In love with the job... and why Farsley is trending
Nicola Thompson is the sales director at Leeds-based property company, Adair Paxton, www.adairpaxton.co.uk
What do you love about your job?
I am both an estate agent and a chartered surveyor. It might sound like a cliché but I love the variety of my work. Although I think most estate agents might say the same thing, I think that because we have such a wide range of property services at Adair Paxton, it really does keep me on my toes. One day I can be selling houses worth more than £2m or valuing investment portfolios and the next I can be advising on a block management issue or providing expert witness advice.
How would you describe your home?
I really love my home, but it is hard to describe it in a few words. I’d say my style is something along the lines of “classical reflections”, but I do like to glam things up a bit with nice fabrics or a textured wallpaper. I would say where I live is homely without being cluttered.
Which household items could you not live without?
My vacuum cleaner if I am being sensible and my wine cupboard if I am being completely honest.
What is on your interiors wish list and where do you look for inspiration?
A wine cellar is on the wish list followed by a utility room. I have neither. One of my favourite places for inspiration is Beckett & Beckett interior design studio in Farsley. They have fabulous ideas and their customer service is outstanding.
What is your favourite building?
It would have to be The Corn Exchange in Leeds. Adair Paxton manage it and I am blown away every time I visit. In fact, I love it so much we held Adair Paxton’s 160th anniversary party there. It is a Victorian masterpiece that is still so relevant today. It is home to many creative and independent businesses and brands and is one of the best places to shop in Leeds.
How do you think the property market will fare this year?
The sheer volume of buyers creates a foundation for us to see a booming year. Every agency has a shortage of stock but hopefully this year we will see more movement in that area. As for up-and-coming areas, I would say Farsley. It has a great range of independent shops, bars and restaurants and seems to have a great community feel. It appears to be going through the process that Chapel Allerton went through about 10-15 years ago, but prices are still reasonable.
What and where is your ideal home?
I love older properties, so something pre 1900 would be wonderful. Location wise, I am a North Leeds girl through and through, so I wouldn’t stray too far, yet I’d always keep it semi-rural as my cat, Ivy, likes to roam.
What are you most proud of?
I am really proud of the heritage of our business at Adair Paxton. Few of our competitors have been around anywhere near as long as we have, and while we have recently gone through big changes to modernise the business, our core values of integrity, professionalism and exceptional customer service remain close to my heart. I am also proud of being awarded full membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. I studied for two years while doing my day job and I am really enjoying the widened opportunities that being a chartered surveyor has opened up to me.
Who would you most like to have a drink with?
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. I am a bit of a royalist at heart and Kate Middleton always seems engaging and powerful and I also think she could be a good laugh too.
Contact: Adair Paxton residential sales, Leeds, tel: 0113 258 1150, www. adairpaxton.co.uk