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 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.
Liz is a highly experienced agent having managed and owned the consortium/franchise for Jackson-Stops in Newbury for 15 years before taking on the role of Head of Residential for Savills in Newbury. Liz is driven by her passion for client care and goes the extra mile to achieve the best possible results for her clients.
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.
Holly is a dedicated property professional with over 10 years experience, having worked for both a top house builder and global estate agency, JLL. While in London she worked on many exclusive prime developments and now, living in Oxfordshire with her young family, she is pursuing her passion for country houses.
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.
