ABOUT US

OUR STORY

In 2010, after three decades of running estate agency businesses for others, Robert Cooney opened the door to a traditional, independent agency, and fast became one of the area’s market leaders in both volume and sales.

12 years on, four office refurbishments later, and now with the largest and most experienced team to date, the business maintains a dominant position as specialists across all elements of the property industry.

MEET THE TEAM

ROBERT COONEY

DIRECTOR

Robert is a lifelong resident of the town and has over forty years’ experience in the industry. Having trained with what was then WRJ Greenslade & Co, Robert eventually became Managing Director of Alder King, controlling 21 branches from Bristol down to the South Coast. Since opening Robert Cooney in 2010, when he isn’t busy advising on all things property related, Robert can usually be found out on his bike, recently taking part in charity events such as The Great Exmoor Ride and the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Coast to Coast Challenge.

KATE TREWHELLA

PARTNER

Kate is a Partner and has been with the business pretty much since its inception. With her unfaltering enthusiasm and attention to detail, Kate is the glue that binds the business together. When she’s not directing operations, she can be found running around the Blackdowns with the occasional marathon thrown in!

TILLY COX

ASSOCIATE, HEAD OF LETTINGS

With over a decade in the industry, Tilly’s knowledge of the ever-complex Lettings legislation is encyclopaedic meaning she is able to provide the best & latest advice to both landlords and tenants alike. She also makes great cakes - look out Great British Bake-Off!

CHRIS WATTS

ASSOCIATE

A former chef, Chris joined Robert Cooney in 2018 with two years' prior experience in the field, becoming an Associate of the business in 2022. When he’s not in the office you’ll find him in the kitchen creating new recipes or exploring the great outdoors.

GAIL DURBIN

EXECUTIVE NEGOTIATOR

Welcomed back into the fold in 2021 after a couple of years away in the South East, Gail is a fundamental and highly experienced member of the sales team sharing her enviable local knowledge and passion with everyone she meets. If you’ve ever had a voicemail from her, you’ll know all about it, “my lovely”!

ROHINI SARKER

SALES NEGOTIATOR

With extensive local knowledge from being at school in Taunton, Rohini is the latest member to join the team. With a BA in Architecture under her belt, her passion for property brought her back to the South West to start a career in agency. When not in the office or out on viewings, you’ll find Rohini exploring the local area with her dogs and friends, with the occasional stop for a restorative cider along the way!

KAREN CRAWSHAW

CLIENT LIAISON MANAGER

Karen joined Robert Cooney in 2016, bringing with her 20 years’ experience of administration. She provides invaluable support through her varied and busy role. Aside from work, Karen is a busy parent to three girls which keeps her on her toes.

SARAH HALLSWORTH

CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER

As our Client Services Manager, Sarah uses her property experience, tenacity & communication skills to the max, keeping your sale or purchase on course to get you moving. Away from her desk, Sarah swaps headset for Apple Watch to clock every step of her frequent country walks and outdoor adventures, now with added bounce from the latest 4-legged addition to her family.

PHOEBE WINDSOR

LETTINGS NEGOTIATOR

Phoebe enjoys nothing more than getting her teeth into property maintenance, finding the best and most cost-effective solution for landlords. In her spare time, Phoebe enjoys walking her dog, Alfie, and painting … pictures, not walls & ceilings!

ALICE WALKER

LETTINGS ADMINISTRATOR

Alice joined the team in May 2022 as Personal Assistant and social media whizz. Alice keeps everyone entertained with her dry Northern humour, and after work her dachshund, Ralph, drags her out for some fresh air.

TESTIMONIALS

THE CANDLELIGHT INN

A multi-award winning and AA Rosette 17th century traditional country pub set in the heart of the glorious Blackdown Hills. Ranked in the Top 10 best pubs in Somerset by The Guardian, the Candlelight proudly serves locally sourced, seasonal food.

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SHOREDITCH WHITE

Shoreditch White is an independent and locally owned bakehouse and coffee shop aiming to bring a bit of modern café culture to Somerset, whilst also offering local business a quality freshly prepared buffet delivery service.

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SHEPPY'S CIDER

We are the oldest premium craft cider making families in the world with a history that goes back more than 200 years. Today, under the watchful eye of David Sheppy, our sixth generation Master of Cider, we continue to champion the same methods used two centuries ago, blending our rare traditional crafting skills with the very best modern technology to create our acclaimed range of the finest award winning ciders.

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THE BANK

The Bank serves modern British food with international influences. The ground floor has a cosy bar where you can enjoy a wide range of drinks. Upstairs the restaurant has a contemporary atmosphere with doors that open out onto the roof terrace for ‘al fresco’ dining.

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AUGUSTUS

A simple little bistro set in a small courtyard run by an experienced chef, with a good-sized menu of hearty, unfussy dishes which mix French, British and some Asian influences supplemented by blackboard specials.

