Couple Pleased as Redwoods Dowling Kerr Facilitate the Sale of Their Business

Redwoods Dowling Kerr are pleased to announce the sale of Cats Country Club; a highly renowned licensed cattery situated in the desirable rural village Bagby, which lies three miles South East of the delightful market town of Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Cats Country Club occupies a picturesque and peaceful setting, surrounded by open countryside with delightful views of Sutton Bank. Being close to networks and motorways, the business attracts regular, repeat and new custom from the adjacent locality, and also throughout the North Yorkshire area.

The vendors, Mr and Mrs Rushton, have operated the cattery for many years. During this time, the business has become extremely popular and has acquired a truly enviable reputation. It therefore boasts a loyal customer base; with over a thousand clients who refer and recommend the business to others. The sale of the property therefore provided a new buyer with the opportunity to take over a business with an established reputation, whilst having scope to build and develop the business from the existing customer base.

The business came with modern cattery facilities, which were superbly presented – creating a warm and peaceful environment, with views across the gardens. The business came well equipped with a functional reception area, cattery kitchen, and an isolation unit. Originally registered for 56 cats in 24 units, the property provided an opportunity to board smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

The sale of the property also came with a substantial detached bungalow; situated adjacent open countryside, with delightful views standing in overall grounds of approximately two acres. The impressive dwelling provides spacious family accommodation which is beautifully presented throughout with tasteful, attractive décor. The owner’s accommodation comprised of a living room, dining area, a good side conservatory with patio doors, a comprehensively appointed kitchen, two guest cloakrooms, WC facilities, and a utility room with a sauna. The owner’s accommodation came with three double rooms; all of a generous size, and two of which have a selection of built in robes. The family bathroom came with a white suite with a spa bath, separate shower cubicle, and low level WC facilities.

Externally, the property has extensive and established lawn gardens, an orchard with a selection of plumb, pear and apple tress, paddock, chicken coop and an ornamental pond with Koi Carp. There are numerous outbuildings, including a stable, workshop, two garages, store, two greenhouses and a garden shed. There are also three separate overflow cattery units.

Following two viewings; the freehold business was sold to private buyers for £565,000, largely via cash and bank funding from the HSBC. This is the buyers’ first time in purchasing a cattery, but they already have experience in running a business, as they own another business. Among the main reasons which attracted the buyers to the business; were the property and the location.

Sale competition took an expected twelve weeks, despite facing some challenges. The main challenges were the vendors and buyers needing to move – which in itself can be an overwhelming process. However, due to team work, and each parties’ estate agents being dedicated towards the clients; the challenges were eventually overcome.

The seller, Mr Rushton commented, “We would like to thank Sarah Ellison, Senior Sales Negotiator at Redwoods Dowling Kerr, for all the hard work she has put in the sale of Cats Country Club Cattery. Sarah has had to put up with tough negotiations at times, but managed to secure a deal for us (as I am disabled and have found it hard to cope at times with my illness). Sue, my wife, has had to do the running of the Cattery on her own, even though she, herself, suffers from illness. So a BIG THANK YOU Sarah! We wish you all the best.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

Redwoods Dowling Kerr

Redwoods Dowling Kerr, part of Altius Group, is the specialist broker dealing in Childcare, Healthcare, Licensed, Leisure and Retail sectors. Altius Group is a market leader in business sale transactions for small to medium size enterprises. The group includes some of the most well-respected and leading business brokers in the marketplace. Altius Group offers a sector-specialist approach, tailored to the requirements of our clients. With over 40 years’ experience in business selling we have a proven track record in delivering successful sales, constantly striving to surpass the expectations of our clients.