Established day nurseries in Bournemouth and Poole change hands after 20 years

Three Gables - Day Nursery & Pre-school in Westbourne, Bournemouth.

Founded and operated by Leona and Richard Grafham over 15 years ago, Three Gables - Day Nursery & Pre-school comprises Westbourne nursery in Bournemouth and Ashley Cross nursery in Poole. Together, they offer care for up to 115 children at any one time, and are well-known for delivering outstanding early years education in beautifully maintained, purposefully designed environments.

Both nurseries are housed in converted residential properties, finished to an exceptional standard. The Westbourne setting benefits from a spacious, multi-level garden designed to encourage exploration and outdoor learning, and the Ashley Cross setting features a newly refurbished outdoor play area, complete with a mud kitchen and vegetable garden.

Leona and Richard Grafham recently decided to sell to retire from the sector and enjoy travelling with their family.

Following a confidential sales process with Sophie Willcox at Christie & Co, the group has been sold to Bright Stars Nurseries, taking them to over 140 nurseries across the UK.

Leona Grafham, former owner of Three Gables, comments, “This was a huge, life-changing next step for us to take. We wish Bright Stars every success for the future and feel they were the perfect match for us, sharing the same ethos and values that have always been at the heart of our nursery.”

Stephen Booty, Chairman at Bright Stars Nurseries, comments, “We are excited to welcome Three Gables - Day Nursery & Pre-school into the Bright Stars family. With over 15 years of dedication from Leona and Richard Grafham, these nurseries have developed an exemplary reputation for early childhood education within thoughtfully designed environments. The Westbourne and Ashley Cross settings embody a commitment to delivering enriching experiences for children. We look forward to supporting the exceptional staff and continuing the legacy of excellence that Leona and Richard have fostered for the benefit of the children in our care.”

Sophie Willcox, Director - Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, comments, “Three Gables comprises two beautifully presented nurseries with strong trading performance and an excellent reputation, providing the best in early years education. Both settings complement each other perfectly and offer scope for further growth under new ownership. I wasn’t surprised to be inundated with interest and in receipt of multiple offers from well-funded, acquisitive buyers. It has been a pleasure working for Leona and Richard, and I wish them the best of luck for the future.”

Three Gables – Day Nursery & Pre-school was sold for an undisclosed price. Legal advice for the sellers was provided by Cripps LLP.

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For further information on this press release, contact:
Lydia Stewart, Junior Corporate Communications Executive
E: lydia.stewart@christie.com P: +44 77121 98994

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