Belvoir Lettings takes on the management of 300 properties on the Belvoir Castle Estate in the heart of Leicestershire “The Estate is a hidden gem in the heart of England”
Belvoir Lettings Grantham is delighted to announce its appointment as lettings agent for over 300 residential properties on the Belvoir Castle Estate in Leicestershire.
This marks a new chapter in the history of the Belvoir Castle Estate, which consists of over 300 residential properties, ranging from quaint two-bedroom cottages to characterful lodges and million pound farmhouses throughout the Vale of Belvoir.
Until recently the Estate was entirely self-managed by the administration team at Belvoir Castle, but in February 2012, Her Grace the Duchess of Rutland appointed Belvoir Lettings Grantham, a specialist residential agency, to take over the management of all the Estate’s residential properties.
This appointment demonstrates the strength and reputation of the brand of Belvoir Lettings, as well as the synergy that exists between the Belvoir Castle Estate and the lettings company that shares its name – if not its pronunciation.
The name ‘Belvoir’, which originates from the French phrase ‘belle voir’ meaning beautiful view, was a Norman import by its French-speaking conquerors. However, the native Anglo-Saxon population of the day had problems with this and developed the pronunciation into ‘Beaver’.
So why did Emma, the 11th Duchess of Rutland appoint Belvoir Lettings as her agent of choice? “Mike Goddard, the founder of Belvoir Lettings, contacted us some eight to ten years ago and sponsored an event here,” she explains. “The relationship continued and Mike was very keen to explore the link between Belvoir Lettings, which is based in the nearby town of Grantham and the Belvoir Castle Estate. This union has now come together, as we recognise that Belvoir is a reputable local company with many national outlets.”
For over a thousand years the breathtakingly beautiful Belvoir Castle has dominated the landscape in the picturesque Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire. Set in 15,000 acres of park and woodland, the Castle is the perfect venue for a variety of country pursuits including the world-famous CLA Game Fair and a full season of commercial shoots. Despite all the activity and tourists that are attracted to events at the Castle, the tranquility and beauty of the area remains unchanged, providing a haven of calm for the many people that regard Belvoir Castle Estate as the place that they call home.
The benefits of living on the Belvoir Castle Estate are numerous. “So many people are now moving out of London and the southern counties, as they search for a peaceful and safe place to live, although some retain their London homes for investment purposes,” says the Duchess. “The Belvoir Castle Estate is very much a hidden gem in the heart of England, and at just 90 minutes from London, is an ideal commute. Many residents particularly enjoy being part of a community, and living in a serviced property that will never be sold on by the landlord provides long-term security.”
Dorian Gonsalves, CEO of Belvoir Lettings says: “Mike Goddard started Belvoir Lettings in a village in the Vale of Belvoir, so the company was originally named after the area. In 2002 we changed the pronunciation back to the original “Belle Voir” to put some distance between our lettings brand and the Estate, and it is fascinating that we have now come together in this way.
“I used to live on the Estate in the picture postcard village of Knipton. My partner Sharon and I used to drink in the Manners Arms pub, which belongs to the Estate and we visited the Belvoir by Candlelight evening when the castle is filled with 200 Christmas trees, which looked stunning. Going for walks and seeing the hunt hounds exercising on the Estate all added to the old-fashioned charm of the area.
“We have been working on the relationship between Belvoir Lettings and the Belvoir Castle Estate for many years. We are extremely pleased that after self-managing their properties for 500 years the Belvoir Estate has now relinquished that management process to Belvoir Grantham, as it shows enormous trust in the company and reflects the synergy that exists between us.
“Three members of staff from the Belvoir Castle administration team have moved to Belvoir Grantham and so there will be continuity with tenants. We look forward to a long and happy working relationship, providing the standards of professionalism, specialism and customer care upon which Belvoir Lettings has built its reputation.”
For further details
The cost of living in a managed property on the Belvoir Castle Estate ranges from £510 per month for a two-bedroom cottage, to £1500 per month for a four-bedroom farmhouse. For more information and to obtain property details telephone Belvoir Grantham: 01476 542100 or visit www.belvoir.co.uk/Grantham
