Meet the team – Duncan Yeardley

Nick started his career as an estate agent in Bracknell after leaving school back in 1990. After taking over ownership of Duncan Yeardley in 2012, he has been ambitiously working hard to develop the business. He lives locally with Charlotte, who also works for DY, and their two children who are pupils at Ranelagh.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be…
To be able to fly with endless energy and distance.

When I was younger, I wanted to be…
An estate agent! Weird I know. At an earlier age I also remember wanting to be a car mechanic.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
Hitting the trails and getting lost in Swinley Forest on my mountain bike.

Top of my bucket list is…
To explore more of the British Isles in our motorhome named ‘Elvis’.

My worst fashion mistake…
Still must be a multi-coloured Gucci shell suit. Why they would ever make a piece of clothing like this!

The thing I like best about my job is…
Supporting our fabulous team by giving them the best tools and helping them thrive and develop their skills.

Helen is Nick’s sister and she successfully set up and established our Lettings Department back in 2013. Having spent much of her career prior to DY working in marketing, Helen now heads up our Marketing & Operations department. This suits her organisational skills and keen eye for detail perfectly! She loves taking long walks with her Labrador Finn and when time permits, travelling and visiting new places around the globe.

Top of my bucket list is…
To travel round Europe in a camper van.

My guilty pleasure…
Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream – I’ve got a very sweet tooth, for my sins.

When I was younger, I wanted to be…
Less shy.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be…
To find a cure for cancer and dementia.

On Sunday morning, you can usually find me…
Up bright and early for a dog walk, come rain or shine!

You might be surprised to know that…
One of my earliest qualifications as a teenager was as a Clarks trained shoe fitter. All those back to school shoes!

Tom attended Garth Hill school in Bracknell and still lives locally with his wife Heather and young children, Isla, Arthur and Olive. His calm and friendly nature makes him an ideal person to help guide clients through the moving process and his dedication, combined with an excellent knowledge of the local area and market, means he has a great ability to spot changing trends.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
The harder you work, the luckier you are.

My favourite word in the English language is…
Potato.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be…
Being invisible.

One of my funniest memories is…
Hiding a walkie talkie in my mums hand bag, my brother and I then sat in the car when she went into a shop and started shouting with a little voice “help, this women has stolen me”. Everyone in the shop was looking round, including my mum wondering where the noise was coming from. We then started on the fart noises etc and got louder and louder. It was getting awkward for everyone by this point and the shop keeper was getting angry. My mum finally realised what was going on and left the shop and all her shopping. We thought we were going to get told off, but she was in hysterics with us.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
Trying to convince my little ones it’s still bedtime, even if it isn’t.

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is…
My grandad Bob.

Hannah started her career in estate agency at the age of 19 working in Maidenhead and has more than 20 years’ experience in all aspects of Lettings. Outside of work she likes to keep active, is a keen traveller and loves spending time with family and friends.

What do you like best about your job?
Building relationships with clients and helping staff develop their careers.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I am half Italian hence the hair and height.

Guilty pleasures?
Shopping and eating chocolate!

My worst fashion mistake was…
A Rebook tracksuit and matching trainers!

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is…
Sarah Jessica Parker.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
In bed with my cats Koki & Kiki.

Ian started his career back in 1988 as a land buyer with the house builder Charles Church. Covering the south east of England he has gained an invaluable knowledge in the acquisition and planning process, boasting a proven track record for successfully developing numerous sites and then working with the builder to bring the new homes to market. Outside of work, Ian is an avid cricket fan who enjoys following England’s up and downs!

Worst fashion mistake…
Pretty much my entire wardrobe during the eighties.

First car…
VW Polo, with the widest wheels that would fit on it.

Favourite film…
To Kill a Mockingbird.

Favourite food…
Chicken in white wine and cream sauce.

Favourite holiday destination…
Sicily, Italy.

The person you would most like to invite to dinner…
Leonardo da Vinci.

Callum followed his Dad into estate agency and has always had a passion for selling property. He started with work experience and went straight into the industry after leaving school, building on his experience in the local area over the last eight years. Away from the office he enjoys watching and playing football with friends.

