About Me

The Woman, The Myth… The Legend

A Brief History of Nony

My first job was in an independent television company based in Newman Street, London. We covered state visits of foreign dignitaries, the IRA bombings on Oxford St… but the most famous production I worked on was The Royal Wedding in 1981.

From there, I went to LWT, and worked as a Production Secretary on the most amazing and iconic television shows such as Game For A Laugh, Blind Date, Surprise Surprise and the chat shows presented by Gloria Hunniford and Michael Aspel.  I met some incredibly famous people, and have some memorable stories to share…

Esther Rantzen came in as a guest on one of the shows I was working on, and she was looking for an Assistant.  In 1990, I fulfilled that role, via the BBC, and had an incredible time, and learned so much from a most remarkable woman.  My job was basically to liaise with the 22 charities she represented, as well as high level politicians, dignitaries and Buckingham Palace, as well as involvement in ChildLine, a charity she founded in 1986.

I met my future husband in 1991, we were married in 1992 and I left the BBC when we started a family.  We moved to Hampshire in 1998, when our children were 4 & 2 years old, and have been here, in and around Alresford, ever since.

Shortly after arriving in Hampshire, I was bored of conversations surrounding chicken nuggets and Pampers… it was time to get back to work. I took a Secretary’s position at John D Wood & Co in Winchester, working my way up to full time negotiator at Lindesays Arkwright. Some people found it strange that I went from a career in television to estate agency.  Weirdly enough, it wasn’t. It is all people based, dealing with the public with honesty and integrity. 

I moved to Charters Estate Agents in 2010, building a reputation for hard work, dedication, and focus on customer service.  Whilst there, I was recognised by the RaterAgent organisation for the second highest number of 5* reviews for customer service across the UK, and was proud to have been awarded Negotiator of the Year in 2016 by the Times And Sunday Times Estate Agent Awards – an accolade for which I’m still extremely proud.

Anyone buying or selling in and around Winchester will likely have dealt with me over the past twenty two years.  One client was having lunch with a friend a few years ago, and mentioned she was house hunting in Winchester. Someone eating on another table overheard their conversation, leant across and said, “If you are looking to buy in Winchester, you need to speak with Nony”…  they were eating lunch in Portugal!

I left Charters in the autumn of 2020, and am now a Freelance Estate Agent (under the umbrella of Martin & Co), working on my own, which albeit a challenge, I do get enormous pleasure from. I am extremely proud that a number of my long term clients have followed me into the independent world, and brought me their properties to sell.  

I am known for totally immersing myself into the houses and clients I have represented, with the ethos of: 

“if someone gives you their house to sell, it is probably the biggest and most important asset they own. No-one chooses to sell for fun – it will be to fulfil a need of some form. If a client entrusts their home to you, they will worry/stress and likely live and breathe it until it is sold. 

Therefore, the least their agent can do is do the same”.  

Testimonials

I can talk about my work for days, but really what you need to know about me will come from my previous clients.

I feel blessed to have worked with such great people over the years, all of these recommendations can be cross-referenced with my Linkedin profile…genuine and untampered!

I can’t recommend Nony Kerr-Smiley enough. She does what estate agents should all do for their clients and so much more. Without her persistence and personal care I feel sure that our transaction would have been delayed and possibly have collapsed altogether. There is a popular golfing expression that goes along the lines of “the more I practice, the luckier I get”, Nony’s success is no doubt down to her hard work as well as her “never say die” approach to life.
Mike Ritchie-CoxDirector at Connaught Search Solutions
I bought my first house in Winchester through Nony. I didn’t even remember the company name behind which she operated because she made our family, our wishes and our needs personal. It was all her! It wasn’t a transaction but more of an interaction. She broke her wrist showing us a house my wife was so insistent on seeing which she knew we wouldn’t like, but she kept listening and kept persevering to show us something that we would eventually end up buying.

We are now selling, buying, looking and my experience of other estate agents in Winchester is just astonishing. Values, ethics, morals are not to be seen. It’s crazy that a home and the biggest investment a family can make is nothing more than a transaction.

Nony on the other hand is selfless, relentless and morally just different. Shout out to Pearson’s also, old school but of value.
Martin JohnstonManaging Director at Earth Creative Strategies
Like no other.

Nony offers the most fantastic estate agency experience from her passion, her tireless commitment, her knowledge, her creativity, right through to the straightforward nuts and bolts getting the necessary done.

