ONE of the county's largest property companies is taking over the residential sales operation of a popular Kendal-based agent.

Cumbrian Properties has announced it will now be handling Carter Jonas's residential sales portfolio from its Windermere office.

Carter Jonas, on Kirkland, say its team of surveyors, headed by partners Julian Lambton and Oliver Bateman, will continue to offer a service to landowners and professional clients throughout the region.

Their rural team is also now the largest it has ever been since the company moved to the town in 1997, following the acquisition of Fisher Hoggarth.

But Cumbrian Properties, owned by David, Julia and Adrian Hogarth, is set to retain the associate partner at Carter Jonas, Steve Holland, who will further develop the company's brand throughout South Cumbria.

David Hogarth said: "We are delighted that Steve and his team will be joining us in our Windermere office to proactively market their properties alongside Cumbrian Properties' existing portfolio.

"Carter Jonas specialise in selling the high end value properties which will complement our present stock of holiday cottages and investment properties .

"The estate agents will share the office of its sister company Lakes Cottage Holidays in Crescent Road, Windermere."

The takeover is a sizeable expansion for Cumbrian Properties, which was founded in 1992 and has now grown to consist of five offices across the county and more than 50 staff.

Bosses have revealed that they also have future plans for expansion into Kendal, Workington and North Lancashire.