Paton & Co, which primarily covers the housing market in the Scottish Borders, is expanding its reach into Northumberland.

The hybrid estate agency, which launched earlier this year, is headed up by Patrick Paton and his wife, Celia Paton,

Patrick previously held senior roles with Knight Frank, Smiths Gore and Rettie Berwick, while Celia is the former head of marketing at estate agent McEwan Fraser Legal.

Instead of a shop window, Patrick Paton says that the firm provides “enhanced online marketing”, which includes listing properties across the main property portals.

The business is run from the couple’s home, helping to strike what Patrick Paton previously described as “a better work-life balance”.

“It has been hard work setting up, but I am happy to report our efforts are paying off to date,” he said.