Bognor Regis nursing home sold after 51 years under family ownership
A nursing home in Bognor Regis has been sold to a new owner after more than five decades under the same family.
Aronel Cottage nursing home, which has been owned and operated by the Hitchcock family since 1975, has been acquired by Sarah Hussain, who already owns Bings Hall care home in Essex.
The sale follows the family’s decision to retire from the care sector after many years running the home. The sale price has not been disclosed.
The home is registered to accommodate up to 38 residents and has 34 bedrooms, including 19 with en-suite facilities, alongside communal lounge areas and south-facing gardens.
The property also has planning permission for an additional 13 bedrooms, offering potential for future expansion.
Seller Julian Hitchcock said: “We have proudly run this home since 1975 as it was our aim to be recognised as the best family-run nursing home in Bognor Regis, and we believe we achieved this.
"I am delighted with the care and support we have provided residents and their families over the years, and am very grateful to all our staff for the amazing care they provide. It has been a real pleasure owning and operating the care home over the years.”
New owner Sarah Hussain said she had been attracted to the home by its family atmosphere and the work of its staff.
She said: “We were drawn to Aronel Cottage by the strong family feel of the business and positive atmosphere created by the whole of the staff.
“We are greatly looking forward to carrying on the good work of Julian and his family and wish them all the best with their retirement plans.”
The sale was handled by business property adviser Christie & Co, with director Charles Phillips leading a confidential sales process.
He said: ““It has been a pleasure acting for Julian and the sale of his business. We were delighted with the level of interest and multiple offers received for this business, demonstrating the demand for care homes in the south and the desire of both first time buyers and existing care home owners to invest within this sought after area.”