A quiet Somerset town has found itself at the heart of controversy after South African billionaire Koos Bekker and his wife, Karen Roos, have invested heavily in local businesses and properties. Their mission? To turn the sleepy village into a hotspot for wealthy VIPs and A-listers. But their £3 billion fortune, largely built through the telecommunications sector, has raised concerns among some locals who feel that the couple’s investments are pushing them out of the community.
Koos, 71, and Karen, whose wealth landed them at number 1,286 on Forbes’ Wealth List, have been purchasing various properties, including the Grade II listed Hadspen House. Eleven years ago, they bought the estate for £12 million and transformed it into a luxurious hotel, The Newt, where a night’s stay costs upwards of £785. Recently, they expanded their holdings, acquiring The Creamery Café at the local station and several High Street businesses, from a deli to a beauty parlour.
While their efforts have undeniably created jobs and boosted the local economy, many residents of nearby Castle Cary are upset by the soaring prices. Locals argue that although The Newt and its new café are employing people, the high-end establishments are out of reach for most in the area. House prices have also surged in the wake of their investments, with Castle Cary now seeing average prices 23.9% higher than the national average, as reported by property websites.
Local councillor Henry Hobhouse, whose family once lived at Hadspen House, noted the influx of outsiders purchasing properties in the town, dubbing them “Down from Londons” (DFLs). “It’s making the area more desirable, but the community feel is being eroded,” Hobhouse said in an interview with The Telegraph. Local estate agent Giles Wreford-Brown confirmed that Bekker’s investments have had a noticeable effect on property values but added that the growth has also supported local trades and employment.
However, not everyone is happy with the changes. Mark Telling, a local resident, urged his fellow Castle Cary residents to boycott The Newt and The Creamery Café in favor of supporting independent businesses. “The Newt may be bringing money into the area, but it’s pushing out the local charm. Support the local bakers and cafés,” he wrote on Somerset Live.
Another business owner, Pip Francis, who works at The George, a historic pub in the village, expressed his frustration. The 600-year-old pub was recently purchased by Bekker and is set to close for refurbishment next year. “I don’t like what’s happening. The promise was more jobs and tourists, but instead, we’ve seen an expansion into monopoly territory. Businesses that have been here for years are being forced out,” Francis said. His sentiments reflect the split opinion in the village, with some welcoming the change and others feeling left behind.
The Fox Hunting Controversy:
The couple’s plans have also sparked rumors regarding the ethical practices on their estate. There have been claims circulating on social media that The Newt allows fox hunting on its grounds. Although animal rights group Protect The Wild have voiced concerns, Emily Estate, which operates The Newt, has denied these allegations.
Despite the controversies, there’s no denying the couple’s impact on the town. The Newt, which has attracted high-profile guests, including Elton John after his Glastonbury performance, has certainly put Castle Cary on the map. However, whether the long-term effects will be beneficial for the local community remains a point of contention.
