We had the pleasure of catching up with Sam Daniels, Partner at Knight Frank, specialising in Bath Real Estate. In this blog, Sam shares his insights into his professional journey, his love for Bath and the real estate on offer in this beautiful part of the country, as well as discussing his highlights so far from 2024…
Hi Sam! Can you tell us a little bit about your journey into the property industry? What led you to where you are today and what do you enjoy about your role the most?
In the dynamic realm of UK real estate, career progression hinges on dedication, perseverance, and mentorship. My journey commenced in June 2013, entering the industry as a trainee negotiator—often humorously dubbed the "tea boy”. Starting at the grassroots level, I eagerly absorbed the intricacies of the real estate world. Initially performing foundational duties, each chore served as a stepping stone toward understanding the industry's nuances and complexities. Through diligence and seizing opportunities, I steadily advanced, assuming greater responsibilities and honing my ability to grasp client needs and market dynamics.
By 2014, I achieved the milestone of managing my own office albeit humbling realisation that it was too soon but a testament to my growing expertise and leadership skills.2015 marked a pivotal transition back to Bath, where I joined another corporate real estate firm. This period was pivotal for both professional and personal growth.
Bath's rich historical backdrop and vibrant property market provided an ideal environment to further develop my skills and expand my industry network. In 2018 I began working for Knight Frank, beginning as a Senior Negotiator, I eagerly tackled intricate transactions and consistently delivered exceptional results for clients. My dedication and performance were duly recognised.
Today, I proudly serve as a Partner at Knight Frank—a role symbolising years of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of mentors and colleagues within the firm. This achievement signifies not only personal success but also a testament to the collaborative ethos and guidance I received.
Our design team recently had the pleasure of collaborating with you on a project in Bath. Could you share with us what your experience was like working with KFI? Plus, were there any unique challenges or highlights for this particular project?
Working with the KFI design team on this Bath project was a truly rewarding experience. From start to finish, their communication and professionalism were outstanding, making the process seamless and enjoyable. The project presented unique challenges, given the scale and the need to marry traditional, period charm with a more contemporary aesthetic. KFI tackled this perfectly, blending modern tastes with the estate’s historic essence in a way that felt entirely organic.
One of the highlights for me was seeing how they embraced the brief, bringing their vision of excellence to life. I have a deep appreciation for letting creative teams fully immerse themselves in projects like this, and KFI went above and beyond to create a space that feels authentic to the home’s legacy while still being vibrant and fresh. They truly knocked it out of the park, and the result is something we’re all incredibly proud of.
What do you believe sets the Bath property market apart? How does this influence your work?
Bath is truly a special place—beautiful, full of character, and with an atmosphere unlike any other. The property market here is unique because it’s driven by lifestyle choices, with people drawn to the charm, history, and vibrant community Bath has to offer. It’s one of the best cities to live and work in, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of it. This genuine love I have for Bath profoundly influences my work. There’s something about the city that simply makes you smile and lifts your spirits, and that passion translates into the dedication and enthusiasm I bring to every project here.
You’ve worked on a number of impressive projects. Is there one that holds a particularly special place for you?
This upcoming project holds a particularly special place in my heart. It’s not just about its size, grandeur, value, or sprawling land—it’s the opportunity the seller has given me to bring my own vision to life in creating a marketing plan and bringing a property to the market that Bath hasn’t seen before. The fact that the owners have been a pleasure to work with has made this experience all the more rewarding.
This project has also given me the chance to collaborate with different areas across the wider firm, including KFI, the country, and the super prime teams, which has highlighted our ability to come together to achieve something truly special.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in property development. How do you incorporate eco-conscious elements into your projects?
While I’m not directly involved in property builds, sustainability is at the core of every conversation I have with property developers and other property professionals. I work closely with design and development teams to prioritise eco-conscious elements, whether that’s through energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, or maximising natural light and ventilation. In Bath’s unique setting, it’s especially fulfilling to balance these sustainable choices with the character and heritage of the area, preserving its charm while embracing forward-thinking practices. This approach not only adds value to each property but also supports the community and environment.
Finally, are there any property trends you have your eye on and that we should be aware of?
I’m definitely seeing some key trends shaping the Bath property market. Modern eco-friendly elements are becoming increasingly popular, such as integrated solar panels and charging points for electric vehicles, which cater to the growing demand for sustainability. There’s also a strong focus on creating cosy, family-oriented spaces that emphasize warmth and functionality—buyers are seeking homes that not only look stunning but also support comfortable, family-centric living.
Sustainability continues to be a major influence, with many new buyers prioritising energy efficiency and eco-conscious design. These trends are transforming properties in ways that make them not only beautiful and functional but also aligned with a more sustainable lifestyle.
Share with us your highlight of the Summer! - Highlight for me personally was completing a renovation of my cottage after a long painful months 9 months of renovation work.
What are you most looking forward to for this Autumn/Winter? The seasons changing, trees changing colour, crisp days and blue sky's, rugby season and then of course the count down to the Skiing Season.
Sum up your favourite part of your job in up to 5 words! Creative freedom and client collaboration.
What’s the best hidden secret in Bath? Now that would be telling you my favourite wine bar 😉. No but on a serious note, one of Bath's best-kept secrets has to be the secluded Prior Park Landscape Garden. Tucked away from the city centre, this stunning garden offers sweeping views of Bath, peaceful walking trails, and the famous Palladian Bridge. It's the perfect blend of history and natural beauty—a quiet retreat that’s surprisingly still under the radar for many visitors.
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