The thing I like best about my job is…
Having clients come back to me from a previous move and seeing the change in their lives, whether it be they’ve had a child and are now upsizing or the kids have flown the nest and they need to downsize.

Top of my bucket list is…
To go on a safari in South Africa.

My guilty pleasure is…
Escape rooms.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be…
Mind reading.

When I was younger, I wanted to be…
James Bond.

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is…
Harry Potter.

Jessica started her career in estate agency at the age of 17, working in Reading, London and Bracknell and has experience in all aspects of Lettings. Friendly and personable, she is happy to help clients and enjoys creating new relationships. Away from work she loves spending time with family and friends but most importantly, online shopping!

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given…
Well its more of a quote! “She believed she could so she did”.

My favourite word in the English language…
Well let’s keep this professional, shall we say ‘sleep’.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
Snuggled up with my furbabies Tinks and Theo!

My guilty pleasures are…
Sour cream Pringles and ketchup YUM.

The thing I like best about my job is…
Building relationships with new people!

Keith has proudly been an estate agent all his working life and therefore boasts an impressive knowledge of the industry and the local housing market. Having benefited from working in varying markets, he is well placed to provide expert advice to clients wishing to move home. Away from work Keith enjoys spending time with his family, running and when time permits, a round of golf.

My favourite word in the English language is…
Perpendicular.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a… 
Pilot.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me… 
On the beach walking or running.

You might be surprised to know that…
I appeared on an episode of Homes Under The Hammer.

The thing I like best about my job is… 
The people I work with.

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is… 
Jamie Redknapp.

Judy has lived in Bracknell all her life and resides near South Hill Park with her family, which includes two dogs and two cats. She is great with people and has a real talent for spotting the right home for her clients. Outside of work she is always on the go – busy socialising and looking after her children and grandchildren.

First car?
Mini Clubman estate. On my first lesson I drove it into the garage door with my dad’s car parked inside!

Favourite film?
Grease. I have lost count how many times I’ve watched it.

The person you would most like to invite to dinner?
Strangely Chris Evans, the presenters of Sunday Brunch and Karl Pilkington.

Favourite holiday destination?
The Maldives.

First music you bought?
Meatloaf album.

Favourite food?
It would be easier to list my least favourite

Lee is a born and bred local chap. He studied at Easthampstead Park and went on to successfully gain a Diploma in Sport with distinction. A big Liverpool FC fan and a fully qualified F.A. football coach, Lee lives in Crown Wood with his partner Becky and their daughter Amelia.

When I was younger, I wanted to be…
A professional football coach. I was lucky enough to fulfil this and spent 12 years coaching football to kids and adults locally and in America and Norway.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
In the kitchen cooking breakfast for the family. My speciality is eggs, I’ve been told I make a cracking omelette.

My worst fashion mistake was…
Wearing ¾ length trousers on a lads holiday, I thought I looked cool at the time but now I look back and realise that I definitely wasn’t.

My guilty pleasures are…
Lawn care (I find getting great stripes in the grass is very satisfying), dance music and fitness.

You might be surprised to know that…
I used to be a regional champion at javelin. I won a gold medal representing Thames Valley whilst I was in the Air Training Core.

The thing I like best about my job is…
That we get to help people find their dream home, I find it very rewarding when you see the look on people’s faces once they’ve found the right property.

Lucy has enjoyed a successful career in estate agency for over ten years’, with the majority of this working in the local market. Another team member living in Bracknell she has an excellent knowledge of the market and a real ability to see the potential in a property. Outside of work Lucy enjoys spending time with her family.

When I was younger, I wanted to be… 
A Forensic Scientist.

Top of my bucket list is…
To see The Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

My worst fashion mistake was…
Err born and raised in 1980s Bracknell, so so many: undercut permed hair, puffball skirts, stonewash jeans bought from Bracknell Market to name but a few.

You might be surprised to know that… 
I have a degree in Politics and International Studies.

The thing I like best about my job is…
Our lovely clients!

