South African tech billionaire Koos Bekker bought Hadspen House and 16 acres in Somerset in 2013, launching The Newt, a luxury hotel and horticultural destination that now covers 2,700 acres and employs 650 locals.
The 17th‑century manor, now a boutique resort, opened to visitors in 2019, and the company has since purchased surrounding farmland, orchards and woodland to supply its restaurants and enhance its visitor experience.
The workforce includes horticulturists, chefs, hospitality staff and retail workers, many of whom hail from Bruton, Castle Cary and nearby villages, turning the estate into a major employer in a rural region.
Critics argue that the estate’s expanding footprint is eroding local identity, pointing to the recent renaming of the nearby train station to include ‘The Newt’ brand and the acquisition of nearby pubs and shops, while raising concerns about flooding, pesticide runoff and the loss of independent commerce.
The Newt’s community page claims the estate operates as part of the local economy, stressing its partnership with regional suppliers and its role in preserving historic landscapes, and frames its 650‑person workforce as evidence of community integration.
County Council planning officer said the authority will review The Newt's land use agreements next month, assessing the estate’s impact on planning and environmental standards.