Rent With Grisdales

Alison Scurr Client Services Manager

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.

Karen Pritt Compliance Officer

Meet Karen, our dedicated Compliance Officer who works closely with the Property Management Team. Since joining us in 2021, she has been entrusted with ensuring the safety and compliance of our properties. From organising routine gas and electrical safety checks to staying up-to-date with the latest lettings legislation, Karen is our go-to expert in all things compliance.

With an impressive background spanning Trading Standards, the Fire Service, and Children's Services, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

Beyond the office, Karen enjoys the company of her three grown-up daughters and her adorable Yorkie companion named Trampas, who never fails to impress with his clever tricks. When she's not tending to her responsibilities, you'll likely find Karen in her garden, indulging in her green thumb while sipping on a refreshing cocktail. She also has a love for tropical destinations and is an avid scuba diver, seeking out thrilling underwater encounters with the magnificent marine life.

Rebecca Todd Senior Property Manager

Say hi to Beckie, Senior Property Manager. Joining us in 2019, Beckie handles a range of responsibilities including property inspections, repairs and check-outs, ensuring that our portfolio is well-maintained and our tenants are satisfied. She takes pride in providing excellent service and goes the extra mile to meet our clients' needs. With her previous experience in banking, she brings a unique perspective to the world of property management. Outside of work, Beckie's greatest joy comes from being a mum to her son. They love embarking on adventures together, whether it's exploring new destinations or enjoying local family outings. And let's not forget about their loyal companion, Poppy the Cockapoo, who adds an extra dose of excitement to their camping trips.

Melanie Wykes Senior Property Manager

Meet Mel, who takes care of our extensive portfolio of properties. From maintenance and repairs to refurbishments, Mel ensures that our properties are in top shape and ready to be rented out. She also conducts inspections and check-outs, making sure that everything is in order for our tenants. Mel's career journey began as a graduate Hotel and Catering Manager at Marriott Hotels in the bustling city of London. However, her passion for the great outdoors and a desire for a change of pace led her to make the move to the beautiful countryside of Cumbria in 2005. Along the way, she transitioned into roles focused on sales and business development, using her expertise to drive success. Living in West Cumbria has been a dream come true for Mel and her family. They fully embrace the outdoor playground that this region offers, whether it's hiking up the stunning fells or kayaking on the serene lakes. Mel cherishes every moment spent in nature and values the sense of tranquility and adventure it brings.

Jackie Drinkwater Property Inspector

We welcomed Jackie to our Property Management Team in 2022. As our Property Inspector, she takes care of regular property visits to make sure our rental properties are in tip-top condition and our tenants are happy and settled in their homes.

Before joining our team, Jackie had a background in Social Care Management. She's a proud mother to a wonderful daughter and adores her two granddaughters. And let's not forget her adorable companions, Coco and Marshall, her two French Bulldogs.

When Jackie isn't busy ensuring our properties are in tip-top shape, she generously volunteers for dog rescue charities. In her free time, you'll often find her travelling or engrossed in a thrilling crime fiction book.

Daria Balakireva Lettings Negotiator

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.

Nicola Jones Property Marketing Manager

Say hello to Nicola, Property Marketing Manager at Grisdales. Nicola's journey began as a weekend receptionist in 2018, and she quickly progressed to the role of Lettings Negotiator. In 2023, Nicola returned to Grisdales as Property Marketing Manager. With a dynamic background spanning various roles within the company and having lived in West Cumbria all her life, Nicola understands the local property landscape inside and out. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, Nicola's expertise can guide you towards making informed decisions that align with your property goals.