Christie & Co has announced the sale of Hill Barn care home in Norfolk.
The home, registered for 26 residents and located in the Norfolk village of Sparham, was sold to Ashley Care Group.
Occupying a detached, single storey building, the original part of Hill Barn was a traditional Norfolk Barn dating back to the eighteenth century. It still retains many period features.
Hill Barn was converted into a care home in 1986. It currently comprises 25 ground floor bedrooms, 21 of which are en suite. Planning permission was granted in 2018 for the home to be extended to add a further 11 bedrooms and corresponding care facilities.
The business has been owned by Mr Richard and Dr Maria Smart since January 2005 and was sold to Ashley Care Group Hill Barn for an undisclosed price following a confidential sales process. Ashley Care already owns three other Norfolk-based homes providing residential and dementia care – Ailwyn Hall, Fairland House, and The Old Vicarage.
Ania Smith, operations director at Ashley Care Group, said: “We are proud to add this property to our growing portfolio, and to welcome all new staff and residents to our company. We have exciting plans for the care home, including a brand new 11-bedroom extension; upgrading the current premises and internal systems and continuing with the homely ethos of the service.”
Robert Mellamphy, director of care at Christie & Co, added: “The market remained active throughout the pandemic period and, since the second half of 2021, has shown a continued strong upsurge. Many operators are keen to expand, and more investors are turning their sights to care, which they see as a resilient sector providing strong returns.”
