Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…
Emilie Despois: Fine & Country is a relative newcomer to the premium property market, founded in 2001 to help independent estate agents enter the luxury segment. Our vision was simple: properties at the top end deserve a more sophisticated, bespoke approach. We equipped agents with industry-leading marketing and a nationally recognised brand to deliver an exceptional service to high-net-worth clients.
Since those early days, Fine & Country has grown significantly, and is now represented in around 300 locations worldwide, spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Beyond business success, we’re committed to social responsibility through the Fine & Country Foundation. Established in 2014, the Foundation supports those affected by poverty and homelessness, and has donated over £1 million through bi-annual grants.
What is your brand best known for?
We’re known for our distinctive, thoughtful approach to selling premium homes. Fine & Country goes beyond facts and figures to recognise that buying or selling a home is an emotional journey. Our hallmark is a lifestyle-led perspective combined with beautifully crafted marketing and genuine attention to detail. Each property is treated as unique, with bespoke campaigns showcasing not just the house, but the life it offers.
Our strength lies in blending local expertise with international reach. People choose us not only for results but because of our creativity and approachable way of doing luxury estate agency.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
We’re especially proud to have been named the most recommended estate agency brand on YouGov two years running. In an industry where trust matters deeply, this public endorsement means everything. It reflects the service we deliver every day: putting customers at the heart of what we do, whether selling a countryside manor or finding a city home. It’s about listening, guiding, and supporting people through some of life’s most important decisions. For us, luxury estate agency is professional, approachable, and deeply human – and this recognition shows we’re on the right path.
Why do you love the brand?
What I love most about Fine & Country is the balance we strike between the warmth and creativity of a boutique agency, and the strength of a global network. We innovate and push boundaries in luxury property marketing, delivering a tailored, high-quality service that feels personal and considered. At the same time, we amplify local expertise with world-class marketing and international reach. This unique combination makes Fine & Country special – clients are drawn to the care we put into everything we do, and that inspires real pride in the brand.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
Fine & Country embodies the values that define British luxury: heritage, quality, and understated elegance. We’re proud of our British roots – not just in geography, but in our approach. Our style is refined but never showy, confident yet courteous. This balance lies at the heart of British luxury and is central to our brand. Every home is marketed with creativity and storytelling, and every client treated as an individual with unique tastes and aspirations. We believe true luxury is about the experience – our materials, collaborations, and service all aim to feel exceptional and considered.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
Joining Walpole was a natural step. We share your values – craftsmanship, heritage, innovation, and exceptional service – and wanted to be part of a community that champions British luxury across industries.
Walpole’s cross-sector connections inspire us. Selling homes is about lifestyle, and collaborating with like-minded brands enhances what we offer clients. It also gives us a platform to contribute to British luxury’s evolving story globally. The creativity, community, and shared ambition make Walpole feel like home for Fine & Country.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose?
There are many inspiring Walpole members in lifestyle, interiors, design, and luxury services who align naturally with premium property. We’d love to invite members to join us across our marketing channels – whether through interviews in our magazines, features on our YouTube channel, or social media collaborations. We’re also excited by the idea of co-hosting events where clients can engage with partners and discover what sets British luxury apart. Our goal is to create meaningful partnerships that add value to all involved and celebrate British the excellence.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
As we approach our 25th anniversary in 2026, we have exciting plans underway. We’re refreshing our visual identity with a modernised logo that honours our values. We’re also exploring a return to Channel 4’s Britain’s Most Expensive Houses to showcase exceptional properties and the passion behind our work. International expansion remains a key focus, growing our global network to better serve clients and offer greater exposure for homes.
Finally, we’re in early stages of planning a luxury property show – an exclusive event designed to bring together exceptional properties and like-minded lifestyle brands in a curated, immersive experience. It’s an exciting time as we continue to grow, innovate, and lead in luxury property.
