A horticultural heaven in the heart of the New Forest National Park has been sold for the first time in 30 years.
Christie & Co has completed the leasehold sale of Setley Ridge Garden Centre, a family-run business that was established in the 1990s.
The garden centre sits alongside other independently owned businesses, including a farm shop and a recently modernised café.
Land behind the plant section is occupied by Setley Ridge Vineyard, a popular tourist attraction that offers tours and wine-tasting events.
READ MORE: Royal visitor to New Forest Show presents award to Setley Ridge Farm Shop couple
The new lease has been acquired by a local couple, Jenny and Duncan Mason, who have more than 20 years of experience working in the horticulture sector.
They said: “We are delighted to be taking over Setley Ridge Garden Centre and will be looking to build on the already successful business with a focus on growing and selling quality plants, including plants grown on site.
“We will continue working with local companies and suppliers, offering a wide range of plants and garden products to create a unique retail experience.
"We are also focused on driving sustainability within the industry, such as reducing plastic waste and encouraging the use of more peat-free products.”
The deal was brokered by Tom Glanvill, director – garden centres & retail at Christie & Co.
He said: “Garden centres are in my opinion at their best when they offer something different and have character. Setley Ridge Garden Centre is a charming site in the New Forest National Park, one of the most beautiful parts of the south of England.
“The sale of this site just shows the enthusiasm that there is for garden centre businesses when they come to the market. We had a strong level of interest and bids from a number of potential buyers.
“Duncan and Jenny have a great vision for the site and I am sure it will become a must-visit for all those seeking good quality local plants from a nice local company."
READ MORE: National Park chiefs looking to honour people who help preserve New Forest
A post on the garden centre's Facebook site says: "We are sadly finishing on the 31st October. It's been fantastic. Please don't worry though, the garden centre will not be closing. The farm shop and tea rooms will [also] carry on as normal."
The garden centre is next to the Brockenhurst to Lymington road.
Nearby attractions include the Filly Inn, which is opposite land occupied by a PoW camp during the Second World War.
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