Knight Frank no longer discloses how many partners it has, although in 2010 the bonuses were reported to be worth £600,000 a head.

But Knight Frank doesn't sell the type of property you and I live in.

Last year, Knight Frank opened an office in the village to cope with the increasing demand.

Country house prices are on the slide, admitted Knight Frank last week.

Knight Frank warns they could drop by five per cent in some places.

Their prices start at £249,995, through Knight Frank (01392 848844).

Knight Frank & Rutley is an earlier name of the firm.

According to Knight Frank the properties have a gross market value of £98.93m.

It is for sale through Knight Frank (01392 423111) at £1.2 million.

Knight Frank says only 46 per cent of all major planning applications were processed in the last financial year.