Tag Archives: Dawsons Property

Shepherds in Parkmill
Commercial property, Dawsons, Gower, Sales

Dawsons appointed agents to sell Famous Gower landmark business

One of Gower’s most famous businesses is up for sale – Shepherds in Parkmill, which was founded in 1896.

The landmark village shop and five holiday cottages are on the market with Dawsons for £1,200,000. For an investor that would produce a gross accommodation income of approximately £70,000 per annum along with the famous Shepherd’s store, coffee shop and car park to the front.

The village shop began more than 120 years ago as an outpost frequented by locals and travellers. As day-tripping became more popular on Gower Shepherds became well known as a stopping-off-point for families with cars and Sunday school groups.

Shepherds Shop
Shepherds Shop

The existing shop operates on the site of the original premises. The original shop was demolished in the early 1930s and the current building constructed in eight weeks at a cost of £600.

The shop was later run by Don Shepherd, Glamorgan’s legendary bowler and his family.

Many people write fondly of Shepherds, and indeed, the late Sir Harry Secombe wrote of his “courting” exploits in and around Parkmill.

The shop has always been famous for its ice-cream, and countless doctors have prescribed a visit to Shepherds to children suffering from all sorts of ailments – from tonsillitis to glandular fever as its ice cream was so full of goodness.

Shepherds Cafe
Shepherds Cafe

In 1996, when Shepherds was 99 years old, the family retired, and the business was sold to Nick and Emma Hopkins, who, 23 years on, are also now planning their retirement.

“We too were taken to Shepherds as a treat by our own parents as children and had a great deal of love and respect for the place,” said Nick and Emma.

“We have tried to retain as much community spirit within the shop whilst making gradual improvements.  We renovated the shop in 1997, extended the range of ice-cream, built the new cafe extension in 1998, and added the cottage accommodation in 2007.

“We’ve been flat out ever since.  It’s been 10 years now and we’re welcoming new guests and seeing familiar faces return year after year.

“The cottages and apartment are constantly being upgraded and our attention to detail remains as keen as ever. We’re delighted to have received a Guest Review Award 2017 from Booking.com following positive customer feedback and aim to continue to strive to make our guests’ holiday as comfortable as possible.

“It’s now time to pass the baton on to someone else who will love it as we have.

“Our passion for Three Cliffs has grown over the years and we have never taken for granted its breathtaking beauty – we’re now looking forward to spending more quality time at the Bay.”

Chris Hope, Dawsons’ Senior Partner, added: “We are delighted to be associated with such a well-known Gower business and I am sure this is going to generate a lot of interest from near and far.”

Interior of one of Shepherds' cottages
Interior of one of Shepherds’ cottages
Dawsons' Llanelli office 2018
Burry Port Raft Race, Dawsons, Lettings, Llanelli, Sales, Staff

Dawsons’ branch celebrating an eventful 10 years in Llanelli

Dawsons is celebrating after being part of the Llanelli business scene for the past decade.

And it has been an eventful 10 years that has seen the estate agent’s staff levels in the Murray Street branch double as business has grown in the area both regards sales and lettings.

Dawsons prides itself that it employs local staff, some who are Welsh speaking, who know the area like the back of their hands.

Dawsons' Llanelli office 10 years ago
Dawsons’ Llanelli office 10 years ago (Lorraine Evans, first left, and Julie Long, second from right)

Just to show how much has changed in a decade since the branch opened Dawsons has produced then and now pictures.

There is one staff member – Julie Long – who figures in both pictures spanning the 10 years.

“It seems remarkable that Dawsons has had a branch in Llanelli for 10 years – how time has flown,” said Julie.

“I was there when it all started 10 years ago and it is great how the team has expanded in that time, showing what an impact Dawsons has had locally.

“Dawsons is now a real part of the business community in the Llanelli area and that goes to show in how we support and sponsor local events such as the Burry Port Raft Race.”

Also in the original picture is Lorraine Evans, who is now managing the busy sales office in Swansea.

Not only has the staff expanded but the Llanelli office has enjoyed a special makeover to mark its anniversary.

MAIN PICTURE: L-R Angie Bastin, Matthew Whitehead, Joe Chiffi, Ian Stevenson, Caroline Pritchard, Sam Partner, Jo Roberts, Aimee Jones and Julie Long.

View from new Mumbles development
Dawsons, Mumbles, New Homes, Sales

Dawsons appointed as agents for forthcoming luxury Mumbles development

Dawsons Estate agents is delighted to have been named as sole agent for a prestigious forthcoming residential apartment development in Mumbles.

Along with the proposed Marks & Spencer store on the site of the old British Legion building in Newton Road, nine luxury apartments are being built above with the whole development expected to be completed in early 2019.