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PYNES OF SOMERSET

It's not only the quality of our products that makes us so special. It’s also the close links we have created and maintained with local farmers since our business was set up by Phil and Beryl Pyne in 1984. We only sell meat from animals that have been reared to the highest standard. And there’s a further advantage in our policy of local sourcing: livestock only have to travel a few miles to slaughter – and stress-free animals means better-tasting meat.

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BRAZZ

The cosmopolitan buzz of café society in the heart of TauntoInspired by the vibe of a Parisian brasserie, Brazz is a modern bar-restaurant that will show you a great time from early till late.Join us for morning coffee, a deliciousor an afternoon snack. Enjoy an early eveningat the bar.

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NOBREGAS

This family run Portuguese and Spanish tapas and paella restaurant located in a beautiful listed building at the end of Bath Place offers food from the farm, sea and field. Alongside signature cocktails and a cozy, intimate setting, you can be guaranteed of some authentic flavours and a warm welcome from owner Sofia Rodrigues.

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CORNER CLUB

Sister restaurant to Nobregas and situated on the old site of The Scrumper in Bath Place, Corner Club is a family run brunch & dessert parlour that aims to bring a touch of Essex to Taunton.

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MATTANCHERRY

Mattancherry - a remarkable, diverse and vibrant waterside area of Kochi - inspires us to create a restaurant that celebrates its unique culinary and social history. Our restaurant brings you the taste of Southern India’s world-class cuisine, along with the best of India - a mix of flavours, ingredients, textures and taste that can only be Mattancherry - India in 3 Square Miles.

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COOK TAUNTON

Even good cooks enjoy a night off. As one wrote in to tell us: 'I love cooking and that’s why I love COOK... good food cooked as I would.' Since 1997, we’ve been taking some of the strain in the kitchen to give people more time for what really matters ... So, whenever you don’t have the time or inclination, we COOK so you don’t have to.

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TAUNTON FARMERS' MARKET

For the last four years, Taunton Farmers’ Market has won Gold in Taste of the West Best Farmers’ Market category, a testament to how hard our producers work, year round, to bring you the very best in local food. You can find us in Taunton High Street, every Thursday from 9am until 3pm. At our markets you can find just-picked seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, free-range and organic meat and eggs, a wide selection of regional cheeses, chutneys and preserves, hand-made bread and cakes and many more local specialities.

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TAUNTON COUNTRY MARKET

Taunton Country Market has been selling local, home cooked, hand crafted produce from its shop in Bath Place since the 1930s. Formerly WI Markets, this group of producers changed their trading name to Country Markets Ltd in 2007. We sell high quality local produce and crafts, and work for and on behalf of each other. All staff are members of the Country Market and volunteer their time to enable this enterprise to continue by working in the shop, serving as committee members, or acting in other capacities.

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COOPER ASSOCIATES COUNTY GROUND

Somerset County Cricket Club was formed in 1875 following a two-day match between the Gentlemen of Somerset and Devon at Sidmouth which Somerset won by eight wickets. The Gentlemen of Somerset and friends then agreed that Somerset should have its own county cricket club.

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THE MUSEUM OF SOMERSET

In the heart of Taunton, the Museum lies within the 12th Century Taunton Castle and tells the county’s story from prehistoric times to the present day using real objects, interactive games, eye-catching film projections and the words and voices of Somerset people, past and present.

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HESTERCOMBE HOUSE AND GARDENS

Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks, formal terraces, vivid colours and views that take your breath away … a unique combination of three centuries of garden design, Coplestone Warre Bampfylde’s Georgian landscape garden, the Victorian terrace and shrubbery and the stunning Edwardian garden design by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll.

The award-winning visitor facilities include the warm and welcoming Stables Restaurant, situated in the historic stables and cart house, and Caffe + Gelato, which are the perfect places to indulge with some great homemade food.

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TAUNTON RACECOURSE

Set in the heart of the Somerset countryside we are England's youngest jumps racecourse and stage around fourteen race meetings each season. Our visitors enjoy national hunt racing featuring some of the biggest names in the sport; but we're not just about racing as we boast excellent facilities for conferences, meetings, parties and events.

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TACCHI-MORRIS ARTS CENTRE

Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre is a multipurpose space that provides arts activities for the whole community. Completed in 2000 through a £1 million donation from the Tacchi-Morris Trust, together with a £2.1 million grant from National Lottery Funds, the centre holds state-of-the-art facilities and aims to inspire all the community to get involved in the arts, be it coming to watch a show – or taking part yourself!

As well as a busy programme of theatre, dance and music, Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre runs a range of community classes open to all the family and hosts approximately eight visual art exhibitions annually in the foyer gallery space.

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THE BREWHOUSE THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE

Taunton Brewhouse first opened its doors on March 28 in 1977, after John Wilkins and Cllr John Meikle led a successful campaign for a theatre in Taunton. The theatre is situated in the heart of Taunton, on the banks of the River Tone; a stunning location. The site is a former brewery (we still serve great beer), and the building retains the original Georgian Brew Master’s house.

