United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty (UKSIR) has expanded into the Cotswolds, recruiting country house aficionado Andrew Barnes (main picture) and strengthened its Surrey office with local property expert James Phillips.
UKSIR has launched a new territory and made key hires to fortify its position within the country house market.
The recruitment of Senior Director Andrew Barnes marks the beginning of a strategic expansion into the Cotswolds.
Barnes has spent 37 years in property, with a career that has taken him from Prime Central London to the South of France and back.
DECADE OF EXPERIENCE
Having worked in Knight Frank’s Country House team, Andrew has a decade of experience selling remarkable country homes in prime locations.
Around 90% of his business comes via recommendations from former clients. He specialises in the area north of the A40, above Oxford, with Kingham, Soho Farmhouse and Daylesford Organic Farm forming a golden triangle of super prime addresses.
He says: “It’s gratifying to sell people homes that they live in. I have a local, boutique agent mentality, but now have a corporate engine room behind me. From my point of view, this makes us the most complete brokerage.”
SOUGHT-AFTER COMMUNITIES
Known for its links to exclusive London postcodes, United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty also has an established Country division that covers sought-after communities in Surrey and Berkshire.
Director James Phillips has joined the Cobham-based team, bringing 13 years of agency experience.
Phillips started his career in the London neighbourhoods of Bloomsbury, Highbury & Islington and Clerkenwell. He worked with Savills for seven years, spending six of those in the prime team. He now specialises in the super-prime private estates of St George’s Hill, Burwood Park and Ashley Park.
COUNTRYSIDE HOMES
He says: “It’s a pertinent time to join United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty. High-net-worth individuals are increasingly moving along the wealth corridor, out of Prime Central London, and opting for a home in the countryside.
“I am excited to join a brokerage where I can pull on my years of experience, deep local knowledge and prime property expertise.”
SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE
George Azar, UKSIR Chairman and Chief Executive, says: “This expansion further into the English countryside underscores our strength as a brokerage.
“Our unwavering pursuit of the best talent in real estate reflects the value we place on personal connections, local knowledge and upholding a name known for prestige and pedigree.
“This is a significant milestone on our journey to lead the luxury real estate sector in the UK”.
