ABOUT USMoving, moved forward
We set up The Country House Department because we felt the traditional estate agency model was selling some exceptional properties short. We know what matters when you’re moving and we’re determined to move things forward.
With us, you’ll deal exclusively with professionals who have years of experience selling the finest country homes. We’ll bring you deep local knowledge and immersive property presentation, to showcase the world beyond your walls. Better still, we’ll do all this without resorting to the opaque commission model that treats sellers unfairly.
MEET OUR FOUNDERSAndrew Russell
and Ben Bentley
We are country home specialists with years of experience selling houses in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and The Cotswolds. Both senior property professionals, we met whilst working for one of the country’s leading national estate agents, where we discovered that we shared similar ideas on the service that sellers should receive.
Our emphasis is on client care and a proactive approach. Without the high cost of high street offices, we can choose to focus on fewer properties and to spend more time on the things that matter. On you, on your buyers and on getting your home noticed. In this way, we can finally do justice to the finest country homes.
ABOUT USMeet the team
Ben is a country house specialist, based in the Cotswolds, where he has operated for a number of years having previously worked for Strutt & Parker. Here, he focuses on selling properties across some of the most desirable addresses in the region. In 2020, Ben co-founded The Country House Department with Andrew Russell.
Andrew is based in Oxfordshire, having previously worked in Mayfair, where he handled the sale of properties across the home counties for Strutt & Parker. In 2017, he moved to Oxfordshire with his young family and oversees the sale of some of the most beautiful homes in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. In 2020, Andrew co-founded The Country House Department with Ben Bentley.
Nick is an immensely experienced agent, having formerly worked for Strutt & Parker and Knight Frank. Focussed on West Berkshire, North East Wiltshire, North Hampshire & South Oxfordshire, Nick prides himself on excellent client care and has a passion for dealing with the top-end of the market.
Ian is a highly experienced prime country house specialist, having worked in the Cotswolds and Wiltshire for a number of years for Butler Sherborn and Strutt & Parker. Ian grew up and was educated in Wiltshire before moving to the Cotswolds in 2004 after a career as an Officer in the British Army. Ian prides himself on being able to adapt to the challenges every sale poses.
Freddy is a highly experienced agent having started his career in London, before spending nearly a decade with both Savills and Knight Frank’s National Country House Departments selling prime property across the UK. Having moved back to his home county of Gloucestershire, Freddy focuses on the Cotswold and South West property market. With a wealth of experience, Freddy goes the extra mile to give his clients and buyers a first class experience.
Regional Director
Freddy Dalrymple Hamilton
07398 141339
freddy@thecountryhousedepartment.com
Annabel has over 14 years experience in property working for leading International agencies, most recently Savills in Sunningdale. She has a wealth of knowledge in both Lettings and Sales in prime central London and more recently in East Berkshire and Surrey. Annabel prides herself on maintaining exceptional client relationships and delivering the best possible service.
Having grown up Oxfordshire, Nikki Hemsley holds an especially detailed knowledge of the area. Nikki has a breadth of experience and started her career with Knight Frank, before moving back to Oxfordshire in 2018 to head up Village and Rural Country Sales across the county for WEST – The Property Consultancy. Nikki is a wholly different property professional, who exudes drive, care, with an impressive attention to detail for her clients.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Holly Murray
03332 340 901
holly@thecountryhousedepartment.com
Billy is our Creative Director and responsible for all creative output. Having built a fantastic reputation as one of the leading photographers in the industry, Billy is a personable and highly effective image maker, with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for presenting properties in the way they deserve.
John is Managing Director and founder of JDP, Executive Search Consultants to the legal profession. He is a leading authority on strategic legal recruitment and over his 33 years plus headhunting career, he has been the originator of a large number of high-profile City appointments as well as the architect of numerous law firm merger discussions.
Chairman of our Advisory Board
John Grimwade
01865 338 300
info@thecountryhousedeprtment.com
OUR VALUESWhat we stand for
1.
Get undivided attention for you and your property
We spend more energy on what matters. You won’t find The Country House Department on the high street, so you won’t suffer traditional inefficiencies. Instead, you’ll deal exclusively with our Founders and Regional Directors.
2.
A more captivating way of moving…
Bring your home to life with virtual tours, drone footage, lifestyle photography and immersive social content. With The Country House Department, you’ll work with experts who know your area intimately and can give buyers the full experience.
3.
A fairer fee for the fairest homes
Commission is a dark art. Two quotes are rarely the same and it’s impossible to tell exactly what you’re getting for your investment. So, The Country House Department uses a simple, transparent fee structure instead. No double standards, no hidden costs.
OUR AREASSelected expertise
The Country House Department has a depth of expertise in some of the UK’s foremost prime property markets. This nuanced local understanding informs our valuations and property presentation
Oxfordshire
From the riverside glamour of Henley in the South to Banbury’s glorious golden sandstone in the North and the dreaming spires of Oxford in between, Oxfordshire is a classic English county with a wealth of beautiful country homes. With much of the county easily commutable to London, there are hundreds of picture-perfect country villages to choose from. You never have to look far for a good pub and the county lays claim to some of the country’s finest restaurants and retreats, including Raymond Blanc’s two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison and the renowned Soho Farmhouse. Lovers of the outdoors are spoilt for choice with the Cotswolds, Chilterns and North Wessex Downs AONBs and magical walking along the banks of the Thames.
