About Us

Chaffers Estate Agents Ltd, your trusted local independent estate agent, dedicated to guiding you home in North Dorset, South East Somerset, and South West Wiltshire. Established in 1990 with the Gillingham Office, followed by Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton, our name is rooted in the Old English term "chaffer," reflecting our commitment to negotiation and value.

With strategically located offices boasting captivating window displays, our knowledgeable and friendly team is poised to support you through every step of your property journey. Whether you're selling, buying, letting, or surveying, expect a stress-free experience and professional service tailored to your needs, right on the High Street.

Directors David Trim & Allister Brown and the team are committed to delivering outstanding customer service across all our services ensuring a seamless experience for every client.

Meet The Team

Dave Trim MRICS Director Chartered Surveyor & RICS Registered Valuer

Dave is a Chartered Surveyor and has been working in property across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire for the last 28 years. Dave surveys and values a wide range of residential and commercial property types, from listed thatched cottages to modern contemporary houses. Brought up in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, much of his childhood was spent on the family farm where he lives with his wife and two daughters.

Allister Brown Director

Allister began his career at Chaffers Estate Agents in the mid 1980’s with two local / corporate companies, quickly establishing himself as a top performing estate agent, joining Chaffers Estate Agents at start up in 1990. Allister is recognised for his ability to maintain long term client relationships and is known for his dedication to provide exceptional service. What he doesn’t know about the property market isn’t worth knowing. Outside of work he enjoys mountain biking, concerts and travelling.

Kelly Pester Residential Sales Manager

Kelly began her Estate Agency career in 2012 and thrived in the independent sector with Chaffers since 2016. With over a decade of frontline experience, she recently transitioned to Residential Sales Manager, collaborating closely with directors to drive the company forward. Beyond work, Kelly treasures family time with her husband & two children, Isabella and Loui, enjoys beach outings, and loves exploring new destinations during holidays.

Natasha Hawtree Chartered Surveyor & RICS Registered Valuer, BSc (Hons) MRICS

Natasha joined the company in 2005 as an Administrator in the Gillingham office. Whilst working for Chaffers Natasha has achieved her NVQ Level 3 in Sales in Residential Property and in 2016 she qualified as a Chartered Surveyor where she is now an RICS Registered Valuer and a Member of the Royal Instituted of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Natasha is part of the Survey Department and carries out Mortgage Valuations for Lenders, RICS Red Book Valuations, RICS Homebuyer Surveys and Building Surveys. In her spare time she loves to sew and go on holidays.

Kyle Venters Branch Manager

Kyle has worked in and around Dorset since starting his career almost a decade ago and has taken a fond interest in selling characterful properties and all the quirks that make them exciting. Kyle is always willing to assist with anything that comes up and has helped many home movers navigate and understand the process, reducing the stresses involved in the process. Outside of work, Kyle takes great pleasure in participating in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and tending to his koi fish.

Michael Trott Branch Manager

Michael is from a local farming family north of Wincanton. He is the manager of the Shaftesbury Office and has almost 20 years experience as an estate agent. He has been at Chaffers for over 10 years

Neil Burgess Lettings Manager

Neil has been with Chaffers since 2018, firstly in sales before moving on to take over the Lettings Department in 2022. Outside of work Neil enjoy holidays to sunnier climes, playing golf and spending time with his family and ‘Twix’ the Springador.

Eleanor May Assistant Lettings Manager

Eleanor started her Lettings journey as Corporate Property Coordinator working for large portfolio of about 300 properties, later she was working for the company that was buying, renovating and then letting properties. Eleanor was updating landlords, receiving tenants' enquiries and her job was Lettings Negotiator and Property Manager, for large portfolio. Now working for Chaffers on her next stage in career as Assistant Manager. Eleanor is passionate for my work and delivering high standard service and that is why she invested in Level 3 NRLA Lettings course. Eleanor loves architecture, interior design, maintenance, structures, materials, problems solving situations. She also have experience of being a landlord for long term tenancies and short term (AirBnb) renting, and experience of being a tenant and this is helping her to relate, understand and empathise.

Michelle Hudson Administrator

Michelle joined the company in August 2015 as a sales administrator working in the Gillingham office. Loves working with the team and meeting new people. Especially enjoys seeing happy clients collecting their keys on the day of completion. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys travelling, walking, zumba, spending time with family and friends. Also loves playing her trumpet for a ska band.

Amber Mullins Survey Administrator

Amber is the key person to making sure the survey department runs smoothly, always greeted by a smile Amber can help find you the right survey for your next big purchase. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking the dog and shopping.

Lauren Gillard Senior Negotiator

Lauren started her career in estate agency at Chaffers in 2016 before going on to work for a mortgage brokerage for four years. Since returning to the Chaffers team in February 2022 and becoming a Senior Sales Negotiator she has found that her knowledge of the mortgage process alongside experience within the industry has helped her to put clients at ease. Lauren loves to see the process through from start to finish, is always happy to help and is particularly determined when sales chasing and keeping both buyers and sellers regularly updated. In her spare time she enjoys holidays with her fiancé, seeing family and friends and riding her motorbike.

Jess Hudson Senior Negotiator

Jess started her estate agency career in 2021 working within a corporate agency. Joining the team in August 2023 as a Senior Sales Negotiator Jess brings her experience and a wealth of knowledge behind her. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and walking her dog.

John Pugh Senior Negotiator

John is passionate about Rugby and played for Esher RFC 1st XV, he has now been involved with Swanage & Wareham RFC for nearly 30 years where he has skippered various teams and coached at age levels, he is also a qualified referee with Dorset & Wilts RFC. John also enjoys field sports, particularly Fly Fishing on Dorset's excellent Rivers and occasionally enjoys a round of golf. Married to Marian now for 28 years with two grown up daughters and a teenage son, John loves to spend time with his family & the family labradors, especially on or near the water, he also enjoys the cinema, reading and watching all sports, particularly motor sports.

Jackie Buttress

Jackie’s worked in the local property industry for nearly two decades, previous to joining Chaffers in 2014 she managed a corporate agency. With a particular passion for helping people and property; Jackie has a wealth of local knowledge, thrives on exceptional customer service and is tenacious throughout the process. Outside of work Jackie is a devoted farmers wife and mother of two sons. She enjoys family time, swimming and long walks.