About Us: In the Beginning

Paul Dixon JP FCMI AssocRICS FNAVA created the business in the early 1990's.

The Big Picture

Setting out at the beginning of the seventies, Paul had a vision about working in the film industry. After a lot of door knocking he managed to find a way into Associated British Cinemas at their West End offices in Golden Square, later moving to Wardour Street. At the same time he studied writing at the City Literary Institute and by the age of 18 was appointed Press Officer, looking after the provincial newspapers.

Whilst at ABC, he enrolled for a year’s evening acting course at London’s Mountview Theatre School. Subsequently, he went on to appear in about 100 film and television productions. He worked alongside some of the all time greats such as Peter Sellers, Roger Moore, Joan Collins, Paul and Linda McCartney. Television productions included "The Professionals" with Martin Shaw, which now has a cult following.

Moving on

Paul also had a keen interest in business, architecture and ancient buildings, apparently inspired by a boyhood trip to the Tower of London. By the mid Seventies he changed direction and found a place with a firm of Auctioneers and Estate Agents in Croydon. Paul went on to become part of the management team. His views on the industry were published in the professional press. Paul was appointed President of the Auctioneers & Surveyors Association in Surrey in the late 80's.

During the same period Paul became a Director of Nationwide Estate Agents, with a responsibility for training. In an era of change, he delivered and evaluated training across various business cultures, which were operating under the Nationwide umbrella. "I was awarded a Fellowship of the Chartered Management Institute for sorting that one out!"

Going, going, going it alone

In the early nineties he decided it was time to go it alone and set up his own consultancy. With partner Robert Leech he advised both buyers and sellers of equestrian and country estates. One of the first sales was a Surrey estate for Marion and David Mould. Marion road "Stroller" in a previous Olympics and David trained the late Queen Mother’s horses. Many sales have since followed.

Where he has worked for buyers, some outstanding properties have been acquired, often "off market". Clients have included a head of fashion label and an international intellectual property lawyer who represented the Elvis Presley Estate.

He also provides freelance auctioneering services to other firms, such as a new auction house in the north of England and an established, London based firm. Paul has become known nationally, if not internationally, for his auction work on behalf of charity organisations including the Elton John Aids Foundation, Shooting Stars Children's Hospice, The Katie Piper Foundation and Live2Love.

Passionate about property, Paul now spends the majority of his time finding and negotiating the purchase of outstanding properties, in particular with equestrian facilities, on behalf of clients

On the inside

Paul is married with a son and daughter. He enjoys family ‘jaunts’ and travel, taking in South America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle and Far East. He has driven the width and breadth of France, Switzerland and Spain, south to Andalucia. He likes to shoot clays, a sport which his son has also taken up. He firmly believes in his own set of values. He takes an active involvement in society and is currently appointed by her Majesty’s Government as a Magistrate.

The Future

He believes always in the next chapter, "but that’s another story..."

Estates of the Realm - Origins

The term 'Estates of the Realm' is first found in the Middle ages and referred to a group in society, usually made up of nobility, clergy and the people. The purpose of this political or government order, was to defend the Realm against foreign aggression and national disorder. The group also attended to the Realm's spiritual needs. Interestingly, the system of 'Justices of the Peace' was also founded in 14th Century England.

In more recent history, the term has also referred to someone's interest in property, or a country estate in the kingdom, usually England.