Mark and Leonora Wollner have run Searchwells from their listed Georgian Watermill in Chelmsford, Essex since 2006. They have a passion and understanding for property gained from years of buying and refurbishing, as well as living in unique properties in London and Essex.

It is their non-agency background that enables them to see purchases from the buyer’s perspective. Their flexible approach also means that they can provide a uniquely tailored ‘end-to-end’ service.

Mark is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and ex-Finance Director of a multinational mobile operator. He focuses on development using experience gained in the wealth management sector.

Leonora previously worked in international marketing for over 20 years. She learnt key lessons about Customer Service running her own marketing consultancy.

Growing up in Hampshire farmhouses nurtured Leo’s love of old buildings. And, delivering marketing campaigns trained her to listen, plan and budget effectively. During the 80’s, she was also involved in the acquisition and management of varied properties for overseas HNW’s. Since then her interest in property has seen her refurbish her own homes as well as refurbish and rent additional properties.

Living in a watermill (with a river running through the hall), also provides a very real insight into building structure as well as with working with a varied range of suppliers who, combined, keep it maintained. This experience has proved invaluable when dealing with clients whether they choose to purchase a new or character property of value.

“I cannot recommend Leonora highly enough, not only in terms of her considerable personal integrity and expertise, but also her ability to guide our house purchase to an extremely satisfactory outcome. Leonora’s excellent communication and negotiating skills were paramount in achieving this and we would not hesitate to approach Searchwells again in the future. ”

Dr J H

“Now we’ve exchanged, I’d like to seize the moment and say how impressed I and my colleagues are with Searchwells. Early mornings, late nights, meeting auctioneers, electricians, plumbers & even hand delivering contracts to London was beyond the call of duty, but necessary in driving this transaction to a good conclusion. And, not forgetting, finding a house not on the open market”

Mr W – National Estate Agent

“Your advice and good humour helped me to downsize after bereavement. I found the process exciting especially as the house I’m now in, wasn’t even for sale when you wrote to the owner! Thank-you also for managing my new home’s refurbishment, I really couldn’t have done all this without you.”

Dr. W

“I had just a few hours available to view properties in London with Leo. Out of 10 viewed, all were relevant and one was perfect. In a rising market a reduced price was agreed and Leo handled the purchase as I was out of the country. Since completion, the property has been interior designed, personally kitted out and I now have a regular housekeeper. Thank-you Leo, this wouldn’t have happened without you.”

Mr M

“Thank-you for your tremendous efforts to secure our accommodation; you met our brief to the letter. Although reason enough to thank-you, the fact that you achieved this whilst we were some 8,000 miles away in Brunei, makes us all the more grateful. Throughout the process we found you to be highly professional balanced by a degree of friendliness that was both refreshing and reassuring.”

Capt. H

“… Leo has a particular way of putting people at ease, allowing her access to otherwise no go areas and encouraging sellers to reveal the history of the properties and their aspirations. … Leo was attentive, responsive, pro-active, methodical, persistent and above all very sensitive to our needs and decisions. To offer a successful service in this market requires a unique skill set, which I believe Leo has in abundance. ”

The H Family

“After seeing The Grange we instantly fell in love with it and now, on the brink of exchange, our dream is about to materialise. Your fee was saved in the negotiations alone and we cannot recommend you highly enough.”

Mr and Mrs G

“Leonora is particularly adept at unearthing opportunities that we would have never found ourselves. She was always very flexible in accommodating our limited availability and a pleasure to work with.”

Mrs T

“My new home is beyond what I ever dreamt of when I embarked on this search. I know I would have never seen my house, never mind been lucky enough to obtain it, without Leo’s support.”

Ms B

“Since settling in to our new home our relationship with Searchwells continued. We have been introduced to local tradesmen who have worked to a high standard. Most recently, Searchwells have also located period fumiture, selecting items for consideration which were then brought to our home for no-obligation viewing.”

Mr H

“I have never heard of anyone pushing a deal through as quickly as Leo has managed to do.”

Mr and Mrs G

“Searchwells found us our country home. My wife is in a wheelchair so our requirements were difficult and we have been choosy about where we want to be. We found them extraordinarily supportive and helpful. They are very friendly and good people to deal with.”

Mr and Mrs R

“Leo was employed by my buyers and did a tremendous job. Although I was not the fee payer, she made the arduous task of moving house run like clockwork and assists wherever needed.”

Mrs W