A WELL-KNOWN Dorset estate agency responsible for the marketing of some of the county's most expensive homes has closed two of its three branches.

Saxe Coburg's offices in Canford Cliffs and Christchurch have shut, leaving just the branch in Christchurch Road, Boscombe still open.

One person has been made redundant.

The company is owned by Maximillian De Kment, a former professional rugby player. Mr De Kment is also the chief executive of estate agents Lovett International. Lovett is a separate company, and it is unaffected.

A spokesperson for Saxe Coburg said: "The majority of our enquiries are now coming from the internet, rather than members of the public walking in to any of our offices."

The company maintains a "strong online and social media presence", and many customers now approach Saxe Coburg via its website, he added.

"We have made one redundancy through the closure of our Canford Cliffs and Christchurch branches," he said.

"The offices in Christchurch Road in Bournemouth are open, and we are just as busy as when there were three offices."

Saxe Coburg is currently marketing a range of properties worth more than £1 million, including a Grade-II listed home in Bridge Place, Christchurch which is for sale for £2.3m.

A property owned by Mr Kment himself is also being marketed on the site for £1.6m.

As reported, the home in Salter Road, Sandbanks is currently being let through Airbnb. Neighbours claim stag and hen parties are among those staying at the address, and say it has become a 'raucous party house'.

The property is offered for let to groups of up to 16 for £750 a night.

Mr De Kment has previously been approached for comment about the house. He declined to speak.

However, the Daily Echo has confirmed with the Land Registry that the property is owned by the businessman.