She is with you all the way and makes that difference everywhere she goes. The powerhouse of Winchester estate agency in one cheerful chatty lady who will make you smile, and be the one you return to again and again 😀
Tim PagetIndependent Pharmaceuticals Professional
Nony is quite simply the best estate agent ever. In fact, “estate agent” does not do her justice. The time and effort she puts in to finding what you need, either property or buyers and the follow up care is incredible. She will get deals over the line. Nony’s phenomenal skills and ability are amazing. I wish we still lived in Winchester!
Joanna McKennaPaediatric Orthopaedics
Beneath the frenetic and eclectic exterior that is Nony Kerr-Smiley lies one of the most passionate property professionals you could ever wish to meet. Her love of Winchester and the surrounding areas shines through whenever you speak to her. She is driven to help people and because of that she has a hugely expansive knowledge of the market in which she is situated. She helped me out recently with a friend of mine who had a close friend who needed emergency accommodation during the recent lock down as the person in question had to fly in from abroad with special dispensation to be with a terminally ill relative who was in hospital in Winchester. I reached out to many people but Nony went the extra mile calling people she knew to see if she could help. She kept checking if things were sorted which thankfully arrangements could be made in the end. She did not known the person that needed the help and neither did I directly but her true altruism shone through. God broke the mould in a good way when he created Nony.
Paul SamsPartner at Dutton Gregory Solicitors
Nony is Brilliant - she comes up with all the connections (People and Properties) you might need and then some you would never have gotten to - all at the speed of light!
Desiree Ratcliffe-LattimoreManaging Director A,D8 UK Ltd
I thoroughly recommend working with Nony as an estate agent - if you're looking to buy or sell a home, she's honest, very hard-working and has deep integrity which isn't always a quality renowned in this industry. Nony is also very aware of the markets, she's an experienced agent with many years in the business, and she develops a great understanding of what's important to you as a client, especially during what can be a stressful time moving.
Marcos FrangosFounder & Director Wellspring Change Ltd
I know Nony from her time at Charters estate agents. I found her to be professional, open and honest as well as the hardest working agent I have come across, If Nony says "I will get back to you today" you can pretty much guarantee she will... it might be in the evening... but she will ! you cant ask for more than that. Good Luck to you Nony.
Nick BakerDirector Of Operations at ALEXANDRA HEATING SERVICES LIMITED
Nony exceeded all expectations when working with her on a move to the Winchester area. Winchester was a new area for us and we had limited knowledge of the property market. Nony was first class in taking time to understand exactly what we were looking for and was so helpful in supporting us in finding our home. My experience with Nony was unlike any other experience with previous estate agents and she will be the first person I turn to in the future for Winchester property advice!
Ben FindlayGlobal Account Manager | Financial Services
Nony is probably Winchester’s best property agent. As a buyer she was fantastic seeking out the right place for me. During negotiations she was a consummate professional. I would also be very happy to sell my place through her as I know she fought well for her client.
Tim DudderidgeConsultant Urologist at University Hospital Southampton
Nony knows the Winchester property market like nobody else I have met. She knows what a fair market price is and works hard to push deals through for the benefit of all. I would not hesitate to go to Nony for all my Winchester and surrounding area property sales/purchase needs!
Mike Ritchie-Cox Director at Connaught
Nony Kerr-Smiley is simply the go to person if you’re looking to sell or buy a house in the Winchester area. With decades of experience and a personal service that I have never experienced anywhere else I would recommend Nony to anyone. You really will feel that she cares and is giving you 110% attention at all times and she will work long into the night and on weekends to ensure her clients’ satisfaction. I have friends that have also used Nony before and they say the same - in fact she had become a personal friend to some. I’m looking forward to having her back doing what she does best.
Shona ChalmersAir Traffic Controller at NATS
In the time we worked together it was obvious that Nony knows her stuff. A demonstrated high level of customer service which was not just lip service to the process. When someone enjoys their job, you see it in their performance. And Nony enjoys what she does.
Mark PiperRegional Financial Services Sales Manager at Countrywide Mortgages
I first met Nony when she was a kingpin at Charters in Winchester, when she showed me a range of five properties on or around my specification; I bought one of them the very next day. So as someone to buy from she is clearly brilliant at actively selecting and putting the right choices in front of the customer.

Now, I am selling through her and it's the same story of accurate understanding of the market, excellent presentation of property, from stills and on video, and a refreshingly direct manner and a total lack of b****. Aside from being very personable, she is very focused and a bit of a dynamo. Sold my place within two weeks of going to market, tells you all you need to know really.

