
Rachel Ritson is the captain of the ship! She makes sure the company is heading in the right direction, at the right speed and adjusting the coordinates as and when necessary. Responsible for the strategy and direction of the company, day to day work involves ensuring our people, systems and brand are working cohesively and aligned with our culture and company values of passion, honesty, expertise, consideration and potential.
Meet Destiny, Manager of the Land and New Homes department.
With a keen focus on West Cumbria, she specialises in identifying and bringing exciting land and new homes opportunities to the region. Destiny collaborates with a diverse range of professionals, including landowners, housebuilders, architects, and planners, to help our partners unlock the full potential of their investments and achieve maximum profitability.
As part of our partnership with the Land and New Homes Network, Destiny benefits from a vast support network that grants her access to the knowledge and expertise of esteemed industry professionals. Her extensive market intelligence allows her to stay ahead of the game, and she always looks forward to connecting with like-minded individuals throughout Cumbria and beyond.
Connect with Destiny Evans on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and opportunities in the dynamic world of land and new homes.
Say hello to Alison, our Lettings Client Services Manager, who has been an essential part of our team since 2014. Although she graduated from University with a BA in Education Studies, Alison decided to follow a different path.
With over 20 years of experience in various customer service roles, including retail, banking, and recruitment, Alison found her calling in the estate agency industry. She excels in her role, providing exceptional service and support to our clients. In fact, she completed the Level 3 Course in Residential Letting and Property Management in November 2019, demonstrating her commitment to delivering a personalised and professional experience.
Being a lifelong resident of Cumbria, Alison has an impressive knowledge of the area, allowing her to offer valuable advice and insights. When she's not assisting our clients, you can find her exploring the beautiful fells, hitting the gym, or enjoying quality time with friends and family.
Meet Carolann, the friendly face and Sales Negotiator at our Cockermouth branch. She's our office's very own "matchmaker," dedicated to finding and connecting potential buyers with their dream homes. From conducting property viewings to managing and negotiating offers, Carolann oversees every step of the sales process. She goes above and beyond during the final stages to ensure a smooth completion, offering unwavering support and guidance to our clients.
Before joining our team in 2022, Carolann gained experience in various customer-oriented roles, including working with children. Her knack for multitasking, honed during her time in these roles, proves invaluable in the fast-paced world of property sales.
When Carolann isn't busy at the office, she can be found camping in the great outdoors with her family. Equipped with their trusty rooftop tent, Carolann, her partner, and their children embark on thrilling adventures across the country. When they're not exploring, Carolann cherishes quality time at home with her loved ones, enjoying meals out, and making lasting memories with friends.
Meet Chloe, our vibrant Sales Negotiator who joined our team in 2022. As the office's dedicated "matchmaker" in Whitehaven, she's passionate about finding the perfect new homes for our buyers. Chloe conducts property viewings and diligently handles all the offers we receive from potential purchasers. Our vendors can also expect regular updates from Chloe, as she ensures that their sale progresses smoothly and meets their expectations.
Originally from Keswick, Chloe now calls Whitehaven her home, where she resides with her husband and two adorable sausage dogs. Prior to joining our team, she pursued a business management degree at Northumbria University and embarked on a successful career in banking. Chloe proudly identifies as a "foodie" and delights in exploring a diverse range of dining experiences, from cosy country pubs to indulgent meals at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Meet Daria, our experienced Lettings Negotiator who recently joined the team. Her role is vital in connecting tenants and landlords as she oversees the entire rental process, from marketing properties and searching for tenants to conducting viewings, negotiating agreements, and guiding tenants through the application process.
Originally from Russia, Daria has embarked on an exciting journey across Europe, residing in Germany, Spain, and now England. With 25 years of experience, including a decade in the letting agency industry, her extensive background adds immense value to our team.
For the past four years, Daria has called England her home, sharing it with her partner, children, and step-children. Together, they cherish the picturesque landscapes of Cumbria, exploring its rural and coastal walks. Daria's love for travel extends beyond her immediate surroundings, and she is impressively fluent in five languages. She also channels her creativity into crafting exquisite gemstone bracelets, which she sells on Etsy.