Our ultimate aim is that Taunton Brewhouse is a thriving arts centre and community hub, accessible to everyone and where all will receive a warm welcome.

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LONGRUN MEADOW

Longrun meadow is a beautiful and tranquil green space for the people of Taunton to enjoy and within 10 minutes walk from Taunton bridge.

The opening which consisted of live music, activities and a family picnic demonstrated just some of the possibilities for Longrun Meadow. Since then a massive open-sided oak barn has been constructed on site to provide a venue for performance, celebration or gatherings whilst the creation of a Willow Cathedral of significant proportions, designed by Stefan Jennings has been built and was officially opened in 2011.

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VIVARY PARK

The public park came about because it’s so close to the centre of the town. The land had been used as for public events since at least 1851 when the first Taunton Flower Show was held there. It was sold to the council in 1894 and a year later it was laid out. The front gates, bandstand and one shelter date from this time. In 1902 an oak tree was planted close to the bandstand to mark the coronation of Edward VII.

Vivary Park is a good surviving example of a late Victorian public park.The park is well used and is maintained by our staff with great support and help from the Friends of Vivary Park. The volunteers do a great job in supporting the day to day work, special events and annual favourites.

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ODEON

Built in 1994, this eight-screen Odeon is modelled after the classic 1930s art deco style of cinema. It is located on the Heron Gate Retail Park, with a number of local restaurants nearby. State-of-the-art screens show blockbusters in 2D or 3D format.

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BATH PLACE

From the Middle Ages, Bath Place was the main thoroughfare to the west of the town until Corporation Street was cut in 1894. The street was straightened and widened in the 18th century and most of the current buildings date from this era. The shopfronts remain remarkably unspoiled by the passage of time. Many of the buildings still have their Georgian shop fronts with octagonal glazed fanlights. The houses and gardens which are  part of Bath Place also take us back in time.

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RIVERSIDE PLACE

A delightful mix of independent shops, eateries and businesses nestled in the heart of the Taunton Independent Quarter. Situated right on the river, this area is full of small boutiques as well as some big names, and is right next to the long-awaited development of Riverside Coal Orchard where there will be shopping, restaurants, cafés and bars.

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HOLLYWOOD BOWL

Experience bowling at its finest in the newly-refurbished Hollywood Bowl Taunton centre. With the best bowling lanes and a fantastic selection of food and drinks, it’s time to strike it lucky and make great memories!

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THE SANGHA HOUSE

Welcome to The Sangha House. Our gorgeous studio is set in an 18th century Convent Chapel in the heart of Taunton. Covering Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Exercise, Somatics and more. We will look after you, physically and mentally, in this wonderful space. Pay as you go and membership options available, also available online delivered through Zoom. Just roll your mat out and login!

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OAKE MANOR GOLF CLUB

Welcome to Oake Manor Golf Club – located in some of Somerset’s most beautiful countryside nestling between the Quantock, Brendon and Blackdown hills, yet only a few minutes’ drive from junction 26 of the M5. A superb 6,149 yard golf course with stunning rural views and featuring water hazards on 10 of the 18 holes. Oake Manor Golf Course is one of those special places that offers high standards of service and facilities, combined with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that welcomes all golfers, members or visitors, seven days a week.

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TAUNTON AND PICKERIDGE GOLF CLUB

At Taunton & Pickeridge, we provide the perfect blend of competitive or social golf – whatever your standard. From our very strong junior section to our active and competitive Men’s, Ladies and Senior sections, members enjoy great golf on a quality course. We also have a very successful and well-supported PGA Pro-AM in July each year which regularly hosts one of the largest fields in the South West.

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NUFFIELD HEALTH TAUNTON FITNESS & WELLBEING GYM

Our modern club is more than just a gym. Recently upgraded with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, we offer dedicated training areas, exciting new boutique classes and versatile equipment for all fitness levels. So whether you’re new to exercise or training for something specific, our Technogym transformation will allow you to achieve so much more in the gym.

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TAUNTON POOL

Taunton pool is one of the premier aquatics centres in the region. The 33m main pool has recently been refurbished and the centre boasts a brand-new changing village as well. Alongside the pool, this centre also has a health suite that includes a sauna and steam room to help you unwind after a long day or a particularly tough session in the pool.

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BLACKBROOK LEISURE CENTRE AND SPA

Blackbrook Leisure Centre & Spa's fantastic range of facilities helps make it one of the surrounding area's premier activity venues. With first-class tennis facilities, a soon-to-be-refurbished and extended, state-of-the-art gym, a group fitness studio, the main and teaching pools, a sports hall, as well as a whole host of family-friendly activities. The centre also includes a spa that offers a superb variety of luxurious pampering packages suited to every budget.

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TURNERS CYCLES

Turners Cycles is an independent bike shop owned and run by Ben Turner. We are known for our personal, professional and friendly customer service alongside the highest quality workmanship. Our main area of expertise is road bikes. Turners cycles offers road bike servicing and repairs, bespoke bike builds and upgrades, bike fitting service, parts and accessories.

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