Adele has worked within a sales environment for many years and was a Branch Manager for a corporate estate agency prior to joining Duncan Yeardley, which has given her an excellent understanding of the property sales process and helping people move. She has lived locally for most of her life, apart from three years spent living and working in Munich, Germany. Adele’s son, Oskar arrived in 2019 and certainly keeps his parents busy outside of work, when they enjoy days out and travel.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
To tackle the tough jobs first and the easy jobs last, that way you will get through the things you have to do a lot quicker!

When I was younger, I wanted to be…
A vet – until I found out that it wasn’t all about fluffy cuddles!

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
Up at 6am with my two year old supported by a large cup of coffee!

You might be surprised to know that…
I was once handcuffed and searched as a suspected threat to the royal family. You will be pleased to know that I was later released without charge after accidentally getting caught in the middle of a PETA campaign against the royals for using Canadian bears fur in the traditional guard hats.

The thing I like best about my job…
Are the people, whether that’s helping someone find their dream home, enabling their onward move or just offering some good advice that is well received and helps.

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is…
My late father.

Mandy spent over 30 years working in the travel agency business, which gave her the opportunity to travel around the world, collecting fond memories along the way. Mandy prides herself on her friendly and attentive approach to sales and customer service, making her the perfect fit for Duncan Yeardley! In her spare time she is a voluntary support worker for Youthline, based in Bracknell, and also likes to watch football, eat cheese and travel.

My favourite word in the English language is…
Quintessential.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be…
Teleportation.

One of my funniest memories is…
Once when a bit tipsy, I gate crashed past the audition queue of Britain’s Got Talent. I got to the holding room at the side of the stage. My friend then brought to my attention I had no talent, so we both legged it hysterically out the building!

My worst fashion mistake…
Was on several occasions leaving the ladies toilet with my dress tucked in the back of my knickers!

My guilty pleasures…
Are watching back to back, 90 Day Fiancé and Married at First Sight.

You might be surprised to know that…
I am actually quite shy.

Anastasia is brilliant with people and loves creating new relationships. Perfect skills for her role at DY! Away from work she’s a keen gym bunny and enjoys taking her dog out on long walks, plus she’s a natural both in front of and behind the camera!

When I was younger I wanted to be…

A fashion stylist. Even now I still go around telling my family and friends what to wear and if they ever need advice they know who to come to. 

Top of my bucket list is…

A skydive in Dubai.

You might be surprised to know…

I am a Grade 8 singer. When I was 10 years old I performed at the Royal Albert Hall and went on a music tour through Barcelona in 2017.

On Sunday mornings you can usually find me…

Giving my dog a lovely long walk around Virginia Water.

Gina has worked in the property industry for over 20 years and started her career as a trainee estate agent in Bracknell. She spent five years in Australia from age 11 when her parents emigrated and still has family out there, so feels very lucky to have had that experience. When she’s not at work she is Mum to Joseph and on the rare days she’s not in taxi mode she can often be found in a park or at the beach.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
That your own happiness is a reflection of your day-to-day, the things you’re doing, and most important, how you are doing them. Create your own environment. Put yourself in a place that will help you grow, not suppress your growth. Surround yourself with people who love and understand, or at least make the effort to understand you and if it is not working, change it!

When I was younger, I wanted to be…
An infant school teacher.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
Walking along the seafront with a coffee.

My guilty pleasure…
Is watching WWE.

You might be surprised to know…
That I went to the WWE Hall of Fame & Westlemania 25 in Texas and met several wrestlers in the WWE.

The thing I like best about my job is…
Helping people get moved, the process can hit bumps on the legal journey, I love helping find solutions for any party I can to ensure that all move into their new homes. I will help anyone I can even if they are not our clients to achieve the sales and purchases for all within our chains.

Vivien has worked in the lettings industry for five years, dealing directly with tenants and landlords. She understands the importance of delivering excellent customer service and finds it very rewarding matching tenants to the right properties. In her free time, Vivien loves to play golf and clean the house!

My worst fashion mistake was…
When I was 15 I purchased pink a Juicy Couture tracksuit with my black UGG boots.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
In bed with a cup of coffee watching Netflix.

