Philosophy

Going the extra mile happens long before a property reaches the market.

Recently, I commissioned an entirely new set of photographs for a home because the existing imagery simply didn’t reflect how the house actually felt in real life.

The new photography was lighter, fresher and more editorial and completely changed the way the property was presented.

Property photography is one of the most important parts of marketing your home. For me, presentation means considering the light, the atmosphere, the details and how the property feels, not simply documenting each room.

It is often the very first interaction a buyer has with a home. It should make someone stop, look a little longer and want to step through the front door.

Sometimes going the extra mile simply means looking again and asking whether something could be done better.

Beautiful homes in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds deserve thoughtful, considered presentation from the very beginning.

Good enough rarely makes a lasting impression.

#propertyphotography #propertymarketing #cheltenhamproperty #cotswoldsproperty #luxuryproperty

The part of the job I never want to lose.

I still show the houses myself, because for me that’s where the real connection happens; with the home, with the owner and with the buyer.

I didn’t start my own agency to step further away from selling houses.

I started it so I could stay close to the bit I love most.

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#cheltenhamproperty #cotswoldsproperty #estateagent #independentestateagent #propertymarketing

This beautiful Grade II listed townhouse is launching later this week…it’s bursting with charm and elegance ✨, incredibly convenient and has a superb separate one bedroom apartment and private garden
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#CheltenhamProperty #CotswoldsProperty #CheltenhamEstateAgent #CotswoldsHomes #LAAgency

September so far…..🍂

Back-to-school mornings, meeting new dogs on appointments, viewings, photographs, new instructions and a little glass raised to one year since I rebranded LA Agency.

Three years into this business, and one year into its new chapter, it feels quite fitting that the anniversary has arrived in the middle of a very busy start to the month.

This is exactly what I hoped I was building: something personal, hands-on and centred around beautiful homes, brilliant clients and doing things a little differently.

Three years on, I still get excited pulling up outside a house for the first time, preparing one for photographs or opening the door for a viewing.

And September is only just getting started… 🤍

We’ve just had the most wonderful few days at East Lodge, tucked away on the @longleatofficial Longleat Estate.

Originally dating from 1761–1763 and later remodelled in the early 19th century by Jeffry Wyatville, it has that wonderful sense of history that I love……without ever feeling too formal.

The interiors were beautiful. Layers of fabric, pattern, wallpaper and colour, with so many thoughtful details in every room. It felt elegant, comfortable and incredibly welcoming, the sort of place that immediately makes you want to come home and redecorate everything.

The setting is incredibly special too, surrounded by glorious countryside, with The Bath Arms just down the road, which was an absolute gem.

And of course, being at Longleat, we couldn’t stay tucked away for long, we headed out to explore with a private VIP safari, which was such a special experience and one I’d absolutely recommend.

One of those stays that gives you endless interiors inspiration… and makes it very hard to leave.

East Lodge, Longleat 🤍

#longleat #englishinteriors #georgianarchitecture #countryhousestyle #interiorinspiration

Yesterday, 0.3 miles into my run, the heavens opened ☔️

Relentless, hard rain.

I could have turned around but I realised something as I carried on, I don’t really turn back.

Nearly three years ago, I started LA Agency with a very clear idea of the kind of business I wanted to build, and an absolute determination to make it work.

There have been steep climbs, easier stretches, rocky paths and moments when the route ahead hasn’t looked particularly inviting.

And there have also been times when building a business has felt very solitary. When the worry sits with you, the decisions are yours to make, and there isn’t always someone there to carry the weight of it with you.

But you keep going.

You trust yourself. You keep putting one foot in front of the other. You stay committed to what you set out to build.

So, yesterday morning, soaked through and running up Daisy Bank, I was reminded how much that same mentality has carried me through the last three years.

Sometimes you don’t need perfect conditions.

You just need to keep going 💪🏼

Another side of life in Cheltenham… 🏡🏃‍♀️

I spend most of my days driving around, selling houses and talking about why it’s such a lovely place to live, so I thought I’d experience a little more of it on foot. 😅

I do have a habit of setting myself slightly questionable challenges (including once running a half marathon with basically no training & cycling from London to Brighton 🚴‍♀️), and this is the latest one…

Run all the way up Daisy Bank without stopping.

If you know Daisy Bank, you’ll know this isn’t quite the same as a gentle jog around the block, it’s steep. 😂

So here we go. Let’s see how this goes…

Day 1. 🏃‍♀️🤍

#Cheltenham #CheltenhamLife #LifeInCheltenham #DaisyBank #Leckhampton

Country living, but make it effortless. 🌿

Introducing Heylens Barn, a beautifully renovated country home tucked away in Upper Dowdeswell, just moments from Cheltenham.

Dating back to 1910, it’s a gorgeous blend of old and new exposed stone and timber, light-filled contemporary spaces and far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.

Five bedrooms, wonderful open-plan living, beautiful gardens, a separate home office and, perhaps my favourite bit, its own bar and entertaining room. Because country life doesn’t have to mean quiet nights in… 🥂

All surrounded by glorious Cotswold countryside, yet brilliantly placed for Cheltenham.

For further details or to arrange a private viewing, please get in touch.

#Cotswolds #CotswoldProperty #CheltenhamProperty #CountryHouse #CountryLiving

Well… this one seems to have caught your attention 👀🤍

A little Regency elegance never goes out of style. ✨

If you’d like to take a closer look, you’ll find all the details via the link in my bio

#cheltenham #cheltenhamproperty #regencyhome #periodproperty #luxuryproperty

A few days in Mallorca last week with a very special friend, hiking up the Puig de Maria, swimming, laughing, eating extremely well and talking ourselves into oblivion.

The joy of running my own business is that I can occasionally work from somewhere like this.

The reality of running my own business is that I’m still taking calls halfway up a mountain, answering emails by the pool and making sure an exchange and completion get safely over the line from another country.

Not quite an out-of-office… but definitely a very lovely change of office and much needed few days away☀️

Ps can we just take a moment for this piece of music and the adorable turquoise shutters 🎶

“Hello…..I live here” (guess the movie)

Continuing my love affair with Neptune… but this time, it’s @neptuneswindon.

The Swindon outlet and showroom are so worth a visit. Alongside the outlet itself, all the rooms are beautifully curated, so you can see the furniture and kitchens properly in situ, incredibly helpful and also slightly dangerous.

Over the last few months, I’ve somehow come home with a Fermoie lampshade, a sideboard, a set of drawers, a pendant light and a Chichester wardrobe made especially for a magazine shoot.

There’s also a lovely restaurant, the staff are always so helpful, and I’m still trying to gain access to the “back” warehouse despite repeatedly offering myself for “work experience” 🙋🏼‍♀️

I even bumped into some clients yesterday while I was there, and we ended up discussing how a few carefully chosen pieces can completely change a space, without doing anything permanent, and with the added bonus that you can take them with you when you move.

A browse never really stays a browse…

Have you been, or have I tempted you to take a trip?

Sometimes the best way to introduce a home isn’t through a viewing… it’s over a refreshing drink and pastries.

This morning I welcomed a few buying agents to The Coach House, sharing not just the house itself but the peaceful setting and the slower pace of life it offers.

It’s always lovely to spend time with people who genuinely appreciate great homes.

Thank you for coming. ☕️🥐🌿