Celebrating 80 Years in the Community

The original Richard Godsell established the business in Southbourne back in 1928 and is still remembered in the area as a courteous gentleman with a keen interest in cars, many of which he purchased locally from Wentworth Motors.

Together with his associate, Ken Coles, he built up the company until it became a well-known and respected name throughout Southbourne and neighbouring areas. Even today clients call into the office wishing to sell their property having originally purchased their home from Ken Coles or Richard Godsell, which is indeed a recommendation for the service provided by the company!

Ken Coles took over the business when Richard Godsell retired and worked at the Southbourne office for an outstanding 58 years until 1992 when Alastair McCall and Philip Ward purchased the business. The company has grown over recent years and prominent town centre office in Christchurch was opened in 2003. At this time Todd Gaston joined the company, formerly of Gaston Taylor, Tuckton. Todd, together with his experienced team at Christchurch, has further expanded the Richard Godsell brand to great effect from West Christchurch across to Friars Cliff encompassing Bransgore and surrounding forest areas. Todd comments, "It appears that part of the appeal for many clients is the fact that the company retains the traditional values which have always been associated with Richard Godsell and have been an integral part of our strength. We offer a comprehensive, pro-active property marketing service which we believe is second to none! The company has been keen to embrace modern technology and were one of the original members of rightmove.co.uk, the country's leading property website, complimenting richardgodsell.com, a custom-designed interactive website upon which we are widely commended."

The two offices provide prominent high street marketing platforms. The Southbourne office is only a few yards from the main post office and banks, whilst the Christchurch office is enviably located in the historical heart of town just a stones throw from the Priory. The distinctive yellow and black logos are well known to generations of home buyers and sellers; indeed many people start their property search with Richard Godsell. With resident Directors at both offices and long-serving knowledgeably staff, Richard Godsell pride themselves on a friendly, yet professional approach and are always pleased to advise and offer help with local property matters.

Director, Vivien Carter, based at the Southbourne branch, comments, "As the area's longest established estate agents and auctioneers, we feel a responsibility to the community to provide a service that is second to none and of which we can feel justifiably proud. This is our ultimate goal, whether dealing with a studio flat for a first time buyer or a million pound marine property with mooring. We are able to offer a selection of marketing options including Public Auction, Informal Tender or Conventional Private Treaty. Indeed it is satisfying that much of our business is from repeat clients and recommendations from banks and solicitors, who entrust our company for their property marketing requirements.

Both branches are able to offer free no-obligation market appraisals for anyone considering a future move. Matt Davey, Branch Manager at Southbourne, adds, "Whilst the market in the latter part of 2007 and beginning of 2008 was undeniably more challenging with confidence affected by adverse media reports, the credit crunch and general financial restraints, we have been encouraged by the increased volume of enquiries and sales achieved throughout March and with the traditionally busier moving time now upon us, we anticipate this continuing." If you would like a complimentary no-obligation market appraisal, please contact Vivien or Matt at the Southbourne office on 424214 or Todd at the Christchurch office on 499466.