All about Castles

Providing a consistent and reliable estate agency service across Hemel Hempstead, Boxmoor, Berkhamsted, Eaton Bray & Kings Langley for 30 years.

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Our story

Where we’ve been and where we’re going

We’re Castles, an independent estate agency that has been operating in the areas of Hemel Hempstead, Boxmoor, Berkhamsted, Eaton Bray & Kings Langley for 30 years. Over the years, we’ve built up our reputation for providing a service that prioritises our customers.

Castles is the product of evolution. We have developed and refined ourselves, year by year, and have focused on cultivating the very best client experience we possibly can. We began our journey in 1990, in a very different landscape to now, and have been improving our skills ever since.

Our values

Excellence

Excellence

We’re committed to excellent customer service, clear communication and transparent information.

Long-term care

Long-term care

We want to establish connections with our clients and be their primary point of contact for any of their property needs over the years.

Expertise and insight

Expertise and insight

We want you to view Castles as your source of property information. You can expect us to be well-informed on recent trends, the latest legislation and market fluctuations.

Integrity

Integrity

We have a commitment to honest and transparent communication; we would much rather walk away from a fee if it was the right thing to do.

Find how much your home is worth

Meet the team

We’re a dedicated team who have been working together for years. With real depth of local knowledge, we’d love for you to think of us as your property experts for the Hemel Hempstead, Boxmoor, Berkhamsted, Eaton Bray & Kings Langley areas.

Managing Director

Ronnie Clarke

Ronnie has worked in the industry for 20 years, starting out as a trainee negotiator with a regional firm of estate agents. In addition he is also a fully qualified mortgage broker. Ronnie has a young family, twins born in 2015, so much of his spare time is spent caring for and entertaining his young family. Ronnie has a passion for customer services which can be seen through the numerous 5 star google reviews – nothing comes before his clients best interests.

Area Director

Adam Contreras

Meet Adam Contreras, our dedicated Area Director who brings over two decades of invaluable experience in the local housing market. Adam embarked on his property journey back in 1997, starting his career with a reputable regional firm. Since then, he has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to serving clients and helping them achieve their desired moves in a stress-free and enjoyable manner.

Adam’s passion for property is evident in his day-to-day interactions and his genuine desire to assist clients throughout their journey. He understands that buying or selling a property is a significant decision in one’s life, and he goes the extra mile to ensure a smooth and seamless process for our valued clients.

With his extensive knowledge of the local market, Adam possesses a keen eye for identifying opportunities and matching them with clients’ specific needs and preferences. He stays up to date with the latest market trends and continually hones his skills to provide clients with the best possible guidance and support.

Beyond his professional expertise, Adam is known for his friendly and approachable demeanour. He takes the time to actively listen to clients, understanding their unique circumstances and tailoring his services accordingly. His excellent communication skills and ability to build strong relationships have made him a trusted advisor among clients and colleagues alike.

When working with Adam, you can expect a dedicated and proactive approach. He will guide you through the intricacies of the real estate process, providing expert advice, negotiating on your behalf, and ensuring your interests are always prioritized.

Outside of work, Adam enjoys exploring the local community, keeping up with industry developments, and spending quality time with his family and friends. His genuine love for the area translates into his passion for helping clients find their ideal homes in this wonderful community.

Branch Partner - Boxmoor

Simon Stears

Simon started his career in estate agency in 2013 rising up the ranks quickly to become the Branch Manager for Boxmoor in 2016.  Outside of work, Simon is a devoted father to 2 children, a keen footballer and quite often a dare devil with his young son. It’s not uncommon for Simon to come to work on a Monday with a knee injury, scrape or bruise as he has tried to impress his young son at the skate park.  He forgets he is fast approaching 40!

Branch Manager - Berkhamsted

Kiera Lawless

Kiera joined our Berkhamsted team in 2018, and is a very driven and passionate property professional.

Outside of work, Kiera enjoys socialising with her family and friends, working out, taking part in sporting events and going for walks with her beloved French Bulldog.