Not only are these spacious high spec properties situated right in the heart of Mumbles but they will enjoy a section of the beautiful 180 degree panoramic views over Oystermouth Castle, the sweep of Mumbles Bay and around to Mumbles Pier.

“Having been involved in this unique development since close to the start, it is with great excitement that we now see it becoming a reality, with pre-building activity already on site” said Tim Kostromin, Partner with Dawsons Land & New Homes.

“This is a spectacular opportunity for people to own a private luxury apartment, set just off the hustle and bustle of a vibrant village of Mumbles, which is continually improving with its eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and bars.

“Located above the Marks & Spencer store will be the nine luxury apartments, all of which will boast sea and/or castle views, and all having the distinct advantage of parking.”

The construction company Andrew Scott has just begun on site with the main building works to continue right through 2018, with an anticipated completion date of March 2019.

The spacious nine apartments of varying size, some of which will be duplex, will be built to a high specification.

It is anticipated that the official launch will be Summer 2018 however, Dawsons will be releasing information to all database clients when prices are confirmed.

Tim added: “Anyone wishing to register their interest to be informed with more specific detail and prices when launched, is advised to contact either myself, or our Land and New Homes staff, based in our Marina Office on 01792 653100, and we will be pleased to keep them updated.”

Dawsons Sales Director Jo Summerfield and a few of the 44th Beaver Scouts group
Community, Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

DAWSONS GET CREATIVE WITH SKETTY SCHOOL AND BEAVER SCOUTS

Dawsons’ staff have been spending time in the local community in supporting children’s academic and creative achievements.

Our Sketty Sales Branch Manager Alison Morris was invited to visit the children in year 1 at Sketty Primary School last November to assist in their term’s project: ‘Houses and Homes’.

Alison along with Naomi Webborn of Dawsons Marketing team spent time in the classroom helping the children to understand the process of selling a house. There were games and prizes and a question and answer session, where the children were already able to differentiate between house styles – detached, semi-detached, terraced.

Also during November Dawsons’ partner James Dawson, along with both the sales and the lettings directors Jo Summerfield Talbot and Ricky Purdy, joined the 44th Sketty Beaver Scouts for an evening of Lego creations.

Using Lego kindly donated by parents and friends of the 44th Scout troop, the beaver lodges set out to build the most original house with their team-mates which was e judged at the end of the evening by Dawsons, who kindly supplied the winning beaver lodge with a Lego set each to take home.

All beavers received their Lego badge along with the Dawsons team, who had as much fun as the children during the creative session.

Whilst Dawsons staff are dealing with all things property, their marketing team are always on the lookout for how they can assist our local communities here in Swansea and Llanelli.

If you would like our support, please contact Naomi Webborn on 01792 301000 or email naomi.webborn@dawsonsproperty.co.uk.

 

 

NEW STARTERS
Auctions, Charitable Events, Community, Dawsons, Lettings, Mortgages, Relocation, Sales

Dawsons expanding staffing levels in readiness for 2018

While many businesses wind down at the end of the year, Dawsons have been increasing their staffing levels in readiness for another busy New Year.  With more than 13 sales and lettings branches throughout Swansea and Llanelli, Dawsons were looking to recruit staff for several new roles within the company which will bring their staffing levels to more than 120.

Dawsons are a locally-owned business, established in 1991 with many years’ experience in the field of Residential and Commercial Property Sales and Rentals, together with their highly successful Auction Department,  Land and New Homes, Survey, Financial Services and Fine and Country Departments.  2017 proved to be another very successful, busy year with the acquisition of a smaller local letting agent and to top it off winning the Relocation Agent,  Best Agent Regional Winner 2017.

The new staff (pictured above) were all employed in the last quarter of the year and are spread throughout the company covering several different roles from Administrators, Sales and Lettings Negotiators, Inspectors to Mortgage Advisers,. They bring  with them a diverse wealth of knowledge and experience within their field.

Dawsons Sales Director Jo Summerfield said: “We strive to employ the highest, quality staff to ensure we uphold Dawsons core value in delivering excellence.  Customer service is key to our hugely successful operation, therefore maintaining, year on year our No 1 position of independent agents.”

Tim Kostromin, Partner at  Dawsons, said: “We invest in invaluable external and internal training for all our staff thereby ensuring their career development within Dawsons and equally rewarding them for always going that ‘extra mile’, our Rateragent reviews are testament to this.  Staff moral is critical to a successful business as they are the fore front of all we do.”

Chris Hope, Senior Partner, added: “Helping to support our local economy whilst providing a much needed service for those living in the area is a key factor in our business.”

