Ipswich care business returns home

An Ipswich care home has been bought back by the family who sold it some 12 years ago in a deal brokered by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co.

Woodland Manor at Whitton Park, Thurleston Lane, Ipswich has been acquired by Alan Cowell, who formerly owned and operated the care home, which was previously known as Golden Days, with his wife Carol from 1989 to 2004, when it had to be sold due to his wife’s ill health. 

Since 2004, the 33 bedroom home had been operated by a charity and in 2014 it decided to close the home in order to re-provide accommodation for residents in more modern facilities within the local area.

The substantial detached property stands in an attractive parkland setting and is destined to be converted into 19 luxury flats, many with spectacular views across open countryside yet being just a short distance from the town and local amenities.

Robert Mellamphy, director at Christie & Co brokered the sale of the property and says, “This property attracted strong interest from existing care operators looking to reopen the home for a wide range of different care uses through to developers looking at alternative use opportunities.”

New owner Alan Cowell adds, “Owning the eight acre park without the home left us a little empty.  It is really wonderful to have the Manor back in our control.  I just feel sad that Carol is now no longer with us to enjoy having our old home back, but I know she would appreciate that when the home is converted to flats it will give more people pleasure to grow up in this beautiful tranquil park.''

Pictured is Robert Mellamphy of Christie & Co (left) handing the keys over to new owner Alan Cowell.

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