Day in the Life of a Relocation Agent – Viewing Unique Properties

10am: It has been a privilege this week to see a handful of exceptional properties in Beaconsfield and Penn. Having worked as a Relocation Agent in the Chilterns for the last 19 years I have seen a huge variety of homes coming to the market (including windmills) but I never tire of seeing unique properties. This week I was fortunate to visit the blue plaque home of English author and poet GK Chesterton. The author lived out his final days at the property in central Beaconsfield which is bursting with period features. This exquisite Grade II Listed residence dates from 1912, was substantially added to in 1922 and updated again recently. The double height vaulted drawing room – complete with minstrel’s gallery – is an incredible space and sensational for entertaining. Set in glorious grounds the house commands a central position within a short stroll of both the new and old town.

11am: Next stop was another unique property with a story to tell. The Old School House in central Beaconsfield was built in 1926 for 45 pupils. The house is packed with period features including the grand hall which enjoys wonderful double height ceilings. This room once served as the original school hall and gymnasium and even includes original school radiators and gym ropes draped from the ceiling. There is a partition separating the hall from the dining room, which can be opened to create an even larger central space. The house is beautifully decorated and stepping inside I felt the sense of history combined with modern day luxuries.

1pm: Just outside of Beaconsfield it the hamlet of Penn Bottom. This idyllic location is just a few minutes’ drive from all the conveniences of Beaconsfield but feels beautifully rural at the same time. The property is set in 17 acres with commanding views across the Penn landscape including a tranquil lake. A recently built leisure complex includes a swimming pool, jacuzzi and gym with bi-folding doors opening to an alfresco dining/entertaining area icluding an outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, bar, and tennis court. The house itself has 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms and the interiors have been finished to a high standard with the open plan living kitchen room being the heart of the house. It is rare to find a property sitting in such sizeable grounds but within striking distance of both Beaconsfield and the village of Penn which boasts a range of fabulous pubs and local amenities.

2pm: I am working with a client to secure a rental property in either Gerrards Cross or Beaconsfield. We view a fabulous apartment located within a newly built apartment block on Penn Road which offers excellent accommodation and just a short walk from the new town. We then head over to Gerrards Cross to view a ground floor apartment in a smart block with landscaped gardens. My client is after a low maintenance property with easy access to local amenities and with an easy commute into Marylebone. We take some time to discuss which option is preferable.

4pm: Back to the office to follow up on this today’s viewings with current clients and discuss suitability. I always take a range of photos and video clips that form part of my initial report coupled with a detailed analysis of the area thanks to specialist software that provides invaluable information. The goal is to always preview properties for suitability – especially those off market that don’t have any official details – in order to give a realistic picture of the potential property which saves valuable time.

5pm: Time to read through a few lease agreements to check them thoroughly on behalf of our clients. After a few calls with local agents, it is time to head home to enjoy an evening walk with Milo in the beautiful Chilterns countryside.