Care home operator Stonehaven Care Group has acquired Woodhayes nursing home in Exeter, which occupies a Grade II listed, Victorian property, formed from three linked and extended buildings. providing care for up to 27 clients.

Woodhayes has been owned and operated by registered charity Brendoncare for a significant number of years. Following a strategic review, it decided to sell the business to focus on its other care homes geographically closer to the charity’s base in Hampshire.

Marianne Wanstall, chief executive at Brendoncare, said: “It has been our good fortune to have Woodhayes as part of the Brendoncare family for so long, and we are grateful to every resident, relative, colleague, volunteer and friend who has made Woodhayes the very special place it is. The entire staff team has transferred with the sale, providing continuity and reassurance for all residents. We are delighted that they have a bright future ahead with the Stonehaven Care Group and wish them every success.”

Nick Connors, managing director at Stonehaven Care Group, added: “The addition of the home extends our care offering in Exeter to include nursing care and we look forward to working with everybody over the coming months to integrate the home into the group as we continue to grow the company beyond our current 11 care home in Devon and Cornwall.”

The sale was facilitated by business property advisor Christie & Co.

Simon Harvey, senior director, healthcare at Christie & Co, said: “Rarely do care homes of this nature in such sought-after location become available and, as a result, we were able to generate very high levels of interest. Appetite from a wide range of buyers for good-quality care homes remains strong in Devon. The county has recovered well from the pandemic and, although challenges remain, operationally it is proving to be a strong area and as such is attracting inward investment from new entrants and operators, as well as those in the area seeking to grow, as was the case with this transaction.”

Woodhayes care home was sold for an undisclosed price.