Meet Beverly! She joined our team in 2019 as an Executive Assistant and has since taken on the role of Business Administrator, providing remote support. With a diverse career spanning Financial Services, Civil Service, and Local Authority in her home County of Northamptonshire, Beverly brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Grisdales.
Although she recently moved to the area, Beverly is already falling in love with Cumbria and all that it has to offer. When she's not busy supporting our team, you can find her tending to her allotment, discovering the hidden gems of the area, or cherishing precious moments with her beautiful granddaughter.
Many of our team have undertaken property qualifications across a range of specialisms. This training ensures our people are equipped with the skills to deliver expertise and a second-to-none service to our clients, whilst consistently meeting industry standards.
Our words...
“I love our team ethos…we work brilliantly as a team and genuinely enjoy looking after our customers. I couldn’t work for any other agent, they just don’t have the passion for the job the way we do”
Meet Laura, our Property Marketing Manager!
Laura’s main role is to help our clients achieve their property goals by ensuring a profitable and smooth sale. She’s the go-to person for valuable advice on how to market your home effectively and get the best price. From developing a personalised marketing strategy to arranging stunning photos and brochures, Laura will make sure your property stands out and attracts potential buyers. While our Client Services Team handles viewings and offers, Laura keeps a close eye on your property’s marketing progress to ensure things are moving forward. She also provides professional property valuations for probate and inheritance tax purposes.
Before joining us, Laura had a career background in banking and dental nursing. Her Level 3 ILM certification in Management and her natural people skills make her a superstar when it comes to connecting with others. Plus, with around 30 different homes under her belt since she was 20, she knows a thing or two about the property market!
Originally from the South of England, Laura has called Workington home for quite some time. But she’s always up for visiting her family and friends down south. When she’s not hard at work, you’ll find Laura having a blast running around Whinlatter Forest with her two grandsons, embracing her inner child. She’s also a social butterfly who loves dining out, cooking, and going on exciting adventures. Whether it’s a quick city break or a sun-soaked getaway, Laura has a passion for exploring new places.
“We all love our job! No two days are the same – and neither are our clients! We take great pride and pleasure in spending whatever time is necessary finding out each story and provide ways to help achieve individual property goals in a friendly, and at the same time, highly professional way.”
“I enjoy meeting potential new tenants and matching them to their perfect property, helping them every step along the way from the application process right through to move in – We are a very close team and all have a great working relationship always helping and working with each other to ensure all our clients get the best possible service throughout”
Meet Lesley, a valued member of the Grisdales team since 2017. She started as a Weekend Receptionist after taking a short break following the birth of her daughter. Since then, Lesley’s dedication and hard work have led her to progress within the company.
Currently, Lesley holds the position of Lead Generation Manager, overseeing the areas of Whitehaven, Workington, and their surroundings. Her role involves identifying potential leads and opportunities to support the growth of our business.
With a background in customer service and sales, Lesley has honed her skills over the years. Prior to joining Grisdales, she spent five years as a Client Services Advisor, eventually transitioning into a Client Accountant role.
Outside of work, Lesley enjoys spending time with her family. She lives in Whitehaven with her husband Andrew and their daughter Ella Amelia-Lilly. On weekends, they are joined by Lesley’s stepdaughter, Emma Louise. In her free time, Lesley’s passion for cars takes centre stage and she can often be found attending the latest car shows.
Find Lesley on LinkedIn.
“We work to support each member of our team both personally and professionally so that they have the skills and experience to support you with your property journey. We work hard and support each other, we relax together and have fun together supporting charity and community”
Introducing Nina, who joined Grisdales back in 2008. What started as a part-time role covering the accounting function has evolved into a full-time position where Nina manages various areas of responsibility. She’s our go-to person for all things finance, HR and payroll, IT and systems administration, as well as overseeing our company infrastructure.
Nina’s career journey has taken her through a diverse range of experiences. From working in the Civil Service to being part of a small privately owned business and even contributing to her own family business, she has always had a strong accounting background. Along the way, she has also embraced opportunities to showcase her adaptability and versatility, taking on additional tasks that complement her skill set.
