Koos Bekker
When South African technology billionaire Koos Bekker bought Hadspen House and 16 acres of land in Somerset in 2013, the purchase marked the beginning of a much larger project. The estate, now known as The Newt in Somerset, has grown to cover more than 2,700 acres through land purchases made by Bekker’s company, according to The Guardian. It says it employs more than 650 people who live in or come from the local area. Bekker and his wife, Karen Roos, bought the property in 2013 and began developing it as a hospitality and horticultural destination. The Newt opened to visitors in 2019, built around the historic house and its gardens.
The newspaper reported that a nearby train station was renamed to include the hotel’s branding, a move criticised by some as an example of the company’s influence extending beyond its land.
The Newt also says it works with local organisations and maintains relationships with community groups. The business has developed into a luxury hotel and visitor attraction, with gardens, farmland, orchards, restaurants and shops. For some residents, the estate has brought jobs and investment. Others are uneasy about its growing reach, raising questions about land ownership, local identity and how much influence one company should have in a rural community. Hadspen House is a 17th-century country house near the towns of Bruton and Castle Cary. The estate presents itself as a working countryside property, with gardens, woodland, farmland and cider orchards alongside a hotel, restaurants and visitor experiences. Its community page describes an operation that aims to connect hospitality with local food, landscape and heritage. The estate’s activities extend beyond hotel accommodation. Its gardens, farm, orchards, food businesses and visitor services require staff with a wide range of skills, from horticulture and food production to hospitality and retail. One point of contention has been the growing presence of The Newt’s name in local life.
The company says it employs hundreds of local people and works with community organisations. The debate around The Newt is ultimately about more than one hotel or garden. It asks how a community can welcome investment while retaining a voice in decisions that shape its future. Residents who question its growth want to know how that influence will be balanced with local needs.