My guilty pleasures are…
Chocolate and a Burger King.

You might be surprised to know that…
I’m half Spanish. My hair goes wild if I don’t style it!

The thing I like best about my job is…
Being able to provide great customer service to all of our clients.

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is…
Leonardo DiCaprio

Liam attended school locally in Ascot and began his career in Estate Agency aged 18 in the Bracknell area. He has gone on to gain experience within the Maidenhead, Reading and Wokingham markets too. Building relationships is what Liam enjoys the most in his role, which gives him the opportunity to meet and help all kinds of people. Away from work, Liam enjoys playing football throughout the week and for a local Bracknell team on a Sunday (some say the next Sunday League Pirlo).

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing.

Top of my bucket list is…
To travel around America and Australia.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
On a football pitch in all weathers – potentially a little jaded from the night before.

My guilty pleasures are…
Watching Super Sunday and the F1 whilst devouring a takeaway. Highly recommended.

The thing I like best about my job…
Helping and advising landlords how best to make the process of letting their property as stress-free as possible, and assuring tenants throughout the process so that it becomes an enjoyable and exciting experience.

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is…
Sir Alex Ferguson.

Jan has lived in the local area with her family for many years and loves spending quality time with friends and family. She has worked in Property Management for over 10 years and thoroughly enjoys it.

My favourite word in the English language is…
Fabulous

When I was younger, I wanted to be a…
A vet, but quickly realised that not all animals are cute and cuddly.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
In the garden with a coffee, especially on a sunny Autumn morning.

My guilty pleasures are…
A good glass of red wine whilst watching a Scandi Noir series.

The thing I like best about my job is…
That each day brings a new exciting challenge and I always strive to make a difference.

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is…
Bradley Walsh, he would be such fun.

Liz has worked in property management for over five years now for corporate to family-run businesses. She particularly enjoys the problem-solving aspects of the job and providing great service to our clients. Outside of work Liz enjoys spending time with family and friends and doing anything that allows her to be creative, from hair and makeup to cooking, painting and drawing.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
Burrito’d in my duvet watching a good series. As on the 7th day he rested!

You might be surprised to know that…
I am a closet nerd, I play video games, watch anime and geek out on things like Marvel and star wars.

My guilty pleasures are…
Terry’s chocolate orange.

The thing I like best about my job is…
Providing great customer service and building strong relationships with my landlords and tenants.

My worst fashion mistake was…
Although there have been many, one that stands out was wanting to look like sporty spice in the tracksuit with the crop top but being a child with puppy fat it didn’t quite have the same effect.

Michelle has worked in property management for 15 years, originally dealing with Block Management. Prior to that she worked as a long haul stewardess for British Airways for 13 years. Away from work Michelle loves to travel, stay fit and walk her dog, Pebbles!

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
You reap what you sow.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be…
To read minds.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a…
Barrister.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
Asleep.

My worst fashion mistake was…
A headband.

My guilty pleasure…
A spoon full of Nutella with hazelnuts mixed in.

Chantelle moved over to the UK from Cape Town, South Africa with her husband and daughter. She previously worked in Property Management and has many years of Admin and Management experience. When not at work, Chantelle and her family love to go camping, for walks. On less sunny days, you’ll find her curled up on the couch with a good book or a movie and always a cup of tea in hand or baking something in the kitchen.

When I was younger, I wanted to be…
A baker. I love to bake and even better when I am baking something with chocolate.

Worst fashion mistake was…
My bob haircut when I was 10 and the awful 90’s clothes that went with it. What was I thinking?

My guilty pleasures…
80’s music and boy bands from the 90’s. It always puts me in a good mood and gets me ready to dance.

One of my funniest memories is…
We were away camping in Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve in South Africa. I was sitting alongside the ocean by my caravan enjoying my morning tea and a rusk (a South African sort of morning biscuit). I had left the box of rusks sitting open on the table and a baboon came down off the side of the mountain, snuck in behind me and stole my box of rusks. He ran back up the mountain and sat and ate the whole box while looking at me. So I told him very loudly that they don’t taste very nice without tea.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
That if someone hasn’t earned the right to give an opinion about you then don’t let their opinion bother you.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…
Wrapped up in my gown eating French toast and bacon with my family.

