A philosophy with people at its heart
Yes, good estate agency is about bricks and mortar. But more fundamentally it’s about people, and that’s where John Curtis genuinely excels.
Our reputation for openness and honesty is built on quality relationships - which is why we like to get out into the community, making friends, supporting schools and other charitable causes. If you have suggestions for how we can help your local organisation we’d love to hear from you, so do get in touch!
Directors Ken Whittaker, Ric Merlo and all 21 John Curtis sales staff live in Harpenden or the immediate surrounding area. And all have worked at John Curtis long-term. Which is why, when you call into a John Curtis office, you’ll sense a real local knowledge within the team.
Meet the JOHN CURTIS team
Ken Whittaker Director
Ken is a true Harpenden boy - having first moved here in 1985. As a student, he worked part-time for John Curtis from 1993 to 1995. After graduating he worked for a competing firm in Welwyn Garden City before being approached by Mr Curtis in 1999 with an offer of employment and a possible future partnership. Just two years later, in 2001, Ken and Ric struck a buyout deal with Mr Curtis. Ken is married to Ali - Harpenden born and bred - and they have two young sons, Freddie and Will.
ken@johncurtis.co.uk direct 01582 463434 office 01582 764471
Ric Merlo Director
Ric is a family man with over 24 years’ experience in the local market. He started his career with a leading St Albans agent, and in 1990 was promoted to run his own office. In 1992, Ric accepted an offer to join John Curtis and in 2001, after 9 years working in the business, he took it over in partnership with Ken. Ric has been married to Isabel since 1994 and they have two boys.
ric@johncurtis.co.uk direct 01582 463435 office 01582 764471
Richard Goss Sales Manager Harpenden
The son of a chartered surveyor, Richard was born in The Red House in Carlton Rd. His agency career started in Harpenden in the mid 1990s, followed by a three-year spell in Highgate and Hampstead. Richard worked as Head of Sales for a National Country House agent in St Albans before coming home to John Curtis as Sales Manager, a role he has held since 2006. Richard has been married to Clare since 1998 and they have two daughters, Olivia and Evangeline.
richard@johncurtis.co.uk direct 01582 463433 office 01582 764471
Tim Valdar Negotiator Harpenden
Tim is Harpenden through and through, having been born, raised and schooled here. He moved into estate agency after a brief career in PR, and is now the first point of contact for many buyers and tenants. Tim is known and respected for providing a first-class friendly service. He lives locally with his partner and children.
tim@johncurtis.co.uk direct 01582 463437 office 01582 764471
Hilary James Sales Coordinator
Hilary has been a Harpenden resident since the 1960s, when she moved here with her parents. After some time away at University and then in London, she and her husband returned to Harpenden to make a home and bring up their daughter. Hilary has worked for John Curtis since 1993, assuming the role of full-time sales co-ordinator in 2001.
hilary@johncurtis.co.uk direct 01582 463432 office 01582 764471
Diane Peters Office administrator Harpenden
Diane first came to Harpenden in 1961, returning in 1975 to bring up her family in the area. With parents who ran a successful business in the town, Diane has been able to develop an extensive knowledge of the area and its residents.
diane@johncurtis.co.uk direct 01582 463431 office 01582 764471
Mark Lumley Sales Manager, Village and Country Homes Wheathampstead
Mark has had a distinguished career in estate agency over a 30-year period. He marries this considerable experience with a background in professional photography to provide a high-end service which focuses on village and country homes. Mark’s hands-on, personalised approach has helped him grow a loyal client list.
mark@johncurtis.co.uk direct 01582 839202 office 01582 839200
Gill Noble Sales Coordinator, Village and Country Homes Wheathampstead
A Harpenden resident for over 20 years, Gill recently moved to one of the villages served by our Village and Country Homes office in Wheathampstead. Having worked at John Curtis for over 6 years, Gill is very much part of the team. She is married with two teenage children and enjoys rural life and walking her 3 spaniels through the countryside.
gill@johncurtis.co.uk direct 01582 839201 office 01582 839200
Julia Hughes Directors PA
Julia has recently joined the team, having lived in Harpenden for over 30 years; she moved here with her parents in the 80’s where she attended St. Dominic’s and then Roundwood Park School. After attaining her degree in Dance at Middlesex University Julia went onto work as a buyer at M&S head office where she met her husband Bryn. They both now live locally with their two children; Emily and Edward.
julia@johncurtis.co.uk 01582 764471
