How a South African billionaire is turning a corner of Somerset into ‘one man’s estate’

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South African billionaire Koos Bekker has developed the Newt estate in Somerset into a luxury destination encompassing hotels, pubs and high-street businesses. The transformation has raised local concerns, including about flooding and the concentration of local property and businesses under one owner.

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 quiet, picturesque pocket of England. Continue reading...