Cotswolds
Famous for its quintessential market towns and honey-coloured cottages, the rolling Cotswolds are bursting with character and charm. Here you’ll find a whole host of award-winning hotels, pubs and world-class restaurants as well as some of the country’s most unique property. Lose yourself amongst a constellation of picturesque villages – with a variety of quirky and independent shops, restaurants and farmers markets – or soak up the amazing atmosphere of one of the many sporting events, such as horse racing at Cheltenham or eventing at Badminton, to name just two.
Berkshire
The Royal County of Berkshire is the jewel in the home counties crown. It’s no surprise that a county fit for a Monarch is one of the most attractive locations for those making the move out of London, with a wealth of exceptional schools and fast commuter links to the capital. There’s no shortage of leisure activities either, with racing at Windsor, Ascot and Newbury as well as polo at The Guards Polo Club, Cowarth Park and The Royal Berkshire Polo Club. Fine dining is a particular highlight and Bray is the county’s worthy epicentre, with the Roux Brothers’ Waterside Inn and Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and The Hind’s Head.
Hampshire
For sheer variety, few counties rival Hampshire. Here, attractive countryside, vibrant port cities and excellent commuting hubs live side-by-side. At Hampshire’s historic heart lies England’s leafy ancient capital – and supposed seat of King Arthur’s round table – Winchester. From here, two National Parks offer strikingly different propositions, with the chalky trails of the South Downs lifting Eastwards and The New Forest to theWest, offering acres of enchanting scenery and wildlife. Hampshire’s coastline offers another treasure trove of beautiful country homes in standout locations. Lymington – on which the international sailing fraternity descends for CowesWeek – is a classic case-in-point, with its Georgian centre offering smart shopping and a thriving food scene.
Wiltshire
Home to iconic manors, storied independent schools and a WorldHeritage landscape (that includes Stonehenge and the Avebury Circle), Wiltshire is a setting with a sense of the historic. Little wonder, then, that it boasts so many characterful country homes and period properties. The county is bisected by the Kennet and Avon Canal – where stretches of picturesque waterside are punctuated by charming market towns like Marlborough and Devizes. To the North lie the Wiltshire Cotswolds, and small villages no strangers to the big screen.Whilst to the south, Salisbury and the Cranborne Chase AONB provide lush backdrops for broad highstreets, welcoming pubs and great independent shopping.Wiltshire homes are perfectly poised; you’ll be in London in under two hours but within striking distance of the Southwest coast.
Surrey
The picturesque county of Surrey in the southeast of England has a blend of historical charm and modern vitality. Its lush, rolling countryside, punctuated by quaint villages and stately homes, offers a tranquil escape from bustling city life. Surrey’s rich history is evident in its medieval castles, like Guildford Castle, and ancient woodlands such as the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, Surrey is not just a rural idyll; it’s a dynamic hub with thriving towns, known for their vibrant cultural scenes and excellent shopping opportunities. Commuters appreciate its proximity to London, as well as its outstanding schools and world-class businesses. Surrey’s diverse offerings, from scenic landscapes to urban conveniences, make it a truly captivating place to live.
Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities in the heart of England. This county has a rich heritage showcased through charming market towns and the historic houses. Northamptonshire’s wonderful countryside provides a peaceful backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. The county’s central location makes it well-connected for commuters, offering easy access to major cities like London and Birmingham. With its mix of urban comforts and rural beauty, Northamptonshire provides a welcoming and balanced living environment.
Somerset
The county of Somerset effortlessly combines natural beauty with historical charm. Nestled in the southwest of England, Somerset offers a serene lifestyle with its picturesque landscapes, including the rolling hills of Exmoor and the iconic Cheddar Gorge. Those who live here relish a rich tapestry of quaint villages, historic market towns, and architectural gems like Wells Cathedral.
The county is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, from its lively festivals to artisanal food markets. Somerset’s strong sense of community, excellent schools, and healthcare services make it an ideal place to raise a family. Plus, its coastal regions provide endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Somerset’s captivating blend of tradition and modernity creates a truly enchanting living environment.
Warwickshire
Living in Warwickshire is akin to residing in a tapestry of English history and natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of the country, this county has a rich heritage with iconic landmarks like Warwick Castle and Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. Those who live here enjoy a balanced lifestyle with access to excellent schools and thriving towns and villages.
Warwickshire’s countryside is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic walks along the Avon River and exploration of the Cotswolds. The county’s cultural vibrancy shines through theatres, festivals, and a thriving arts scene. With its historical significance, picturesque landscapes, and modern conveniences, Warwickshire is an appealing place to call home.
Buckinghamshire
Living in Buckinghamshire offers a unique blend of rural tranquillity and urban sophistication. Nestled in the heart of England, this county has rolling countryside, charming villages, and historical landmarks. Buckinghamshire’s proximity to London, with excellent transportation links, makes it an attractive choice for commuters. The Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, while vibrant market towns offer a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Buckinghamshire’s rich heritage and contemporary amenities make it an appealing place to reside.
