Confessions Of An Estate Agent: 'It was 14 flights up'

Tim Le Blanc Smith is director of John D Wood & Co in Chelsea

"Many moons ago, when I was working in John D Wood & Co Kensington, a man came into my office to register his requirements for buying a flat. He was looking for a two-bedroom flat in the area and although we talked for some time, I found it difficult to establish exactly what he was looking for. I gave him a pile of particulars, and the following day he asked to view a number of flats.

"Sadly, nothing was suitable, and I was a bit uncertain as to what he really wanted. Over the following months we continued to look at a diverse range of flats in and around Kensington, but there was always something that was not quite right in each apartment. I couldn't work him out.

"Rather than give up, the man became a challenge, and I continued to send him particulars, show him flats, and hope that one day we would find the right property. He was always very polite and extremely grateful.

"We were then instructed on a most unusual flat just off Queensgate where the vendor had somehow got planning permission to add a small flat on the roof of a six-storey building. So, here was this flat on the seventh floor of this building, with no lift.

"It was not my favourite flat to show, as it was an awfully long way up to the top - 14 flights to be exact. One was always absolutely knackered when one got there - though it could have had something to do with myself not being the fittest man on this planet.

"The particulars were duly sent to all my applicants, and the above gentleman asked for an viewing. I met him at the property, and as we started to climb the steps, I was convinced that it was going to be a complete waste of time as I had definitely shown him some better flats than this one.

"But when we arrived at the flat, my applicant's eyes lit up. He was delighted by it - thrilled. After a quick look around the flat, he offered the asking price, not even trying a lower offer, and was determined to move to a quick exchange of contracts. This happened within 10 days, with completion taking place 28 days later.

"I was dying to know exactly why this particular flat had appealed to him, as it was so different from his original requirements. When he came into my office to collect the keys, I asked him the question. He smiled, and after a short pause, looked me straight in the eye and said, 'It is the only flat I have seen where I could guarantee my mother would never come and visit me'."

John D Wood & Co, Chelsea office: 020-7352 1484