Born in Canonbury in 1971, I had the pleasure of going to Canonbury school. 26 years later my children followed in my footsteps. When my first child went there I was shocked at how small the hall was and how little the climbing frames were. My primary love (after my wife and four children) is skiing and I spent 6 years as a ski instructor in the French Alps and travelling the world. However, a broken back cut that career short. I started in estate agency in 1995, joining Hotblack Desiato in 1998 with partnership following in 2003. I ski as often as having 4 children allows me and I have a passion for architecture/ design and sailing.

Hello, I’m Alasdair. I was born in Paddington, then lived on the other side of the world for a bit, then came back here. Went to University, then moved to Oxford to run pubs and play records in nightclubs. Once this became undignified, I started selling houses. Ended up working in the franchise side of an agency, with branches from Leeds to Bristol to London and back again. I’m not much of a fan of driving though, so came back to the roost here in N5 where I manage the Highbury branch – delighted that I did as well. I can do all my appointments on a bike – that’s me, on the black and orange Brompton.

Originally from the West Country, my love for the finer things in life (especially food) started at a young age. This lead me into the world of cheffing, something I pursued in Bristol and Brighton for the next 7 years. After too many years of working in windowless kitchens and unsociable hours I decided to change paths and look for a job where I saw the sun and got to meet people. Hotblack Desiato it was, starting out as lettings negotiator I soon progressed to a senior lettings negotiator in the Highbury office and four years later moved onto managing the Camden lettings department. I now find myself back in Highbury managing the excellent team here; we seem to constantly get good reviews so I guess we are doing something right!

Raised in North West London, I recently moved to Hertfordshire which means I get the best of both worlds; city life when I’m working and the fresh country air on weekends and to cap it off my commute in to work is now actually quicker than before! I have been working in the property industry since 2008 so I have many years of experience behind me prior to which I was travelling the world for a year after graduating from university. I’ve been at the Highbury Office now for many years and it is a very pleasant part of town to work in with a real community vibe, lots of greenery and open spaces. The job itself is very rewarding with everyday being different bringing fresh challenges and keeping me on my toes.

Hello! I’m Rita! I recently joined the property management team and manage the Highbury Portfolio. I grew up in Highbury so having the opportunity to manage properties within this area is great! I have a number of years’ experience in AST and block management, so I am excited to be able to bring my skills and experience into my role here at HD. Although I am part of the Highbury team, I am currently based in the Islington office. I am very family oriented and also enjoy socialising with my friends. In my spare time I enjoy reading, working out, great food and travelling!

Hi, I’m Gino. I joined the Highbury lettings team in June 2019. Previously i worked in a management role at a primary school for 7+ years which was really rewarding and have many treasured memories coaching and teaching children, however, i always knew i was destined for a career in the property industry. I have done my fair share of building projects over the years doing most of the work myself, so I’m very knowledgeable when it comes to property development and maintenance. Working at Hotblack Desiato has taught me how amazing and diverse the London market can be, we cover everything from traditional period properties to new developments. Learning this industry from everyone with their wealth of experience it’s very reassuring to work with such a long established company. In my spare time you can find me walking my two little rescue dogs on Hampstead Heath playing fetch; that would be me fetching my dogs back from someones picnic basket… I hope to help you find your new home at some point in the near future.

Hello, I’m Verity. I joined the Highbury sales team in July 2020. Before working in the property industry I came from a background piano teaching, mostly in a primary school. Completely different worlds, both immensely enjoyable. One involves the teaching of different keys, the other involves handing over sets of keys! Aside from music my passions are travelling and photography.

Originally from Buckinghamshire, I moved to London in 1991. I have lived all over the city and settled in North West London 20 years ago. After a spending a year living abroad in Canada, I came back to work in Property Sales and Lettings which led to several years of Inventory experience! I have recently joined Hotblack Desiato as an in-house Inventory Manager. I have a grown up daughter and teenage stepson. In my spare time I enjoy using my creative abilities in up-cycling projects, interiors, photography, design, travel and have two 1st Dans in martial arts. I’m also slowly nurturing a property portfolio with my partner.