History and Values


Named after our founder Mark Hollis and his mentor Mrs Rouse, Hollis Rouse London traces its roots back to the 1980s. Mark’s early work included the renovation of the Dower House – a Grade II listed Elizabethan manor at the Knowlton Estate in Kent.

Mark went on to establish working relationships with local authorities and heritage committees, to carry out period-correct restorations of historic buildings. His reputation for accuracy, detail and craftsmanship would earn him work at prestigious country houses and iconic landmarks.

Early in his career, Mark met one Mrs Rouse – who would become a great friend and mentor to him. She had left her job (as the country’s first female HMRC inspector) to create two small businesses, enabling her to care for her son with complex needs. One of her businesses was property lettings in Canterbury, and Mark restored dilapidated buildings into immaculately-finished apartments for her to rent out.

Mrs Rouse instilled her values in Mark: she was kind and gentle but fiercely determined, and spent as much time looking after the welfare of others as she did her own. Openness, honesty and trust are at the core of everything we do – enabling us to provide an outstanding client experience.