Trevor Abrahmsohn, director of high-end estate agent Glentree Estates, has broken world records for property sale prices, and bought his current house as a surprise for his wife

What’s special/different about your agency?

We’re the longest serving independent agent in our catchment area. We’re a private, family run business, which holds high principles dear to our hearts, whilst never forgetting that the customer has a choice, and if we let them down, they’ll use it. We aspire to be better at what we do and we always deliver.

Where do you live and with whom?

I live in Hampstead Garden Suburb, opposite the Heath, with my family.

Why did you buy your current property? What’s your favourite thing about it?

Its proximity to the Heath gives us a semi-rural ambience while still close to the West End. It’s a cross between a town house and a city house, in between the two historic villages of Hampstead and Highgate.

If you weren’t an estate agent what would you be?

Something in medicine, helping my fellow man or woman.

When did you buy your first property and what was it like?

In 1979. It was a lovely modest detached house in Hampstead Garden Suburb. I bought it when I got married. The second house I bought for my wife as a surprise. I rather thought it would be what she wanted but I didn’t discuss it with her. We discussed it originally and then we bought it two years later, but I didn’t discuss it with her again before I bought it. I hoped it would be a good surprise, not a bad one.

What’s your dream house?

My present house. Any one that brings good fortune and good health.

What’s the most shocking/surprising thing you’ve seen on the job?

I’ve broken world records: we’ve sold the most expensive properties in the world from London.

In what ways has the north London property market changed since you started out?

It’s become highly competitive. In 1976 when Glentree set up, we were pioneers of modern, progressive estate agency as we know it today. In 1976 estate agency was a very different business than it is today. It was old-fashioned, logos were black and white, we had pompous valuers. What we specialise in is successfully placing property from cottages to castles.

What are your top tips for things to do in north London?

I love the restaurants in Hampstead, they’re eclectic and charming. I love the cafeteria in Kenwood after a long walk on the Heath. I love playing golf on the two golf courses in Hampstead and Highgate. I love having 24-hour shops on the doorstep. The choice of schools are superb and you can enjoy a semi-rural existence and still be very much part of London central.

glentree.co.uk