Outside of the office, Nina thrives on adventures. Whether it’s tackling a new house project, engaging in thrilling outdoor activities, or embarking on a journey of learning and growth, she’s always seeking new experiences.
Connect with Nina on LinkedIn.
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We recently sold our home through the Cockermouth office and couldn’t be happier. From Laura’s valuation through to completion, the personal, friendly and professional service [...]
Judith's help has proved invaluable giving us information over and above that which you would expect and all provided in a friendly and relaxed way.
My main point of contact has been Judith for about 20 years. The service has been fine, no problem at all and there is nothing [...]
Excellent balance between professionalism and friendliness. I would recommend to anyone as they take care to think of the little touches and made my experience [...]
Let a property through Grisdales and Lesley was my main point of contact. The whole process was smooth from start to finish. Highly recommended 👍
I am a tenant through Grisdales and I have also been a landlord of Grisdales. I am very happy with everything that has been happening. [...]
I would just like to say a big thank you to Alison and the Team at the Grisdales office in Cockermouth. I received a first [...]
Alison and Judith have both been perfect! There is nothing at all to improve. The recent process has been very straight forward and smooth.
I am very happy with the lettings side of things and Alison has been fantastic, she could not have been more helpful. I would not [...]
I could not have wished for a smoother and more efficient rental experience! A great property that fitted my requirements followed by an extremely responsive [...]
I recently purchased a property from Grisdales Cockermouth and the service i received was fantastic. I dealt with Susan mainly for the sale, her assistance [...]
My impressions of Grisdales are what a professional team of people to deal with. They communicate well (you will not believe how quickly and [...]
Grisdales were brilliant in helping us sell our house in Whitehaven. They were able to get us a quick sale when other estate agents [...]
Grisdales were brilliant in helping us sell our house in Whitehaven. They were able to get us a quick sale when other estate agents [...]
Lesley at Grisdales has always been a pleasure to deal with open, honest & very professional - and has again sucessfully let my property [...]
Grisdales estate agents have been very honest and pleasant to deal with.. refreshing in this industry.
Booked for a no fee, no obligation valuation of my flat. Couldn't be happier with the service. Judith was very accommodating and got the job [...]
Thank you so much for getting the readings for me. I wish to say that you have proven to be one of the best and [...]
Alison was great in helping me find a rental place! Great communication at all times and easy to use web site.
Fantastic service from Alison over the course of several years. Would highly recommend. By the far the best estate agent I have dealt with.
I’m a first time buyer and the team at Grisdale’s could not have made my experience any better from start to finish they where helpful [...]
Grisdales were professional, they visited the house and explained everything thoroughly. They arranged all the visits and kept me informed of feedback. They provided advice [...]
I recently decided to rent my property out via Grisdales. They made everything very simple, easy and quick. The agent who I met with was [...]
Grisdales are a local estate agency who provide excellent professional service with a really warm local feel. We really would say they provide a complete [...]
Helpful, friendly and efficient estate agent. A special big thank you to Susan and Destiny.
We have beed working with Destiny and Susan in the Cockermouth office. I have to say, Destiny was charm and professionalism personified and kept me [...]
They are quick to respond to any issues and chasing contractors on any repair work. The staff are always willing to help, even helped with the [...]
Excellent friendly customer service. Always willing to assist no matter how busy they are. Special thanks to Helen who goes above and beyond and is [...]
Everyone at Grisdale’s was extremely helpful in getting myself and my partner set up in our new home. Big thanks to everyone, particularly Alison & [...]
Alison is brilliant!! Extremely helpful, professional and prompt in her communications.
We have beed working with Destiny and Susan in the Cockermouth office. I have to say, Destiny was charm and professionalism personified and kept me [...]
Seamless handling off property letting, everything taken care of excellent communications all ways quick to respond to anything
Great service, extremely friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. Senior sales and lettings member of staff could not have been more accommodating.
Destiny very helpful, Grisdales get the job done!
Alison and the team have been brilliant at helping us find a home to rent. She has been there to answer any of our questions [...]
Excellent, personal service by professional and knowledgable staff. Nothing is too much trouble; would highly recommend this Estate Agency.
