Chestnut Group acquires two Suffolk coastal inns
Situated on the Suffolk Heritage coast near Southwold, the Westleton Crown and the Ship at Dunwich join the group’s five existing inns in the region.
The properties were sold by the Agellus Hotels group, which manages a group of restaurants with rooms, gastropubs and boutique hotels in the east of England.
Chestnut founder and managing director Philip Turner left his City banking career to return to his home county of Suffolk and build the hospitality brand in 2012.
The group has acquired sites across the East Anglia region since, including in Grantchester, Bury St Edmunds and Long Melford.
Historic sites
New addition the Ship at Dunwich is a country pub located in the historic market town Saxmundham. It features 16 en-suite bedrooms, some with sea and marsh views.
With a history dating back to the 12th century, the Westleton Crown is a traditional coaching inn featuring 34 en-suite bedrooms.
Turner said: “It’s long been our view that the region is vastly underestimated as a destination for eating and staying in despite boasting an amazing land and seascape, rich history and culture, incredible fresh produce and a wealth of sporting experiences and activities.
“At Chestnut, our ethos is to embrace all the great elements that make up the area. Our job is to act as hosts and simply open the door to the wonderful array of experiences and ingredients that we have on our doorstep.
“We very much look forward to further getting to know the local community and all the nuances of each area. Our job is to bring out the best of each site and the surrounding area.”
He added that with the company’s existing inland properties, the coastal additions were “a natural progression” so that the brand could “truly encompass all aspects” of the region.
Agellus sale
Mark Harrod the owner of Agellus Hotels said it was proud of the two inns but hoped to use their sale to develop its remaining properties further.
He said: “We are extremely proud of all we have achieved with the Ship at Dunwich and the Westleton Crown, and now we have decided to hand the ownership over to Chestnut Group, who very much share the same vision for the region.
“We look forward to working closely with them in the transition period to ensure the best outcome for our colleagues and guests.
“Looking to the near future, it is our plan at Agellus to use the sale of these inns to allow for further development of our properties on the Norfolk coast and Tuddenham Mill in Suffolk.”
- Interested in running a pub? You can find out more about pubs for sale, lease and tenancy on the MA’s property site.
