Page 20 - Oundle Life December 2020

QA
WOODFORD
& Co
Propery consultants & auctioneers
Opened in August 2001, Chris Woodford has been selling and advising on property in East Northamptonshire since 1993. Starting out with a team of three people, the business has grown significantly over the last 19 years. Here Chris shares his love for all things Oundle...
Tell us more... Oundle is my home town, having grown up in the village of Barnwell. We managed to buy out another well-established, quality firm, Vergettes, which many people will remember. I worked for Vergettes’ parent company. We continued with the same ethics, but modernised the business and practices. Oundle is a wonderful place to work, its beautiful historic buildings are my speciality.
How has the High Street changed since you started? Sadly, many small shops have fallen by the wayside, due to competition from the super- markets and online shopping. When I started, Oundle had greengrocers, clothing stores and four banks. We are at least blessed to have independent, high-quality butchers and a wine
merchant. Having a proper bookshop is great too. The Oundle people need to get behind local businesses, otherwise they will be lost forever, and the town’s unique identity will go too.
What is the best thing about your job? I love my work. One day I am in a Grade II listed town house dating from 1600, and the next,
in my wellies on a rural small holding with 4 acres of pasture and a stableyard. Many of the people that I meet are very interesting as well. I deal with Lords and Ladies, as well as everyday people. They all have tales to tell.
Favourite property for sale today? Mill Cottage at Ashton is lovely. It has great Georgian rooms, a view of the water mill and its own mooring on the mill pond, which means one can visit Oundle wharf in your own boat, even though it’s only a mile on foot. What a great way to go to the pub!
Most famous person you’ve ever had in your shop? That’s probably breaking confidentiality, but my clients have included an England
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