Historic North Devon care home sold and set to reopen under new owners

Fremington Manor has been sold and will reopen as a care home this summer, it has been confirmed.

The Grade II Listed Georgian property has been purchased by Affinity Care Homes after going on the market with specialist business property adviser Christie & Co last August.

Formerly a residential care home operated by Care South and registered for 60 residents, Fremington Manor closed its doors in April 2025, with the charity saying it was due to not enough residents, difficulty recruiting and the costs of maintaining the historic building.

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It prompted endless speculation on local social media as to what the building might be used what, but the rumour mill came to a halt when a banner appeared on the gate promising a new care home opening soon.

The property sits in around 5.4 acres of grounds and includes 26 bedrooms on the ground floor alongside dining facilities, a kitchen, laundry and ancillary space, with a further 30 bedrooms, bathrooms, storage and additional support areas on the first floor.

Following a confidential marketing process with Eve-Angelica Apperley from Christie & Co, the property has been purchased by Affinity Care Homes, which now owns 13 care homes across England and Wales.

The company plans to refurbish and reopen the home in the summer of 2026, subject to Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration.

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Michelle Ward, former owner of Fremington Manor, said: “We purchased Fremington Manor at auction in 1980 and since then, it has formed a focal point for Fremington and has enjoyed a happy relationship with the local population, particularly at the annual garden parties.

“Over the years, work was carried out to enable the manor to operate as a registered care home, including the addition of a new nursing wing in March 2005. On behalf of our directors, we are delighted the manor will continue as a home offering an excellent level of residential care and providing employment in the healthcare sector.”

In a statement, new owners Shyam Done and Sirajali Panjwani said: “We are committed to expanding Affinity Care Homes, setting a benchmark in the care home sector by providing excellence and creating a place that truly feels like home for our residents.

“We are delighted to welcome Fremington Manor into the Affinity family. Its rich history and character make it a truly special setting and we look forward to reopening it as a nursing home that honours its heritage while providing the highest standards of care.”

Eve-Angelica Apperley, business agent for Care, Christie & Co, said: “It was a pleasure to act for the sellers on such an incredible and historic property.

“We are really looking forward to seeing the home open once again, once refurbishment works are complete. We wish both the seller and the buyer all the best for the future.”

Fremington councillor Frank Biederman, who initially flagged up the new sign on the manor gate on local social media, said: “I am delighted it looks like it is to open again as a much needed care facility in our community.

“Fremington Manor is a landmark building and is a spectacular and special place to be looked after in your aging years.

“I always worked closely with the previous owners to ensure residents were very much part of the community and hope to strike up a similar relationship with the new owners.”