Winkworth has expanded its coastal presence after an independent Cornwall agent joined its franchise network.

It is the brand’s fifth new office this year. However, another Winkworth business, in Richmond, west London, has closed.

David Elderkin, who has run his own agency, previously trading as Fowey River, for more than 15 years, has now rebranded his firm as Winkworth Fowey.

The agency will also keep its current staff of four.

Elderkin said: “Rebranding to Winkworth was a natural progression for our business, having already built ourselves a solid reputation and customer base over the last 15 years.

“Cornwall, and Fowey in particular, are in increasingly high demand for people looking to move here for a change of lifestyle, and we felt that with Winkworth’s branding and London to country link, we could further tap into that market of second and holiday home buyers to maximise our office’s potential.

“Joining Winkworth opens up an exciting opportunity for us and we’re looking forward to seeing where this new journey leads.”

Dominic Agace, chief executive of Winkworth, said: “I’d like to welcome David and his team to our network.

“They possess all the passion, drive and industry experience that we look for and I’m sure the Fowey office will add real value to our coastal offering.

“We have a number of very successful offices along the south coast and we’re thrilled to be able to add this new location and expand into Cornwall.”

In Richmond, the Winkworth outlet, run by David Bell, has closed and head office confirmed it will be entering liquidation. Its sales business is being transferred to neighbouring Winkworth outlets, while its lettings business is being run by the Ealing office.