A South African billionaire’s growing property empire in England’s Somerset region has triggered a dispute with local residents, with concerns ranging from environmental damage and flooding to the increasing commercial influence of his luxury hospitality business.
Koos Bekker, chairman of global technology company Naspers and reportedly worth around £3 billion, has acquired more than 2,700 acres of land around Bruton and Castle Cary through his company Emily Estate (UK) Limited, which operates as the Newt in Somerset. His purchases have extended beyond countryside properties to include pubs, shops, a beauty parlour and other businesses in the area, raising questions about the growing influence of a single wealthy investor over local communities.
Bekker initially bought the historic Hadspen House, a 17th-century manor, in 2013, along with 16 acres of land. The property was subsequently transformed into a luxury hotel and destination known for its landscaped gardens, orchards and high-end hospitality.
The estate has since expanded considerably, attracting affluent visitors and celebrities, including singer Charli XCX and model Kate Moss. In another significant acquisition, Bekker purchased Yarlington Lodge, a Grade II-listed Georgian property, last year.
The house has been converted into an exclusive accommodation facility for 32 guests, complete with a swimming pool, tennis court and cinema room. While some residents initially welcomed the investment as an opportunity to revive the area and generate employment, others have become increasingly uneasy about the estate’s expansion into the heart of nearby villages.
The Newt’s growing presence has also raised concerns about whether the character and accessibility of local businesses and public spaces could change as a result. One of the most contentious issues has been the renaming of Castle Cary railway station to “Castle Cary for the Newt”.
The change has drawn criticism from people who believe a public transport facility should not be used to promote a private luxury business. Food writer Hugh Thomas described the branding as an aggressive expansion of the estate’s influence, arguing that the station appeared increasingly associated with the hotel rather than serving as a neutral public facility.
However, supporters of the investment have pointed out that the railway station has benefited from improvements and that the business has brought additional visitors to the area. The Newt has also created more than 650 jobs, with the company saying its employees either come from or live in the surrounding region. The scale of the estate’s commercial operations has nevertheless raised concerns about affordability and the future of traditional village establishments.
The Newt has acquired the George pub in Castle Cary, where senior citizens can currently buy a hot meal for £12. Some residents fear that the arrival of a premium hospitality operator could eventually affect prices and the nature of services available to local people. The estate’s own farm shop sells a bag of chocolate buttons for £11.95, while a bottle of its locally produced cider costs £12.50. Environmental concerns have added another dimension to the dispute.
Residents living below the estate have linked road construction and changes to the land with worsening flooding. The Newt has acknowledged concerns about water runoff and has been creating pools to collect water from agricultural and paved areas. A particularly severe incident occurred in May 2023, when flash floods swept through the Pitt and Cam valleys following heavy rainfall.
The local council described the flooding as exceeding levels witnessed within living memory and declared an emergency that evening. Residents have since organised efforts to raise concerns about the issue. The use of pesticides on farmland owned by the estate has also attracted criticism. Local villagers have launched a petition opposing the spraying of chemicals, while model and actor Gabriella Wilde, who lives in the area, questioned whether such practices were consistent with the environmentally conscious image promoted by the luxury destination.
Questions have also emerged over water extraction and its possible effects on the River Brue. Farmers have expressed suspicions that boreholes drilled by the hotel may have contributed to sections of the river drying up. Local cider producer Oliver Dowding, whose land borders the estate, has entered discussions with the Newt through the Environment Agency concerning the stretch of river running through his property.
Wildlife conservation practices have come under scrutiny as well. The estate recently introduced five endangered red squirrels kept in an enclosure for visitors to observe. Rewilding specialist Derek Gow, who was consulted about the arrangement, questioned its long-term value, warning that the animals could face serious risks if released into areas where grey squirrels carry squirrelpox, a disease that threatens red squirrel populations.
Although the Newt promotes its food as locally produced and has developed extensive gardens, its farmland does not hold organic certification. Resident John Sykes has criticised the estate’s tightly trimmed hedges and lawns, arguing that the landscape offers limited food and habitat for birds. He is also concerned that farmland previously managed organically has lost that status after being acquired by the estate.
The company has defended its approach, saying respect for the land and a commitment to sharing its gardens with visitors are central to its philosophy. It said it employs specialists in agriculture, horticulture, conservation, wildlife and other fields to ensure appropriate practices across its operations.
The Newt has also emphasised its contribution to the local economy, highlighting its workforce of more than 650 people and its relationships with community organisations. The dispute illustrates the tensions that can arise when large-scale private investment transforms rural communities. While the Newt has brought employment, tourism and significant development to Somerset, some residents fear that continued acquisitions could gradually undermine local identity, environmental interests and public access, leaving the area increasingly shaped by the priorities of a single wealthy landowner.
