Winkworth’s fifth branch in Devon has opened in Crediton. This brings the franchised operation to 100 offices nationwide, including 60 in London.

The new branch will be the third Winkworth office in Devon for franchisee Chris Baker, who has acquired Carter Geering estate agents, based in Crediton since 1995.

Baker already runs Winkworth Exeter and Winkworth Tiverton. Winkworth also has offices in Dartmouth and Torbay.

Crediton is an historic market town, around seven miles north west of Exeter, with a town square where regular farmers’ markets take place, and a thriving high street with independent retailers, specialist producers, coffee shops and pubs.

The new office is in the heart of the town’s prime retail area, offering residential and commercial sales, lettings, land and new homes, property management and professional services.

Chris Baker said: “I am delighted to be taking over a business with an excellent reputation which fits in well geographically with our other offices in Exeter and Tiverton.”

Winkworth Chief Excutive, Dominic Agace, said: “Chris Baker has built up a flourishing business in the county and we are delighted to support such a talented operator to expand through acquisition.

“It’s part of our policy to invest in successful franchisees like Chris and help them grow further by acquisition and we look forward to doing more in the future. “