How a South African billionaire is turning a corner of Somerset into ‘one man’s estate’
What it is about
Who published it, and when
How it spread - 2 original reports
Sat, 10 October 2026
1 report- The Guardian World13:00first to report
Koos Bekker’s Newt estate encompasses luxury hotels, pubs and high street business, with local concerns including flooding When South African billionaire Koos Bekker bought an old country estate in a sleepy corner of Somerset to turn it into a luxury hotel, residents thought it was a sign their area was on the up. Walking through his peaceful manicured gardens, which feature a maze of apple trees twisted into perfect shapes using the espalier method, it’s easy to feel that all is well in this...
Tue, 13 October 2026
1 report- Times of India20:22
In 2013, Koos Bekker's acquisition of Hadspen House sparked a transformative expansion into The Newt in Somerset, encompassing over 2,700 acres. This growth has generated local employment and attracted visitors, yet opinions remain divided. Many residents welcome the job opportunities, while others voice concerns about the estate's impact on community identity, land stewardship, and environmental sustainability, illustrating the complexity of fostering development without compromising local...