The three homes are East Street Residential Home and Raleigh Mead Nursing Home, both located in Devon, and Minehead Nursing and Residential Home in Somerset. All enjoy excellent reputations, strong trading performances, good occupancy levels, and boast CQC ratings ranging from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’.

Previous owner Garry Wilson decided to sell in order to retire. Welford Healthcare was supported in its purchase by Impact Healthcare REIT, a real estate investment trust.

Garry said: “It has been a pleasure serving the communities of South Molton and the wider areas of North Devon and Exmoor, latterly Minehead and West Somerset, for nearly 30 years as Eastleigh Care Group. A particular highlight for me was when I was lucky enough to win two Pinder design awards in 2003 and 2006; these were very special, unexpected days.”

Peter Madden, partner at Welford Healthcare, commented: “As we continue to implement our acquisition strategy focused on high-quality, well-performing care homes; we are delighted to welcome the Eastleigh care homes into the Welford group of homes. We look forward to starting work with the teams and resident communities.”

Eastleigh Care Group was sold for an undisclosed price in a deal arranged by Christie & Co. Simon Harvey, senior director at the specialist business property adviser, said: “Having known Garry for many years, and seeing the group grow with the new builds at Minehead and, latterly, South Molton, I am delighted to have assisted his retirement from the sector. He has created extremely high-quality homes with a focus on excellent levels of care and leaves a strong legacy. We are equally pleased to have worked with the team at Welford Healthcare to assist their continued growth and expansion and wish them well with the operation of these homes and the others they have across the country.”