Winkworth expansion in West Country with fifth Devon office

Franchisee Chris Baker has taken over Weekes, an independent estate agent in St Leonard’s, following the retirement of the owner Angus Donald. Chris already runs a Winkworth office in Southernhay in the city centre and is the franchisee of the Tiverton and Crediton offices. Winkworth also has an office in Dartmouth.

St Leonard’s is one of the most coveted areas of Exeter, with its village atmosphere, shops and cafes around Magdalen Road, with beautiful Victorian and listed Georgian terraces, as well as more contemporary and mid-century homes. The Maynard School for girls and co-ed Exeter School, both independents, are also major reasons for buyers moving to the city.

According to Chris Baker, there are homes at all price levels, starting at around £200,000 for a first time buyer property and up to £4m for a large family home.

Chris said: “We have just opened and it has been a really busy start. We are seeing people relocating from London looking for space and a family home, as well as local buyers looking in St Leonard’s. The Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital brings many new residents to the area. The medical students start off in a small townhouse and then move up as they progress to being consultants. There is also a high retention of students who come to Exeter for the university and fall in love with the city and stay on. We often have buyers who move to Exeter to buy a family home and also invest in another property which they then make available to students or young professionals based in the city. Exeter has so much to offer – a beautiful city surrounded by countryside and the coast and close to Dartmoor, with good road and rail connections.”

Dominic Agace, Chief Executive of Winkworth, with over 100 offices nationwide, said: “Chris is an excellent example of how a franchisee can grow a successful business and expand, with the support of Winkworth. We are delighted that he has identified the opportunities in the St Leonard’s area of Exeter. Chris reflects the very best qualities that we look for in our franchisees. He loves Exeter and has an incredible depth of knowledge about the breadth of properties on offer and the people who live in the city and surrounding area.”

Winkworth St Leonard’s office, 65 Magdalen Road, Exeter, EX1.

Telephone number: 01392 271177. To find out more about becoming a Winkworth Franchisee, contact Chris Brand on [email protected]