The history behind Helmores

Helmores is one of the oldest estate agents in the country, trading since 1699. It all began in 1699 when William Helmore handled the sale of four properties at Cowley near Exeter, starting a business that would pass from father to son for over 3 centuries.

The Helmore family started as farmers at Higher Rewe, Shobrooke, but soon expanded into agricultural valuing and estate management, eventually focusing entirely on property. By the mid-19th century, William was managing sales from his premises in Newton St Cyres. One of the properties he dealt with was the prestigious Cowley Place near Exeter, sold in 1866 for £6,000 - a significant amount at the time!

Around 1890, the business moved to Crediton, where it became firmly established under the ownership of Frederick John Helmore who was well known for his expertise and lively personality.

Frederick became affectionately known as "The Pride of Kirton” well known for his pranks. One story involves local cabbie Frank Bourne, who had been hired to pick up Frederick from Crediton station and drive him to the office in Union Road. Unbeknown to Frank, Frederick had leapt out of the cab halfway up White Hart Hill and run the rest of the way to his office. By the time Frank arrived, Frederick was already there, waiting for him in the doorway - much to Frank’s confusion!

After the First World War, Frederick’s son Bert joined the business, continuing the family legacy. Bert was known for his popular furniture auctions and vibrant personality until his sudden passing in the mid-20th century, marking the end of direct Helmore family involvement.

In 1928, Alan Stoyle joined the firm as an articled clerk. His auctioneering talent quickly earned him respect, and by the late 1940s, he became a partner.

His sons, John and Alan Jnr, joined the firm in 1956 and 1965, becoming well-known figures in the area for both their professionalism and personal warmth.

In 1990, Rob Stoyle joined the firm, bringing fresh ideas, and now with over 36 years of experience is probably the most experienced property professional in the Crediton area. Rob became the first estate agent in the UK to qualify as a drone pilot in 2013, fulfilling a childhood dream of capturing properties from the air. His love for aerial photography began with model planes and helicopters as a kid - although they often came home in pieces!