Sales Liaison Manager

Sam Serby

Allow us to introduce Sam Serby, an integral member of the Castles team for nearly two decades. With her wealth of experience and expertise, Sam has found her true calling in sales progression and currently leads a team of dedicated professionals. As the Sales Liaison Manager, she ensures a seamless transaction from the initial offer to the exchange of contracts, leaving our clients with a smooth and stress-free experience.

Sam’s extensive tenure with the company has allowed her to gain in-depth knowledge of the real estate industry, specifically focusing on the intricacies of sales progression. Her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively communicate with all parties involved are what set her apart.

When working with Sam, you can expect a proactive and hands-on approach. She understands the importance of keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the process, ensuring that every step is taken to secure a successful outcome. Her commitment to delivering exceptional customer service is reflected in her dedication to maintaining clear lines of communication and addressing any concerns promptly.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sam is a loving mother and grandmother to her two grown-up children and recently born grandson. Outside of work, you’ll often find her taking long walks with her dog, enjoying the beauty of nature, and embracing the joys of being a devoted pet owner.

Sam’s passion for her role extends beyond the office walls. She is genuinely invested in the happiness and satisfaction of our clients, going above and beyond to navigate any obstacles that may arise during the sales process. Her ability to forge strong relationships with both clients and colleagues has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor and a reliable source of support.

If you’re looking for a dedicated professional who will guide you through the intricacies of the sales progression journey, Sam Serby is the person to turn to. Her commitment to ensuring a smooth transaction and her wealth of experience make her an invaluable asset to the Castles team.

Sales Director - Eaton Bray

Andy Smith

We are delighted to introduce Andy Smith, our Sales Director for the Eaton Bray office. Joining the Castles team in 2022, Andy brings with him an impressive 17 years of experience in the local property industry, having previously worked for a multi-office independent agency. With his extensive background, Andy is poised to enhance his already outstanding reputation as a proactive and customer-focused estate agent.

As Sales Director, Andy is driven by his passion for delivering exceptional service to our valued clients. He understands that buying or selling a property is a significant milestone, and he is dedicated to providing a smooth and successful experience for each and every client.

Andy’s proactive approach ensures that he stays one step ahead, consistently anticipating the needs and requirements of his clients. His attention to detail, industry expertise, and strong negotiation skills enable him to achieve outstanding results for those he represents.

Outside of work, Andy cherishes spending quality time with his young family. He takes great pleasure in engaging in various activities with them, creating lifelong memories. In his free time, Andy also embraces his passion for football, embarking on a personal mission to visit random football stadiums as he strives to complete the illustrious 92 club.

Andy’s commitment to his profession and his dedication to his clients make him an invaluable asset to the Castles team. His wealth of experience and enthusiasm ensure that he is well-equipped to guide you through your real estate journey, whether you are buying or selling a property in the Eaton Bray area.

For personalized and results-driven service, Andy Smith is the trusted professional you can rely on. Contact him today to discuss your property goals and discover the difference a proactive and customer-focused approach can make.

Assistant Branch Manager - Boxmoor

Daniel Gough

Daniel joined the team in 2018 having previously worked as a Sales Manager for a leading computer hardware supplier. Daniel has a keen interest in property and a thirst for exceptional customer service and has quickly progressed his career within the Hemel Hempstead office. As a recent home buyer Daniel understands only too well the stresses of buying a home and is here to help clients navigate this stressful process.

Senior Associate - Kings Langley

Lewis Denton

Lewis joined the team in 2018 having previously been a professional tennis coach in Kings Langley. Lewis is a competitive sports man and a sales environment was the perfect fit for his competitive nature. Lewis delivers exceptional customer service, understanding the stressful nature of the estate agency industry. Lewis is still a keen sportsman and can often be found on the tennis court or hitting leather on willow on a warm summers evening.

Senior Associate - Kings Langley

Matthew Hooton

Matthew joined our Boxmoor office in 2020, having been furloughed from his previous role in car sales.  It was clear from the start that Matthew was a driven, dynamic individual and he quickly progressed to Senior Negotiator.  in 2023, Matthew has now taken on the fresh challenge of Senior Associate in our new Kings Langley office.