Formidable!
Absolutely no hesitation in recommending her!
Dr Stephen Rhys Thomas MSc PhDCambridge Neuroscientist
One of a kind....and you'll be in the safest hands! Met Nony recently, who apart from being an amazing personality is also completely switched on in regards EVERYTHING property-wise. Nony has 'looked after' many friends and contacts in the area, and the reports are always similar in that she always delivers, works very neutrally and provides advice you need and want to hear! She's a hand holder and you won't want to let go. She is very much a doer....and lives and breathes, selflessly, the property market. A credit to her profession.
George GrosCEO at Winning Ticket LLC
Is she an estate agent?

Nony helped me with my Winchester property search in September 2016 and with her friendly manner she won over my trust very quickly so much so that when left with the difficult decision of which property to proceed with, there was only one person to go to for advice. Nony gave me a clear straightforward response which was hugely appreciated when faced with an important decision.

A few weeks ago we decided to move on an put the property on the market. We love the property but it’s time to move on. We instantly sought out Nony and were delighted she is still in the property business. Since then Nony has been as friendly as ever, answered calls promptly, guiding us through important small attentions to detail involved in selling a property and with her colleague Zoe has taken wonderful photos/video tours of our home. We are receiving a very personal service from Nony and are confident our property is in the best hands with her.

So, in conclusion, yes is Nony is an estate agent but far more than that, is someone we enjoy working with and most importantly trust. She is an estate agent like few others. We are lucky we have her in Winchester.
Richard ChiniSenior Consultant at Lane Clark & Peacock LLP
Having worked with Nony during a couple of sales, I have experienced first hand her knowledge of the Winchester market. I wouldn't hesitate to sell another property with her.
Amy LushBarrister at 3PB
Nony is a true professional and extremely great at what she does. She will go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure her customers are happy. Quite often I’ve had calls from Nony well into the evening just to make sure things progress smoothly. She’s been a real pleasure to deal with and I couldn’t recommend her enough.
Ashley SennaSales Director Chervon Europe Ltd
Nony has an incredible knowledge of the area and industry. Her ability to listen to and understand a house-hunter’s needs are simply amazing. Nony is highly personable, attentive and outstanding with her regular communication. She’ll invest all her time getting to know both a seller and a buyer to find the right match. We are in our dream home thanks to Nony and she will always remain our first point of contact should we look to sell and buy in the future!
Claire TraceyHead of Brand, Marketing and Communications - Luxury, UHNW
Hard working is an understatement, I am not sure Nony ever went home! Saw an opportunity and didn’t let go. Nony was well regarded in our industry, thorough and always got the job she set out to do; done! Very kind and compassionate, not sure how she us coping not being able to hug.
Anita AndrewsBranch Director at ME Estate Agents
Have known Nony for years and has guided me through all our house purchases and sales. Amazing communication skills and knowledge of the Winchester residential market.
Tom HollowayDirector & Chartered Surveyor at Holloway Iliffe & Mitchell
A very safe pair of hands, Nony knows the Winchester market, in particular, like the back of her hand.
Delia EdwardsSales & Marketing Manager at Hazeley Developments Ltd
Nony helped us buy our first home in a competitive Winchester housing market. She really listened to what we were looking for and found us a great house in a wonderful community close to downtown Winchester. When we moved abroad we chose to use the company where Nony worked to manage our property. Nony was brilliant at ensuring our interests as landlords were protected and that things happened when they got stuck within the internal workings of the property management team. As we start to think about our next family home we will definitely be looking to Nony to help us!
Isabel FelsteadEnvironmental Program and Project Manager
Nony is efficient, cheerful, no-nonsense and tenacious - it's always been a pleasure working with her and I look forward to roking together again!
Marcus WhitfieldInvestor and entrepreneur
On many occasions, I would drive by the office Nony worked at, way past closing time, the lights were on and there she would be giving 110% to her clients and the folks she worked for. Dedication like that is rare and it is why Nony achieved the exceptional results she did. I have worked with Nony on and off for many years, buying and selling property as a developer. She is unique, a great communicator, does what she says when she says she will do it and has a great empathy. In a fast moving world, this is refreshing. If I were to enter the agency market, I would seek the likes of Nony. A business is only as good as those you choose to work within it. Why compromise?
Jonathan GreatrixFurniture design and Sourcing/ Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot
Nony was an absolute super star with our tricky sale. She worked so hard with our negotiations where I always felt she had our best interests at heart. She added such a personal touch to the process and I can’t thank her enough for making it all happen. Was definitely touch and go at some points.
Camilla PerrellaRecruitment Consultant at 1-1 Recruitment

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