I would like to thank Lesley for how easy she has made the sale of our house. Lesley was available anytime and she is a [...]
I have been using Grisdales for a few years with various rental properties they have always found me good clients quickly as they have done [...]
Going through Grisdales to find a new home was easy and having Nicola and Lesley helping made it just that much better as they were [...]
Lesley was my main contact who visited me in my house and went through the process of renting out my property. I felt well informed [...]
Extremely happy with the service we received. Renting a property was seamless and stress free. Alison was amazing at communicating and made relocating a breeze.
Great service - The staff are always helpful and very friendly!
Having just purchased a property marketed by Grisdales in Cockermouth, we can not thank Helen and the whole team enough. At every single stage they [...]
Got, my house through Grisdales everything was a smooth process and excellent from day one. All the girls and Lewis have been fantastic 😘
Nicola and the team at Grisdales were fantastic. Dealt with a few different letting agents in Cumbria, but Grisdales was by far the best - [...]
Great service, professional and very helpful from the team
I couldn’t recommend Grisdales Whitehaven enough especially Lesley and Nicola! They were both amazing and helped us to rent our first home. They made the [...]
Judith was very thorough and charming. Everything she said she would do, she did. It was done in a very timely manner. You could tell [...]
Judith has been my main point of contact. She is very professional and great at her job. She communicates really well, promptly and efficiently. The [...]
Great experience. They are very thorough and fair to both Landlord and Tenant.
Clare was fantastic! She did a valuation for me and she was on time, prompt with everything and gave me advice and information that [...]
Helen has been very good, she kept us well informed and explained everything to us. There is nothing at all that I can think [...]
Alison and Destiny are both spot on and really good. Their communication skills are very good and they keep in touch with me.
Laura has been brilliant! She was very polite and I couldn't fault her at all. I was very happy with the price and [...]
Very delighted the way our property was valued, Laura Weir from Grisedales was very helpful and knowledgeable. If and when we decide to sell our [...]
We purchased our flat as a buy to let from Grisdales. The purchase went extremely smoothly with this experienced team and was completed in 5 [...]
Very efficient and courteous. Nothing was too much trouble and collated property information very meticulously and in a timely manner.
I have been letting with Grisdales since 2013. Good service and value.
Can not fault the service we have had can I please mention James who has given us exceptional customer service would thoughly recommend them as [...]
Typically moving house is a stressful experience but I cant thank the team at Grisdales enough, especially Alison for taking this into consideration at every [...]
Fantastic service from Grisdales with regards to purchase of my first house. Helen, Claire and the rest of the team were really helpful and supportive [...]
Excellent service, very professional, curtious and helpful finding me the accomodtion I was looking for.
Very patient and helpful staff who will explain the process and give options as and when appropriate. Communication good and have kept me informed every [...]
Helen has been brilliant! She has been very good, kept us up to date and she just worked very hard. She pushed to [...]
Found really good/suitable tenant and managed the rental without issue for >4 years now
Nicola was a great help, professional service and ended up in a lovely property.
Grisdales have truly provided an end to end service, exactly what is needed when having to sell a property as a vendor who isn't locally [...]
Absolutely brilliant from day one. I switched to Grisdales, (Cockermouth branch), from another agent because I'd not had much interest on my house for months. I [...]
Absolutely brilliant from day one. I switched to Grisdales (Cockermouth branch), from another agent because I’d not had much interest on my house in months. [...]
It has been a very big team effort as we have a few properties. I am very happy with how everything has gone and I [...]
Rented my home through Grisdales Estate Agents. They made everything so easy and so simple! I would highly recommend renting with Grisdales. Thank you so [...]
Efficient, professional but with a personal touch. Pleasure to purchase with them.
The team at Grisdales are all highly professional and very friendly. They absorb any stress that you might have when selling a house. Susan was [...]
Helen & Jess were fantastic. Thank you for your support!!!
We just moved in to a tenancy with great relief in this starved market, thanks to Grisdales - their brilliant service through Alison and Jessica [...]
I rang Grisdales as I was having trouble getting through to other estate agents and I'm so pleased I did! From the very first phone [...]
An excellent service Alison was a great help
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