Margarita's Day Nursery was recently acquired by Lorraine Moorcroft: Lorraine has over 22 years' experience within the childcare sector and at the time owned three other day nurseries in the area. She has since sold two of the day nurseries with the help of Redwoods Dowling Kerr - the third, Lorraine has closed and consolidated with Orchard Day Nursery.

She comments, "I wanted to purchase a day nursery that had the capacity to really develop and be a success; we have undergone a substantial refurbishment and have put a comprehensive and experienced team in place and we are already seeing the benefits of our efforts and growing occupancy levels. I am looking to gain my Early Years Professional Status early next year and there are a number of local and Government initiatives planned for 2008 in which we are wholeheartedly involved. I am very excited about what is happening within the industry at the moment and feel that this is a good time to be in childcare."

"Lorraine Moorcroft is a perfect example of the state of the industry as a whole," comments Andrew Coulter, Director of Business Development at Redwoods Dowling Kerr. "Purchasing Orchard Day Nursery and choosing to consolidate her businesses shows that demand is still strong for good quality, private businesses with bricks & mortar value; what is also evident is that there is still a great deal in which to invest in this industry and much more potential for growth."

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ABC Nursery, located on the outskirts of the affluent town of Chipping Ongar, Essex, has sold. The sale was handled by agents Redwoods Dowling Kerr on behalf of vendors, Mr & Mrs Sabel.

Despite its peaceful rural setting, the business is situated in close proximity to the M25 and is surrounded by highly populated commuter towns; all of this together with the excellent reputation that the nursery possesses, has ensured that ABC is never short of children or parents.

Andrew Coulter, Director of Business Development for Redwoods Dowling Kerr, comments, “ABC Nursery only opened in 2001 and in that time, has built up an exceptional reputation. One OFSTED report stated ‘the premises offer an exceptional environment for young children which is welcoming and designed to be child centred.’ This is reflected in the high occupancy levels that the business maintains. The business achieves a growing fee income year on year, and there is the potential to increase registration subject to OFSTED approval.”
 
ABC Nursery takes the form of three wooden buildings, each used for the differing age groups.  There is also an impressive main hall, a secure play area and ample parking.”

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Bourton on the Water Post Office has recently been sold on behalf of vendor, Mr Weimers. The business, which is located on the High Street in the village of the same name, sold off an asking price of £175,000 with agents, Redwoods Dowling Kerr.

The Post Office is housed within an attractive Cotswold stone property and also sells newspapers, cards, gifts and confectionery, which generates a good income. In addition to the main business, there is a recently established coffee shop and takeaway directly opposite, which has much potential to develop and adds another string to the bow for new owner, Mr Watson.

The business, which sold on a leasehold basis, offers an excellent way of life, situated in a most charming part of the Cotswolds and benefiting, as it does, from an exceptional two bedroom flat.

Julia Briggs, sales negotiator handling the sale of the Post Office, comments, "This is a charming business and home that rarely becomes available in this part of the country. I am sure that Mr Watson will continue to build upon the excellent foundations that the previous owner put in place."

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In the pleasant coastal resort of Ryde on the Isle of Wight, stands Fairhaven House care home, a substantial property and business that recently sold through agents, Redwoods Dowling Kerr in just over a month. The business, which is situated just a few minutes' walk from the seafront in an affluent residential area of the resort, sold off an asking price of £750,000 for the freehold.

"This is an excellent business, enjoying substantial success and housed within an impressive period property," says Andrew Coulter, Director of Business Development at Redwoods Dowling Kerr. He comments, "The location is prime; popular with locals but also easily reached from the mainland, being just a 10 minute journey on hovercraft from Southsea. The new owner has experience within the care market and already owns a number of care facilities; I am certain that Fairhaven will prove to be a real asset to the group."

Fairhaven House is registered for 21 residents and five day care; the property is set within its own landscaped grounds and comprises 17 rooms, 13 of which are single. There is also a spacious lounge, kitchen, office, laundry, store room and a good number of bath and shower rooms.

Externally, Fairhaven House offers residents a peaceful and pleasant environment; over the 18 years that the previous owners have been in residence, they have cultivated the grounds to provide tidy lawns, mature shrubs and trees and decorative borders. In addition to a private drive and ample off road parking, this makes for an exceptional care home.

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The Kings Arms, an attractive public house in the affluent spa town of Cheltenham, has been sold. The vendor, Miss Cremin, appointed specialist agents Redwoods Dowling Kerr, to handle the sale which sold off an asking price of £85,000 for the leasehold.

Sales negotiator at Redwoods Dowling Kerr, Kim Radley, comments, "The Kings Arms is well situated within a densely populated residential area in a very desirable town. The business has been generating weekly sales of approximately £6,500 and this, together with the pleasant living accommodation, made The Kings Arms a very inviting proposition.

The previous owners have built up the business over the last seven years and established an excellent reputation with a loyal customer base, something which I am sure the new owner, Mrs Murphy, will be glad of."

There is a lot going on at this pub, with darts and pool teams, support for the local football team and greatly increased trade throughout the racing fixtures and festival dates. There is an outside decked area with heating and retractable covers and planning permission has been granted for a single storey extension to the rear; this opens up a wealth of opportunity for the new owner and a number of avenues on which to concentrate her efforts.

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Westwood House, an attractive guest house in Dorchester, has been sold. The business was sold on behalf of vendors, Mr & Mrs Miller, by agents, Redwoods Dowling Kerr off an asking price of £570,000.

The freehold guest house is situated within an impressive Georgian building and comprises seven en suite letting bedrooms; two of the rooms boast spa baths and all rooms are decorated and maintained to a very high standard. On the ground floor is an office, kitchen, a conservatory/breakfast room with outside terraced area, and a large guests' lounge.

Situated in the centre of the historic town, Westwood House is well placed to attract passing custom as well as repeat trade, and as such, generates a good income. The business was acquired by Mr Stevens who already has experience within the industry.

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Redwoods Dowling Kerr is pleased to announce the sale of Brixton General Stores and Off Licence, a business located in the village of Brixton, near Plymouth.

The business was sold to new owners, Mr & Mrs Herbert, who had relocated to the area, within three months, and provides an excellent home for all the family, as well as a good income. Situated amidst the Devon countryside and in close proximity to the coast, the business could not be better placed and generates much business from passing and tourist trade, as well as local custom.

Stephanie Brown, the sales negotiator handling the sale of Brixton General Stores, comments, "Brixton General Store is a fantastic business that enjoys an excellent income but also offers good size four bedroom living accommodation. Mr & Mrs Herbert had moved to the area with their family and were looking for just such a business; this ticked all the boxes."

The property benefits from a spacious sales area, private entrance to a large four bedroom home, private gardens and an outside pool.

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Skyecroft Boarding Kennels and Cattery, a well established business located in County Durham, is now sold. Situated close to Bishop Auckland, whilst also benefiting from an idyllic rural position, the business has an outstanding reputation and much repeat and regular custom.

Skyecroft, which is registered for 68 dogs and 24 cats, was sold through agents Redwoods Dowling Kerr, on behalf of Miss Knowles, who was looking to emigrate. The business is well established and everything put in place for new owner, Mrs Smart to take over the running with little difficulty.

The business comprises 24 cat pens and 23 kennels, all with outside runs. There are 12 further outside kennels, one holding pen and another block consisting of four family and eight single kennels with outside runs. In addition, there is a reception area, pet kitchen, storage facilities, a grooming parlour, stables and a paddock.

The property is not just a business but also a home and includes extensive three bedroom living accommodation which provides the great lifestyle that Mrs Smart was looking for.

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