An unnamed established care group on the south coast of England has purchased the freehold of the former Waterside House in Netley Abbey near Southampton.

Previously owned by charity Revitalise, Waterside House operated as a respite care centre but ceased trading in 2020. The 31-bedroom property occupies a 2.62-acre site that backs onto Southampton Water with views of the Isle of Wight to the south and the New Forest to the west.

The site has planning permission for a replacement respite hotel and accommodation of 40 single and 10 double occupancy guest suites.

A spokesperson on behalf of the purchasers, said: “Waterside House offers us an exceptional opportunity to establish the property as a well-known care home in Netley Abbey. Located next to Netley Castle, close to Netley Abbey and backing onto Southampton Water, this is a unique site, and we are looking forward to refurbishing and upgrading the current property and creating a high-end care home for our residents and staff.”

Janine Tregelles, chief executive at Revitalise, commented: “Revitalise Waterside House is a special property and setting on which we spent a long time getting planning permission for a fit-for-purpose respite hotel. However, a strategic decision was taken to sell the property once planning had been obtained and we are delighted to be passing the property and opportunity onto the new owners.”

Business property adviser Christie & Co facilitated the sale.

Charles Phillips, director, healthcare at Christie & Co, said: “Waterside House attracted tremendous interest from national and regional care developers as well as operators and investors. A number of good offers were received, and we are very pleased to have concluded a sale to a provider whose directors have been involved in the local care sector for a number of years. The sale of this property demonstrates the strong demand for both trading and closed care homes in sought-after areas with strong appetite from different buyer types.”

Waterside House was sold for an undisclosed price.