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Meet the Team
Behind Dutch Home Hunters.

We’re a team of independent consultants who’ve been helping expats find homes since 2015. Having each relocated ourselves, we understand both the excitement and the stress of starting fresh in a new country and we’re here to make that journey feel a little easier, one successful relocation at a time.
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Our Story

Dutch Home Hunters began with a shared sense of adventure. In 2015, Hugo (our founder) and his friend Alex launched what was then called Our Endeavour, a name that was inspired by Captain Cook’s famous ship and the spirit of discovery it represented.
A few years later, when Alex returned to the UK, Hugo began looking for a new partner. A chance introduction through a local school mom brought us together. At the time, I was building a ceramics business and almost said no to Hugo’s call. But that evening, a simple question from my husband changed everything: “Why don’t you do both?”
The ceramic business never took off, but the relocation dream did. In 2018, as more South Africans began moving to the Netherlands, our work took on new meaning. We found how meaningful it is to help people settle abroad – through our relocation services and housing for expats that make them feel truly at home in their new country.
By 2021, we rebranded to “Dutch Home Hunters”, a name that felt natural, memorable and true to who we’d become. Our small idea had grown into a trusted team, helping clients find comfort and connection across the Netherlands.
Today, our team of eight dedicated agents covers Amsterdam, Haarlem, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Hilversum, Arnhem and Groningen, offering expats housing and heartfelt support to anyone starting fresh here. Because for us, it’s never just about finding a house. It’s about helping people find home.
It’s about helping people find home.

Vanessa Marks

Managing Director

Hilversum, Utrecht & Surrounds
Originally from South Africa, I've been living in the Netherlands for over 10 years and have developed a deep understanding of what it takes to successfully relocate and settle into a new country. As a mother of two girls and a devoted dog owner, I know how important it is to find a home that suits the whole family.
My passion lies in helping clients navigate the relocation process with confidence. I combine local knowledge, personal experience, and a hands-on approach to ensure every client feels supported from the first conversation through to moving day. For me, it's not just about finding a property—it's about helping people start an exciting new chapter in their lives.

Meet Your Local Area Experts

Daniel
Pilon

Haarlem & Surrounding Areas

Daniel Pilon

Haarlem & Surrounding Areas

Originally from South Africa and living in the Netherlands for more than 23 years, I bring an international background and local expertise to real estate. The satisfaction of helping people is what first drew me to this profession – and it remains my driving force today. My focus is always on people, not just properties. I look forward to assisting you with dedication, honesty, and genuine care

WILMA
MARKILLIE

Wageningen, Arnhem, Nijmegen &
Surrounding Areas

WILMA MARKILLIE

Wageningen, Arnhem, Nijmegen &
Surrounding Areas

Originally from the Netherlands, I spent 27 years living abroad across the UK and Germany, experiencing seven international moves along the way. Returning to the Netherlands with my family has given me both local insight and a deep understanding of relocation challenges. With strong language skills, local knowledge, and personal experience, I am passionate about helping clients find the right property in the right place. I look forward to guiding you every step of the way.

TRACY
HILL

Hilversum, Utrecht & Surrounds

TRACY HILL

Hilversum, Utrecht & Surrounds

Born in South Africa, I’ve lived in the UK, the USA and Belgium before finally making the Netherlands home. I know what it takes to rebuild your life in a new country, and I want to help others experience that same joy and comfort we’ve found here. My goal is straightforward: to help every client find a home that feels right and to assist them in settling into their new life with confidence.

DARIEN
WILSON

Hilversum, Utrecht & Surrounds

DARIEN WILSON

Hilversum, Utrecht & Surrounds

My family and I relocated to the Netherlands through the DAFT visa for American entrepreneurs, so I understand both the excitement and the challenges that come with moving abroad. Having walked this road myself, I bring empathy, insight, and steady support to every client I work with by helping each expat find not just a property, but a sense of belonging.

PATRICIA
FERGUSON

Den Haag, Rotterdam,
Leiden & Surrounds

PATRICIA FERGUSON

Den Haag, Rotterdam,
Leiden & Surrounds

Originally from Ireland, my journey has taken me from Mombasa to Jakarta before finally settling in The Hague with my family in 2021. I know how stressful it can be to find the right home, especially when everything feels new and unfamiliar. That’s why I take pride in guiding others through the process with care, patience, and understanding, until they’re happily settled and ready to enjoy what life in the Netherlands has to offer.

HUGO DALRYMPLE
SMITH

FOUNDER

Hilversum, Utrecht & Surrounds

HUGO DALRYMPLE SMITH

FOUNDER

Hilversum, Utrecht & Surrounds

Originally from the UK, I’ve lived in the Netherlands twice with my family and have spent more than a decade helping expats settle into their new Dutch homes. Having experienced relocation firsthand, I understand the mix of pressures and excitement that come with it. My focus has always been on making every move as smooth, personal, and successful as possible.

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