Dawsons’ marketing team came up with a great initiative for 2017  in supporting local businesses in the use of their Reward Card, which has proved to be a huge success, so much so, Dawsons have received a flood of enquiries from other local business’s as to how they become involved in our Reward scheme.

With charitable organisations also being at the forefront of Dawsons’ priorities, already foundations have been laid for many planned fundraising events……….2018 is looking to be another exciting year for all those involved in the company.

Boxing Day rush
Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

One step ahead: Dawsons ready for the Boxing Day bounce – busiest day for property searches online

You might think that December is when the property market goes into hibernation but figures over the past three years prove Boxing Day is the busiest day of the year.

Boxing Day last year saw one popular property portal receive more than 25 million page views, exploding the myth that home buyers, sellers, landlords or tenants wait until spring. Zoopla, the leading portal in South Wales, also saw one property receive more than 8,000 views on Boxing Day alone, proving even more this is a time to access the Dawsons Property portal.

And to cater for that increase in interest Dawsons Property is prepared for this year’s post-Christmas Day rush and have a bumper database of quality properties ready for customers to browse online come Boxing Day.

“With the rise in digital traffic, interest in the property market around Boxing Day has been growing year on year. With the advent of online portals and market leading websites, the way we search for property has changed dramatically,” said Dawsons Director of Residential Lettings, Ricky Purdy.

“Think about it: the Christmas break is a time when Mr and Mrs Jones will have a lot more time together, time they will likely use to browse online for potential properties to view in the New Year, and if your property isn’t on the market, or is waiting to be marketed in the New Year, they won’t see it”.

“What better time of the year for all to put their feet up with a glass of Sherry and mince pie, to see what’s available on the market and to kick-start their search before many many still do in early January.

“Historically, this is also a time of year where there is less property on the market so as a landlord or seller, your competition levels are lower.

“If you’re not a Dawsons client yet, why not give our website a whirl this Boxing Day, search through our numerous properties new to market being launched this weekend and make sure you don’t miss out on this advantageous time to find that perfect property you are looking for in 2018.”

You may also be asking the question: ‘is it worth waiting until spring to sell?’ the simple answer is no. If your decision has been made, the sooner you put your property on the market the better. Gone are the days when the seasons impact on the property market.

Surely the smart move is to put yours on the market now, giving your property the added advantage over the spring competition, when buyers are in abundance, meaning you are very likely to achieve more for your property.  Contact us online to ‘Request a Valuation’, it really is as easy as that.

 

Dawsons represented at Swans DSA Christmas party
Charitable Events, Charity, Community

Dawsons delighted to be part of Swans players’ surprise for DSA members at Christmas Party

Dawsons were proud to be represented when the Disabled Supporters’ Association (DSA) were treated to special guest appearances from Tammy Abraham, Swans Ladies star Emma Beynon and DSA ambassador Lee Trundle at their annual Christmas party.

The guests took part in games, a Q&A session and sang Christmas carols before meeting DSA members at a party held in the Liberty Stadium.

“Dawsons has sponsored the DSA members throughout 2017 and we were delighted to be part of the surprise event,” said Leon Atolagbe, Dawsons Residential Lettings Office Manager.

Launched in 2013, the DSA is continually growing. With 75 members at present, the DSA aims to offer inclusivity to Swans supporters, whilst bringing families and friends together.

The DSA intends to improve facilities and policies that affect the disabled supporters, putting the views of the association to the club and other bodies.

The DSA is looking to build on its foundations and develop an even stronger relationship with Swansea City. All Swansea City disabled supporters are welcome to join, and this includes their family, friends and PAs.

CAPTION: Leon Atolagbe (with red tie at the back) is pictured with DSA members and guests

Dawsons staff at the Marina office sporting their Xmas jumpers
Charitable Events, Charity, Community, Dawsons, Lettings

Dawsons staff get in the festive spirit on Christmas Jumper Day

Dawsons staff have got into the festive spirit and come to work in their best Christmas jumper to raise much needed funds for the charity Save the Children.

Tim Kostromin, Dawsons Partner, Dawsons Partner, said: ”As a company we carry out many fundraising events throughout the year for local charities, and our staff have taken part in the annual national Christmas jumper day for some years now.

“With many offices also having their Secret Santa exchange on the same day, so the day for us all really is an enjoyable one.  We are lucky to have so many staff within the company willing to get involved in raising the much needed funds for all the charities we help.

“With Christmas Day just around the corner we know that while there are many children excited for the presents they will find under the tree there are many who will go without, so raising money for Save the Children at this time of year is crucial across the nation.”

