Knight Frank appoints Will Matthews as Head of National Country Department

Matthews, who is widely known as "Stan" within the industry, succeeds Edward Rook, who has led the Department for 10 years. Focusing solely on the upper end of the country market, the London-based department averaged over £400 million of annual property sales during his tenure, further strengthening its position as one of the UK's leading advisers across the country house, farm and estate markets. More recently, in the first quarter of 2026, the department reported £173 million of completed prime country house sales, despite challenging market conditions.

Matthews joined Knight Frank in 2003, initially focusing on the sale of prime country houses before specialising in the sale of farms and estates, where he has spent the last 14 years advising clients on some of the UK's most significant rural property transactions. In 2022, he was appointed Head of Knight Frank's Farms and Estates team and has since played a key role in the growth and success of the division.

His experience across both the country house and rural sectors, combined with more than two decades at the firm, makes him ideally placed to take on the mantle leading the National Country Department as it continues to advise clients across the full spectrum of prime residential, farm and estate assets.

Edward Rook, Partner, Knight Frank commented: "It has been a privilege to lead the National Country Department over the last 10 years. I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved and the strength of the business we have built together. Will is an outstanding agent who understands every aspect of the country market, and I have every confidence that the Department will continue to thrive under his leadership."

Will Matthews, Head of the National Country Department, said: "I am delighted to be taking on this role and would like to thank Ed for his leadership and contribution to the department over many years. The country market remains a key focus, as our clients continue to seek specialist advice across country houses, farms and estates. The National Country Department is an outstanding team of experienced agents, and we look forward to building on this success and supporting Knight Frank’s clients across the UK."

James Cleland, Head of Country sales comments: “My huge congratulations to Ed on his decade of exceptional leadership and to Will on his new role. The respect in which Will is held, within Knight Frank and across the market, makes him perfectly suited to lead the National Country Department in its exciting next chapter.”