Head of Property Marketing

Aaron Dines

Aaron joined the Castles team in 2016, previously working in the Chilterns for another estate agency.

Aaron’s flair for filming video tours and photography, bringing clients’ homes to life, has led to him taking on the exciting role of Head of Property Marketing in 2022.

Associate - Berkhamsted

Callum Gerrard

Callum joined our Castles Academy Program in February 2022 in our Berkhamsted office.  Callum has quickly become an integral part of our business; he has a clear passion to deliver an excellent experience which can been seen in his numerous Google reviews.  Callum is a hard-working individual with a passion to develop his career, he is a pleasure to work with for clients and team members.

 

Branch PA Berkhamsted

Suzi Levitt

Suzi is the Branch PA at Berkhamsted helping the sales team hit their targets and deliver exceptional customer service. Suzi joined the team in 2020 coming from the medical billing industry.

Head of Client Services

Louise Dunn

Louise re-joined the business in 2022 to Head up our Client Services department, her exceptional people skills and drive to deliver first class service is exactly what makes her the right leader for this team.

Louise has over 20 years experience in Sales and Customer Service, 5 of those spent in Sales Progression, there isn’t much Louise doesn’t know about the buying and selling process!

Senior Property Consultant

Ian Allison

Ian joined Castles in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience in property, and transferred to our Boxmoor office in 2023.  Ian started his career with a regional firm back in 1989, he worked through Black Wednesday in 1992 where interest rates hit over 15%, the Labour years, the dotcom bubble in the early 2000s and the property crash of 2008.  All of these markets moulded Ian into a well rounded, highly experienced property professional , able to navigate all types of housing markets to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Mortgage Broker

Krishan Khatri

Krishan Khatri is a very experienced Mortgage Broker having worked within the finance industry since 2013. Krishan arranged more than £75m of mortgages for clients in 2022 and is devoted to assisting his clients find the best mortgage and insurance products in the market. Away from work Krishan and his wife are parents to 2 boys and can often be found playing football or exploring Whipsnade Zoo.

Operations Manager

Louise Harrison

Louise has worked for Castles since 2014 most recently being promoted to Group Operations Manager. Louise is familiar with all aspects of our business and is always available to assist our team and clients in any way she can. Louise is driven to deliver exceptional customer service and is an ‘out of the box’ thinker, she will always do her best to ensure that we overcome any problems that emerge during the buying and selling process.

Associate - Kings Langley

James Lund

James joined Castles in 2022 and has made a great contribution to our offices.  He is eager to learn with a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our clients have the very best experience.  In 2023 James transferred to our Kings Langley office and is looking forward to progressing his career further.

Associate - Boxmoor

Donnel Fernandes

Donnel joined Castles in 2021 and has made a great contribution to our offices.  He is eager to learn with a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our clients have the very best experience.  In 2023 Donnel transferred to our Boxmoor office and is looking forward to progressing his career further.

Head of Administration

Lindsey Starling

Lindsey has worked for us since 2016.   Her exceptional admin skills and drive to deliver first class service to clients and colleagues sees her heading up our team of administrators In 2023.

Client Services

Sarah Christian

Sarah works in our client services team following her initial appointment in our Hemel Hempstead office.  It was clear from very early in her career that Sarah has a genuine passion to deliver an excellent client experience, this can be seen in her numerous 5 star Google reviews.  Sarah thrives on helping our clients have the very best experience and ensuring they have access to the full range of services Castles has to offer.

Associate - Berkhamsted

Felix Austen

Felix is the newest member of the team, joining us in May 2023.  Through our in-house training programme, he will gain all the skills needed to become a skilled property valuer.

Client Services

Gill Cheeseman

Gill joined the team in July 2023, having worked in the industry for many years she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Client Services Department.

Company Secretary

Jo Townsend

Jo joined the team in July 2023.  With her organisational skills and wealth of administration knowledge, she will keep everyone on their toes!

