Unique opportunity to purchase Britain's oldest home and UNESCO site for £2.5 million
Kents Cavern in Torquay is on the market for the first time in 120 years. The prehistoric caves, which have been open to the public since the 19th century, have been owned by the same family since 1903 when the current owner's great-grandfather acquired the site. The freehold property, caves and business are being marketed by Bettesworths Chartered Surveyors at a guide price of £2 - £2.5m.
The sale of Kents Cavern presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of history in a stunning coastal location. The caves have attracted in excess of 10 million visitors from all over the world, and the sale offers the chance to invest in the heritage and culture of the area.
Kents Cavern is an award-winning visitor attraction offering tours of the caves, a shop, restaurant/café, visitor centre and holiday let in the heart of Torquay, Devon; a highly profitable year-round business in a beautiful coastal location.
With daytime and evening non-weather dependent trading, the business also offers events such as weddings, cinema, Santa’s grotto, underground theatre, yoga, corporate receptions and private hire.
The caves are an essential part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, which celebrates the geological heritage of the area. Kents Cavern, one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe, was formed over 2.5 million years ago. Kents Cavern is made up of an extensive system of caves once occupied by prehistoric humans and Ice Age animals. Since the discovery of the caves over 80,000 stone age artifacts have been found including a prehistoric upper jawbone fragment, believed to be the oldest anatomically modern human fossil yet discovered in northwestern Europe.
The business is being sold with a strong financial performance record, a dedicated and experienced team of staff, and an established reputation for excellence in customer service. The sale includes the underground caverns, woodland trail, visitor centre and restaurant/cafe, car park, surrounding land, and recently totally refurbished luxury three-bedroom holiday let or owner’s accommodation.
The sale of Kents Cavern is expected to generate significant interest from investors, entrepreneurs, operators, the cultural heritage sector and businesses in the tourism industry. The new owner will have the opportunity to operate a successful business with the potential to develop the business even further.
The current owners of Kents Cavern have expressed their gratitude to their loyal customers and staff for their support over the years. They are proud of the legacy that their family has created and believe that the new owner will be able to continue to provide visitors with a unique and memorable experience and take the business to new heights.
Matt Bettesworth, Director of Bettesworths and agent for the sale, comments: “We are delighted to offer this totally unique opportunity to the market. What a fantastic chance to purchase a very different but hugely successful freehold business with extensive assets, all in a fabulous location, minutes from the beautiful coastline of Torbay and South Devon.”
For more information about the sale of Kents Cavern, please contact Bettesworths
