Salter Rex, Hampstead
Salter Rex was founded in 1854 by Joseph Salter. He was someone who, in today’s terms, would be known as a high-flyer, for he set up the practice at the very early age of 20 years. What is now 311 Kentish Town Road became his offices. But very different it was then, for Kentish Town - as it is today - hardly existed. Popular rumour has it that these offices were originally the old manor house of Kentish Town village, when much of the surrounding area was open country.
For over 20 years the business prospered, but in 1876 Joseph Salter died. Far from being the end of the practice, it was the beginning of a new era. The firm was sold to William Rex - beginning three generations of association with the company - and James Pearce. That the practice was not just a going concern, but was highly successful, is evident from the purchase price of no less than £3,200 - a huge sum in the 1870s.
THE PRACTICE
The practice became known as William Rex and Company and began to specialise in land agency and agriculture. This reflected the specialist skills of Mr Rex himself, and his links with Mr Pleydell-Bouverie, an important person in the early development of the practice.
The year 1881 saw major changes. William Rex handed over the running of the firm to his sons, and a period of consolidation followed. Much of this was due to the appointment of Mr. Hollis Augustus Crook. FSI. FM. A prominent Roman Catholic, he became a partner in 1910. His links to Salter Rex led to them becoming Surveyors to the Diocese of Westminster, Maples Furnishings of Tottenham Court Road, and the Peteval Estate in Chalk Farm.
GROWTH
The continuing growth of Kentish Town. Particularly as a fashionable residential area, meant a considerable switch in emphasis for Salter Rex. More and more the practice became involved in the residential market and rapidly gained a pre-eminent position in the area. These links have been maintained and built up through two world wars up to the present day.
Now operating from Crown House, 265/267 Kentish Town Road, and with the opening of their Hampstead office, (South End Road) NW3, in the last 10 years, Salter Rex has gone from strength to strength. All sides of the practice have expanded and the familiar boards of Salter Rex are part of the North West London property scene.
We are now looking towards the next Millennium with this our own site on the World-wide Web (www.salter-rex.co.uk). We are part of the 'Homelink' relocation network throughout the EEC and are also strengthening our links with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers and National Association of Estate Agents.
We consider that our agency is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced in this part of London and the major factor for our success is that we have remained independent and provide a personal service with all clients having access to a Director or Partner. Salter Rex not only deals with all aspects of the property market, but deals with them in a professional manner