Our Team

Catherine has over 30 years experience as a Chartered Surveyor and is both an RICS Registered Valuer and Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers. Based in her home county of Yorkshire for her whole career, she provides a wealth of expertise in rural property. Her work includes advice and valuations of properties for purchase, sale, lending and taxation purposes, agricultural Landlord and Tenant matters including rent reviews, surrenders, disputes and management, farming/rural consultancy including environmental schemes and capital grant advice, compulsory purchase & compensation advice for infrastructure projects including roads, water pipelines and electricity cables as well as Telecoms mast rent reviews and renewals of agreements. Catherine’s vast experience allows her to find the best solution for each client on an individual and personalised basis.

Giles Chaplin BSc(Hons) MRICS is an experienced Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer, specialising in planning and development. With a strong academic background and over two decades of professional expertise, Giles offers expert advice on land and property development, valuation, development and strategic planning. As a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he upholds the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Giles has a proven track record of delivering successful outcomes for clients across residential, agricultural, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

Nick Talbot BSc(Hons) leads the residential department at Lister Haigh and is one of the region’s most experienced agents. With over 35 years of expertise across Yorkshire, he advises clients on the preparation and sale of a diverse range of properties. His knowledge spans period houses and estates, country cottages, brand-new and modern homes, as well as land and development opportunities. Whether handling historic residences or contemporary developments, Nick delivers exceptional, knowledgeable guidance to ensure every transaction proceeds smoothly and successfully.

James leads the valuation team advising on a broad range of property types including residential, commercial, rural, leisure, education and development assets. He is regularly instructed on valuations for lending, taxation, financial reporting, pension schemes and charity compliance, and has completed the RICS Expert Witness Certificate programme.

Alongside valuation work, James is experienced in landlord and tenant matters, commercial sales and lettings, and planning and development. He has advised corporate bodies, charities, local authorities and private clients on property disposals and development opportunities across a wide variety of asset classes.

A Durham University graduate and Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, James was recognised nationally when he was shortlisted for the RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards in 2022.

James developed an early interest in agriculture while growing up on an arable farm in Yorkshire, which led him to study Agri-Business Management at Newcastle University. Shortly after graduating, James joined Lister Haigh and has since worked on a variety of rural projects, including Environmental Stewardship Schemes, compensation advice, landlord and tenant agreements, and rural valuations. He is currently preparing for the exams to become a member of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) to further develop his professional knowledge.

Marie is a RIBA-qualified architect with over 25 years of experience across residential, commercial and rural projects. After studying in Leeds and working in Canada and Yorkshire, she developed a diverse portfolio spanning housing, healthcare, retail, and national park developments.

Since settling in Knaresborough in 2007, Marie has specialised in rural and heritage projects, including listed buildings, Conservation Areas, and sites within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Marie guides clients through every stage—from feasibility studies and planning applications to building regulation submissions and construction information. Her expertise ensures projects are delivered with sensitivity to their historic and environmental context while meeting modern needs.

Rachel Fisher has more than six years’ experience in the property industry, with a strong background in both lettings and residential sales. As Lettings and Property Manager at Dacre, Son & Hartley’s Harrogate office, she works across Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Pateley Bridge and the surrounding villages, supporting landlords and tenants across all aspects of property management.

Her experience includes rental valuations, property marketing, landlord support, maintenance coordination and day-to-day lettings management. Rachel’s knowledge of the local property market, combined with her proactive and customer-focused approach, enables her to provide a high standard of service and practical advice to clients across the region.