About House of D&D
Built for homes
that demand more.
House of D&D exists because managing a high-value home is genuinely hard — and the alternatives have always been inadequate. We built the company we wished existed: one that brings operational discipline, trusted relationships, and genuine accountability to every home we manage.
Our Story
The problem was obvious.
The solution wasn't.
House of D&D was founded after witnessing firsthand what it actually takes to maintain a $3M+ home at the standard its owners expect. Coordinating vendors, tracking work, managing emergencies, documenting systems — it's a part-time job, at minimum.
The existing market offered two inadequate options: handyman services that couldn't handle the scope, or property management firms built for rentals, not owner-occupied estates. Neither came close to the relationship, accountability, and expertise the market was asking for.
We set out to build something different: a home concierge firm designed specifically for owners of significant properties — one that operates with the discipline of a professional services firm and the care of a trusted household partner.
Our Team
People who actually care about your home.
Ariel Dunne
Managing Director, Co-Founder
With over 20 years of experience leading communications and brand strategies for globally recognized luxury and lifestyle brands including Marc Jacobs, Tiffany & Co., Kylie Cosmetics, and La Mer, Ariel developed a deep understanding of brand identity, relationship management, and the art of creating memorable experiences. She has designed, curated, and executed design-forward experiences for major brands and private residences — helping clients transform ideas into thoughtfully realized spaces that reflect their personal style, needs, and aspirations. At House of D&D, Ariel oversees client relationships, strategic partnerships, and overall design experience. Deeply rooted in the Fairfield County community, she is the founder of Westport is the Bestport and serves on the boards of Near & Far Aid, Old Mill Grocery & Deli, and Earthplace.
Ian DeFronze
Managing Director, Co-Founder
Ian DeFronze brings over 15 years of expertise in luxury real estate, elite project management, and property oversight to House of D&D. With a foundation built in high-end commercial and residential construction, Ian spent more than a decade at New York City real estate firms specializing in high-level renovation and management of large-scale portfolios — including co-ops and condominiums. He has also built and managed his own portfolio of premium long-term rental properties and investment projects. At House of D&D, Ian leverages his perspective as a builder, owner, and real estate professional to deliver the seamless, white-glove service that defines the House of D&D standard.
How We Operate
The principles behind everything we do.
Accountability Over Activity
We don't measure success by hours logged or tasks completed. We measure it by outcomes: your home runs better today than it did six months ago.
Relationships First
The right vendor relationship is worth more than the cheapest bid. We invest in our vendor network because your home's outcome depends on who shows up.
Proactive, Not Reactive
The best home management prevents problems. We build maintenance calendars, seasonal schedules, and system audits around anticipation — not emergencies.
Radical Transparency
Every vendor quote, every project cost, every hour of work — documented and shared with you directly. You should always know exactly what's happening and why.
Discretion as Standard
Our clients' homes, schedules, and relationships are private. We operate with the same confidentiality expected of a trusted household member.
The Estate Standard
We only take on work we can deliver at the highest level. We'd rather have fewer clients and serve them exceptionally than scale at the expense of quality.
What Sets Us Apart
Not a vendor.
A partner.
Most home service companies optimize for efficiency. We optimize for outcomes. Here's what that actually looks like in practice.
The Old Way
Multiple vendors, no single point of contact
The House of D&D Way
One dedicated concierge who knows every inch of your home
The Old Way
React to problems after they've happened
The House of D&D Way
Proactive maintenance calendars prevent problems before they start
The Old Way
Generic vendor rolodex without vetting
The House of D&D Way
A vetted, insured network of specialists held to the Estate Standard
The Old Way
Invoice-by-hour with no transparency
The House of D&D Way
Transparent, scope-based pricing with every dollar documented and shared with you
Ready to experience
a different standard?
We're working with a select group of homeowners across Fairfield County, CT, Westchester, NY, and The Hamptons, NY. Request a consultation to learn whether House of D&D is the right fit for your home.
What to Expect