Oliver Custance Baker

Spear’s Review

Oliver Custance Baker heads Strutt & Parker’s country department from the firm’s Chelsea office. He joined after leaving university over a decade ago – taking a work experience placement at the firm before promptly being offered a full-time job – and he has stayed ever since. ‘It’s a great firm to be involved with,’ he tells Spear’s.

The firm deals with ‘the best country houses – £3.5 million up,’ he says, adding that property transactions can stretch into the tens of millions. Often, the largest homes are purchased by international buyers. 

‘We’ve seen a lot of activity in Wiltshire recently,’ where ‘good family homes sell because it’s relatively easy for people to get there,’ he adds. What’s his best piece of advice for buyers? ‘Every house is slightly different. And it’s the case of seeing it, and falling in love with the home.’