 

Mortgage Broker

Jordan Allison

Jordan Allison has over 10 years’ experience in the property and finance industries and prides himself on delivering first class customer service.  He has a passion for helping his clients find the best mortgage and insurance products available on the market. Offering a full 360 service, Jordan will be there to support you all the way through your house buying journey.

Viewing Guide - Kings Langley

Laura Ashby

Read more

Associate - Boxmoor

Luke Edwards

Luke is the newest member of the Boxmoor team, joining us in June 2023.  Through our in-house training programme, he will gain all the skills needed to become a skilled property valuer.

Trainee Sales Liaison

Rhys Coker

Rhys joined us in June 2023.  He will work alongside the Sales Liaison Manager to be fully trained in sales progression ensuring a smooth transaction from offer to exchange of contracts.

Managing Director

Ronnie Clarke

Ronnie has worked in the industry for 20 years, starting out as a trainee negotiator with a regional firm of estate agents. In addition he is also a fully qualified mortgage broker. Ronnie has a young family, twins born in 2015, so much of his spare time is spent caring for and entertaining his young family. Ronnie has a passion for customer services which can be seen through the numerous 5 star google reviews – nothing comes before his clients best interests.

Area Director

Adam Contreras

Meet Adam Contreras, our dedicated Area Director who brings over two decades of invaluable experience in the local housing market. Adam embarked on his property journey back in 1997, starting his career with a reputable regional firm. Since then, he has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to serving clients and helping them achieve their desired moves in a stress-free and enjoyable manner.

Adam’s passion for property is evident in his day-to-day interactions and his genuine desire to assist clients throughout their journey. He understands that buying or selling a property is a significant decision in one’s life, and he goes the extra mile to ensure a smooth and seamless process for our valued clients.

With his extensive knowledge of the local market, Adam possesses a keen eye for identifying opportunities and matching them with clients’ specific needs and preferences. He stays up to date with the latest market trends and continually hones his skills to provide clients with the best possible guidance and support.

Beyond his professional expertise, Adam is known for his friendly and approachable demeanour. He takes the time to actively listen to clients, understanding their unique circumstances and tailoring his services accordingly. His excellent communication skills and ability to build strong relationships have made him a trusted advisor among clients and colleagues alike.

When working with Adam, you can expect a dedicated and proactive approach. He will guide you through the intricacies of the real estate process, providing expert advice, negotiating on your behalf, and ensuring your interests are always prioritized.

Outside of work, Adam enjoys exploring the local community, keeping up with industry developments, and spending quality time with his family and friends. His genuine love for the area translates into his passion for helping clients find their ideal homes in this wonderful community.

Branch Partner - Boxmoor

Simon Stears

Simon started his career in estate agency in 2013 rising up the ranks quickly to become the Branch Manager for Boxmoor in 2016.  Outside of work, Simon is a devoted father to 2 children, a keen footballer and quite often a dare devil with his young son. It’s not uncommon for Simon to come to work on a Monday with a knee injury, scrape or bruise as he has tried to impress his young son at the skate park.  He forgets he is fast approaching 40!

Branch Manager - Berkhamsted

Kiera Lawless

Kiera joined our Berkhamsted team in 2018, and is a very driven and passionate property professional.

Outside of work, Kiera enjoys socialising with her family and friends, working out, taking part in sporting events and going for walks with her beloved French Bulldog.

Sales Liaison Manager

Sam Serby

Allow us to introduce Sam Serby, an integral member of the Castles team for nearly two decades. With her wealth of experience and expertise, Sam has found her true calling in sales progression and currently leads a team of dedicated professionals. As the Sales Liaison Manager, she ensures a seamless transaction from the initial offer to the exchange of contracts, leaving our clients with a smooth and stress-free experience.

Sam’s extensive tenure with the company has allowed her to gain in-depth knowledge of the real estate industry, specifically focusing on the intricacies of sales progression. Her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively communicate with all parties involved are what set her apart.

