Solicitor – Admitted 2017
Overview
I have worked with Landed Estate clients throughout my career. Whilst based in London, I advise Landed Estates across England and Wales. My practice is primarily focused on the non-contentious aspects of property law. In particular, I act in the sale and purchase of Landed Estates, farms and country houses, as well as routine estate management matters including landlord and tenant work (including residential, commercial and agricultural tenancies), secured lending work and the negotiation of easements.
I have a particular interest in sporting rights and leases, having spent a number of years purchasing and selling grouse moors for clients at an international law firm.
I regularly provide support to Iwan Williams and the wider Tax, Trusts & Succession team when property law advice is required. Often this takes the form of either preparing transfers of property from one landowning generation to another or assisting with the retirement and appointment of trustees.
Recent experience
Acting on the purchase of a Grade I listed castle for an international investor. Key issues encountered included breaches of the listed building regime, the fact that the castle was situated on a Scheduled Monument and a disused underground railway line passing through the castle grounds
Advising on the purchase of a significant grouse moor, consisting of 6,500 acres, sporting rights over a further 2,000 acres, five let farms and 11 residential properties. The purchase involved complicated advice on the application of a Countryside Stewardship Scheme between landowner, sporting operator and tenant farmers and the future responsibilities of each
Assisting a US based investor in the purchase of a significant working farm in Oxfordshire for in excess of £20 million, and thereafter providing long-term legal support to the investor, including advising on future lending and security arrangements
Leading on the sale of a significant country house in excess of £20 million. Exchange of contracts was secured within the required 10 working day timescale
Acting on the purchase of a country estate in the New Forest National Park for just under £10 million. My advice included commentary on a number of farming and commercial tenancies, listed building issues and access rights. In order to fund the purchase I also assisted the client with a new mortgage over their London property