Pictured are staff at the Marina Lettings office sporting their festive jumpers

Dawsons hand over cheque to Wales Air Ambulance
Auctions, Charitable Events, Community, Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

Dawsons hand over cheque to Welsh Air Ambulance after charity abseil

Dawsons staff are delighted to have handed over a cheque for £1,314.98 to the Welsh Air Ambulance following a charity fundraising abseil.

The team of staff from the sales, auction and lettings departments abseiled down a 200ft cliff at Port Eynon on Gower.

Jo Summerfield, Director of Sales at Dawsons, said: “Wales Air Ambulance is a fantastic charity saving lives daily in Wales and transporting those in need to hospitals all over the country.

“We were very keen and pleased to be able to raise as much as possible especially as WAA runs purely on donations.”

Steffan Anderson-Thomas, WAA’s Community Fundraising Co-coordinator, said: “We are extremely grateful to the intrepid staff from Dawsons for their very generous cheque following their abseil.

“With the money they have generously donated Dawsons has funded a mission for one of our helicopters and the money will also go towards funding life-saving equipment and crew.”

Naomi Webborn, from Dawsons lettings department, said: “A big thank you goes to all those who took part and those who sponsored us and especially to the very kind donations from JCP solicitors, Keith Norris of Noble Harbour, Graham Kirby of Benson Watkins, Andrew Davies of Peter Lyn & Partners, Eastside Insurance and Exall & Jones builders merchants.”

PICTURE CAPTION: L-R Andy Iceton, WAA Pilot, Hannah Hearn, Dawsons, Kelly Israel, Dawsons, Corey Ashford, Dawsons, Dewi Thomas, WAA Helicopter Transfer Practioner, Callum Thomas, Dawsons, Amanda Bamford, Dawsons, Naomi Webborn, Dawsons, Natalie Dare, Dawsons, Ben Seabourne, Critical Care Practioner.

 

Dawsons supporting the City of Culture 2021 bid
Dawsons, Lettings, Sales

Dawsons backs Swansea’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2021

Dawsons estate agent is delighted to announce it is backing Swansea’s campaign to become UK City of Culture 2021.

Swansea is one of the five shortlisted cities for the UK City of Culture 2021 title, along with Coventry, Paisley, Sunderland and Stoke-on-Trent.

If successful, it will bring significant social and economic benefits to Swansea and the region. The current UK City of Culture, Hull, is estimated to enjoy an economic boost of at least £60 million whilst already having seen a £1billion boost in investment since being announced the winner of the title. We want Swansea to enjoy the same benefits or greater.

Dawsons is in full support of the bid and is calling on its clients and staff to join them in backing the bid. They are also backed in their support of 2021 by the companies they have joined up with on their newly-launched rewards card scheme.

The Dawsons card can be used in local companies such as: Exall & Jones, The Yankee Shop & Candles & Co., The Optimist, 57 Barbers, Mr Jones of Mumbles, ND John Wine Merchants, Café Play, The Rose Indianne, and The Clothes Clinic and many others soon to be confirmed.

Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons, said: “As a local Swansea-based company we would be delighted if we were to receive the UK City of Culture 2021 title as it would mean so much for the local economy bringing trade and tourism to our much-loved city.

“Whilst we have been working alongside other local companies in recent months with the launch of our reward card for all staff and customers providing discounts in local businesses, we have also collectively supported the bid with several joint promotional campaigns.”

The Swansea 2021 bid team includes Swansea Council, Welsh Government, Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Authority, Museums Wales, Tidal Lagoon, creative professionals, businesses and arts and cultural leaders. All are working together to ensure the outcomes in the Swansea bid for the Swansea people and economy are as strong as possible.

Leader of Swansea Council, Councillor Rob Stewart, said: “We are delighted to have Dawsons backing our bid for UK City of Culture 2021. We’re working hard to secure this status and its benefits for the city and region so having this type of support is vital.

“Winning UK City of Culture would be a fantastic opportunity for Swansea which would benefit everyone in the city. Hull’s UK City of Culture 2017 status has already seen a £1billion boost investment in the city – alongside pride, new jobs and improved reputation. This really does have the ability to transform Swansea forever.

“We need to show the judging panel that we need it, we want it and we can deliver it. Having the support of the city shows that, so we are urging everyone to get behind us by backing the bid.”

CAPTION: Jenny White, Channel Communications (Dawsons’ PR company), Nicola Greene, Fine & Country, Andrea Davies, Mumbles sales, Beth Evans, Fine & Country, Lauren Peschmann, Mumbles lettings, Naomi Webborn, Dawsons lettings coordinator, Catherine Williams, Candles & Co. and The Yankee Shop, and Jamie White, Channel Communications.