When working with Sam, you can expect a proactive and hands-on approach. She understands the importance of keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the process, ensuring that every step is taken to secure a successful outcome. Her commitment to delivering exceptional customer service is reflected in her dedication to maintaining clear lines of communication and addressing any concerns promptly.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sam is a loving mother and grandmother to her two grown-up children and recently born grandson. Outside of work, you’ll often find her taking long walks with her dog, enjoying the beauty of nature, and embracing the joys of being a devoted pet owner.

Sam’s passion for her role extends beyond the office walls. She is genuinely invested in the happiness and satisfaction of our clients, going above and beyond to navigate any obstacles that may arise during the sales process. Her ability to forge strong relationships with both clients and colleagues has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor and a reliable source of support.

If you’re looking for a dedicated professional who will guide you through the intricacies of the sales progression journey, Sam Serby is the person to turn to. Her commitment to ensuring a smooth transaction and her wealth of experience make her an invaluable asset to the Castles team.

Sales Director - Eaton Bray

Andy Smith

We are delighted to introduce Andy Smith, our Sales Director for the Eaton Bray office. Joining the Castles team in 2022, Andy brings with him an impressive 17 years of experience in the local property industry, having previously worked for a multi-office independent agency. With his extensive background, Andy is poised to enhance his already outstanding reputation as a proactive and customer-focused estate agent.

As Sales Director, Andy is driven by his passion for delivering exceptional service to our valued clients. He understands that buying or selling a property is a significant milestone, and he is dedicated to providing a smooth and successful experience for each and every client.

Andy’s proactive approach ensures that he stays one step ahead, consistently anticipating the needs and requirements of his clients. His attention to detail, industry expertise, and strong negotiation skills enable him to achieve outstanding results for those he represents.

Outside of work, Andy cherishes spending quality time with his young family. He takes great pleasure in engaging in various activities with them, creating lifelong memories. In his free time, Andy also embraces his passion for football, embarking on a personal mission to visit random football stadiums as he strives to complete the illustrious 92 club.

Andy’s commitment to his profession and his dedication to his clients make him an invaluable asset to the Castles team. His wealth of experience and enthusiasm ensure that he is well-equipped to guide you through your real estate journey, whether you are buying or selling a property in the Eaton Bray area.

For personalized and results-driven service, Andy Smith is the trusted professional you can rely on. Contact him today to discuss your property goals and discover the difference a proactive and customer-focused approach can make.

Assistant Branch Manager - Boxmoor

Daniel Gough

Daniel joined the team in 2018 having previously worked as a Sales Manager for a leading computer hardware supplier. Daniel has a keen interest in property and a thirst for exceptional customer service and has quickly progressed his career within the Hemel Hempstead office. As a recent home buyer Daniel understands only too well the stresses of buying a home and is here to help clients navigate this stressful process.

Senior Associate - Kings Langley

Lewis Denton

Lewis joined the team in 2018 having previously been a professional tennis coach in Kings Langley. Lewis is a competitive sports man and a sales environment was the perfect fit for his competitive nature. Lewis delivers exceptional customer service, understanding the stressful nature of the estate agency industry. Lewis is still a keen sportsman and can often be found on the tennis court or hitting leather on willow on a warm summers evening.

Senior Associate - Kings Langley

Matthew Hooton

Matthew joined our Boxmoor office in 2020, having been furloughed from his previous role in car sales.  It was clear from the start that Matthew was a driven, dynamic individual and he quickly progressed to Senior Negotiator.  in 2023, Matthew has now taken on the fresh challenge of Senior Associate in our new Kings Langley office.

Head of Property Marketing

Aaron Dines

Aaron joined the Castles team in 2016, previously working in the Chilterns for another estate agency.

Aaron’s flair for filming video tours and photography, bringing clients’ homes to life, has led to him taking on the exciting role of Head of Property Marketing in 2022.

Associate - Berkhamsted

Callum Gerrard

Callum joined our Castles Academy Program in February 2022 in our Berkhamsted office.  Callum has quickly become an integral part of our business; he has a clear passion to deliver an excellent experience which can been seen in his numerous Google reviews.  Callum is a hard-working individual with a passion to develop his career, he is a pleasure to work with for clients and team members.

