A business set up in 1790 and thought to be the oldest continuously run family estate agency in the country, has been taken over by a high street competitor.

In a retirement sale, Cardens Residential has taken over the lettings business of Force and Sons Exeter. Staff are joining the Cardens Residential team, a mere stripling at 25 years old.

No fewer than eight generations of the redoubtable, highly respected Force family have been involved in the business over the years.

Jon Carden, managing director of Cardens Residential, said: “We are delighted to complete this takeover. Force and Sons Exeter has been a well-respected business in the city for over 200 years.

“We intend to continue this legacy and grow and develop our business in the city still further.

“It feels like a circle has been completed, as my late father, who was a partner at Husseys, used to work with Arthur Force.’

Force and Sons Exeter was founded by John Force, a builder and auctioneer, who originally had premises in Cathedral Yard, Exeter.

In 1820 he moved the business to Sidwell Street in central Exeter, and the firm expanded into estate agency.

There has been continuous family involvement in the firm throughout its history and it is currently run by brothers David and Stephen Force, who clock up over 60 years of estate agency experience.

The brothers themselves are now retiring.

Stephen Force said: “The time was right for us to make this change in our business.

“Although I will miss the property market, I am very pleased that our clients will be in safe hands with a firm of the calibre of Cardens.

“It has been an honour for us to work in Exeter for the many years we have, selling houses to generations of families.

“We’d like to thank our staff, clients and suppliers for those many years of loyalty.”

The Dawlish branch of Force and Sons is being sold separately.