Chestnut buys two Norfolk sites

The Lifeboat Inn and The Chequers Inn in the north Norfolk village of Thornham have been bought by the Chestnut group. 

The acquisition accelerates Chestnut’s foothold in the region through the addition of a further 28 bedrooms.

With The Maltings, the group's largest development project to date, due to open this summer, Chestnut is looking to make the most of tourism within the region. 

"We acquired our first property in Norfolk one week prior to lockdown, not an ideal start to the journey," says founder and managing director Philip Turner. "During Covid, we acquired five assets to capitalise on the growth of tourism in the region and the more permanent 'work from home' lifestyle. Building community around our properties is a huge priority for us which we tend to do through The Giving Tree, our charitable foundation, as well as ‘loyal local’ cards and winter coffee and cake mornings."

Still expanding 

The group recently hired Rob Spillings as head of operations in Norfolk to help drive the expanding business. 

In 2018, Chestnut acquired Suffolk coastal properties The Ship at Dunwich and The Westleton Crown from Agellus. 

"Agellus and Chestnut have a proven track record of business activity in past years," adds Turner. "As a board of directors, we share the belief that this will enable the further development of the team and the Norfolk business itself. It has been a privilege for the Harrod family and the team to be part of two iconic establishments for the past nine years and we thank all the team for their dedication."

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