 

Branch PA Berkhamsted

Suzi Levitt

Suzi is the Branch PA at Berkhamsted helping the sales team hit their targets and deliver exceptional customer service. Suzi joined the team in 2020 coming from the medical billing industry.

Head of Client Services

Louise Dunn

Louise re-joined the business in 2022 to Head up our Client Services department, her exceptional people skills and drive to deliver first class service is exactly what makes her the right leader for this team.

Louise has over 20 years experience in Sales and Customer Service, 5 of those spent in Sales Progression, there isn’t much Louise doesn’t know about the buying and selling process!

Senior Property Consultant

Ian Allison

Ian joined Castles in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience in property, and transferred to our Boxmoor office in 2023.  Ian started his career with a regional firm back in 1989, he worked through Black Wednesday in 1992 where interest rates hit over 15%, the Labour years, the dotcom bubble in the early 2000s and the property crash of 2008.  All of these markets moulded Ian into a well rounded, highly experienced property professional , able to navigate all types of housing markets to deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Mortgage Broker

Krishan Khatri

Krishan Khatri is a very experienced Mortgage Broker having worked within the finance industry since 2013. Krishan arranged more than £75m of mortgages for clients in 2022 and is devoted to assisting his clients find the best mortgage and insurance products in the market. Away from work Krishan and his wife are parents to 2 boys and can often be found playing football or exploring Whipsnade Zoo.

Operations Manager

Louise Harrison

Louise has worked for Castles since 2014 most recently being promoted to Group Operations Manager. Louise is familiar with all aspects of our business and is always available to assist our team and clients in any way she can. Louise is driven to deliver exceptional customer service and is an ‘out of the box’ thinker, she will always do her best to ensure that we overcome any problems that emerge during the buying and selling process.

Associate - Kings Langley

James Lund

James joined Castles in 2022 and has made a great contribution to our offices.  He is eager to learn with a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our clients have the very best experience.  In 2023 James transferred to our Kings Langley office and is looking forward to progressing his career further.

Associate - Boxmoor

Donnel Fernandes

Donnel joined Castles in 2021 and has made a great contribution to our offices.  He is eager to learn with a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our clients have the very best experience.  In 2023 Donnel transferred to our Boxmoor office and is looking forward to progressing his career further.

Head of Administration

Lindsey Starling

Lindsey has worked for us since 2016.   Her exceptional admin skills and drive to deliver first class service to clients and colleagues sees her heading up our team of administrators In 2023.

Client Services

Sarah Christian

Sarah works in our client services team following her initial appointment in our Hemel Hempstead office.  It was clear from very early in her career that Sarah has a genuine passion to deliver an excellent client experience, this can be seen in her numerous 5 star Google reviews.  Sarah thrives on helping our clients have the very best experience and ensuring they have access to the full range of services Castles has to offer.

Associate - Berkhamsted

Felix Austen

Felix is the newest member of the team, joining us in May 2023.  Through our in-house training programme, he will gain all the skills needed to become a skilled property valuer.

Client Services

Gill Cheeseman

Gill joined the team in July 2023, having worked in the industry for many years she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Client Services Department.

Company Secretary

Jo Townsend

Jo joined the team in July 2023.  With her organisational skills and wealth of administration knowledge, she will keep everyone on their toes!

 

Mortgage Broker

Jordan Allison

Jordan Allison has over 10 years’ experience in the property and finance industries and prides himself on delivering first class customer service.  He has a passion for helping his clients find the best mortgage and insurance products available on the market. Offering a full 360 service, Jordan will be there to support you all the way through your house buying journey.

Associate - Boxmoor

Luke Edwards

Luke is the newest member of the Boxmoor team, joining us in June 2023.  Through our in-house training programme, he will gain all the skills needed to become a skilled property valuer.

Trainee Sales Liaison

Rhys Coker

Rhys joined us in June 2023.  He will work alongside the Sales Liaison Manager to be fully trained in sales progression ensuring a smooth transaction from offer to exchange of contracts.

Hear from our valued clients

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November market update

Remember – always come to Castles for regular insights into your local property market.