Property developers snap up nursery

Simbas Den Day Nursery

Christie & Co has brokered a deal which has brought forward the sale of Simba’s Den Day Nursery in Bulwick, Northamptonshire.

Established in 2009, Simba’s Den Day Nursery an Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ setting with forest school provision and capacity to care for up to 30 children aged zero to four-years.

The nursery, which has been owned by Samantha Butterwick since 2009, has been purchased by property developer, Leigh Harris, and his wife, Charlotte, who has a background in education. They have recently moved to the area and were looking to buy their first nursery with a view to growing a small local group in the future.

Butterwick said: “It was an emotional time for us to sell our family business but I was able to spend time getting to know Leigh and Charlotte and, at the point of completion, we all felt in a confident position. The handover period has been a success and I’m pleased that the nursery will continue to thrive under new ownership.”

Leigh Harris added: “We’re thrilled to have acquired this fantastic day nursery and forest school in such a special location within Northamptonshire. It’s our first venture into the industry, but we are lucky to have inherited such a loyal and dedicated staff team that we know will help us to achieve our vision. We wanted to thank the previous owner, Sam, for allowing us to continue her legacy as well as David Eaves for his full support and guidance throughout what has been quite an unfamiliar process. It’s all hands-on deck now and my wife and I are both very excited to build upon this truly unique setting and create a bright new future for Simba’s Den.”

David Eaves, director – childcare & education at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, said: “Simba’s Den is truly a destination nursery, with its homely environment and tremendous forest school offering, in particular, attracting parents from far and wide.

“We see a huge demand from buyers, especially post-COVID, for nurseries that have a particular emphasis on the outdoors, and Simba’s Den is one of the finest examples of forest school provision that I have come across. Sam has built an enviable setting and should be rightly proud of all she has achieved over the years. I wish Leigh and Charlotte all the very best in taking Simba’s Den to new heights.”

Simba’s Den Day Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.

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