calm, and timeless, allowing the history of the building to remain present and respected.

The suite was named in honour of Helena Barnard, a resident of Eltham remembered for her dedication and generosity. From this very town, her handmade gingernut biscuits were sent to New Zealand troops serving overseas during both World Wars — a gesture of comfort and care from home. Her story reflects the same spirit of warmth, endurance, and quiet contribution that the building itself represents.

Through The Helena Suite, Mioara has demonstrated her natural ability to interpret historic spaces with sensitivity and imagination. Her work is not about imposing design, but about revealing and enhancing what already exists — ensuring that each room feels both beautiful and entirely at ease within its history.

Bathroom Design

Mioara’s design of the bathroom further reflects her instinctive understanding of heritage spaces. The use of green Italian tiles was a deliberate choice, introducing a quiet European influence while remaining entirely sympathetic to the age and character of the building. Her approach avoids passing trends, instead focusing on materials and colours that feel as though they have always belonged.

This work reflects Mioara’s broader ability to guide sensitive design and restoration projects. She brings a rare combination of aesthetic intuition, practical judgement, and deep respect for historic integrity — qualities that allow heritage buildings to be enhanced without losing their soul. She is available to contribute her design insight and project guidance to other historic properties where thoughtful, sympathetic stewardship is valued.

Quiet Elegance — A Sensitive Dialogue Between Past and Present

A defining element of our work has been the creation of our private upstairs residence, where Mioara’s instinctive sense of design has shaped an atmosphere of quiet elegance.

With a light and respectful touch, she has blended contemporary comfort into the historic fabric without disturbing its soul. Original features remain honoured and central, while carefully chosen modern elements bring ease, warmth, and life.

Her philosophy is simple: the past must never be overwritten, only gently accompanied.

The result is a home that feels authentic, calm, and timeless — where heritage is not preserved as a relic, but lived in and quietly celebrated each day.