Another family member working in the business. Charlotte looks after the accounts side of Duncan Yeardley. All those years watching Countdown paid off! She used to fly around the world as long haul cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic but life is now very different, looking after two children, two cats and a dog!

When I was younger I wanted to be…
An Airline Pilot.

On Sunday Mornings, you can find me…
Either in bed with a cup of tea or upcycling some furniture.

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is…
My sister in Australia.

My guilty pleasures are…
Cheesy popcorn and TUC biscuits, which I cannot buy or I will eat a whole packet.

Top of my bucket list is…
Travel of any kind – Australia, Southern Italy, Mexico, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand. Give me a plane ticket anywhere and I’ll go!

My worst fashion mistake was…
A shell suit and green mascara. I was a teenager in the 90’s so there are too many to remember (although scarily some are coming back into fashion!).

The best thing about my job is…
The people, the ones I work with and the ones I meet along the way.

Louise is friendly, bubbly and loves talking to people! Louise has been brought up in Bracknell, however, she spent three years studying photography at University in Southampton. She definitely has a creative streak, and when not at work, you can find her crafting!

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…

Be yourself and remember you can’t please everyone.

My favourite word in the English language is…

Discombobulated.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a…

Marine biologist. Unfortunately, my fear of the ocean got in the way.

On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me…

Spending time with my family, especially my little niece. It means I get to be a big kid again and take her to the park or soft play.

Top of my bucket list is…

To hold a monkey. I know it’s a little bit out there but, they’re my favourite animal.

My guilty pleasures are…

a cheeky glass of gin and some cheese.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
You only live once as far as we know, make the most of this life the best way we can.

If I were a superhero, my superhero power would be…
To get my daughters to tidy up after themselves just like Mary Poppins could by clicking her fingers!

My worst fashion mistake was…
Dungarees, paisley shirt, and black wallabies! If you’re around my age, you’ll know!

You might be surprised to know…
That I am a Reiki Master.

The thing I like best about my job is…
It sounds cliche, but I love it when you see the look on someone’s face when they realise, they have found their dream home.

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is…
My Nan and Grandpa. Both passed when I was younger. I would love to sit down and have a cup of tea and chat with them, listening to stories of their lives growing up in India and how they met.

Eileen retired from 3M in 2021 after 18 years of service. During that time, she was fortunate to have held several positions in Marketing, Credit Control and Events. When Covid turned the world upside down, she retrained and hosted live webinars. Eileen loves her role as a Viewing Assistant with Duncan Yeardley and hopes to continue working with Team DY and our clients for a long time to come!

The best thing I like about my job is…
The team spirit, and meeting a diverse range of people from all walks of life.

When I was younger, I wanted to be…
A singer.

My guilty pleasures are…
Sweets, good food and white wine.

You might be surprised to know that…
I love being a Nanny to my grandchildren who always make me smile, animals and Yoga classes.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be…
To help those less fortunate than myself.

The person I’d most like to go for a drink with is…
In the plural, my girlfriends, as the four of us have been friends for over 50 years. But I wouldn’t say no to a drink with George Clooney!

Michelle was born in Ascot and has lived in the area all her life, attending Ranelagh School in Bracknell. After studying Business & Finance at college she decided she wanted to see the world and joined British Airways as cabin crew – 25 years later as she’s still there! As Michelle is only flying part time, she jumped at the chance to work as a Viewing Assistant at Duncan Yeardley, as she’s very interested in houses and meeting people. We’re pleased to say, she absolutely loves it.

Outside of work you’ll find me…
Power walking, socialising with family or friends or being a chauffeur to my 3 children.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
You snooze, you lose.

My favourite word in the English language is…
One that I’m unable to express here, or “whatever.”

My worst fashion mistake was…
Wearing Laura Ashley dresses as a teenager.

My guilty pleasures are…
Fine dining, champagne and chocolate.

Top of my bucket list is…
Visiting The Maldives.