Pair of Portsmouth day nurseries sold as founding owners retire

First opened in 2003, Farlington Day Nursery was popular from day one which prompted its owners, Rachel and Dean Dolman, to open Dolls House in 2007 when the right property became available.

Between the two sites, they offer care for up to 110 children at any one time in a home-from-home setting that has developed a fantastic reputation locally for offering ‘Outstanding’ rated childcare in a nurturing space. The ethos of the business is for children to grow up to be kind, independent, and resilient and have a love for themselves, for others, and for learning.

Having done a fantastic job of building a successful business based on word-of-mouth referrals, Rachel and Dean decided to sell to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Following a confidential sales process with Sophie Willcox at Christie & Co, the nurseries were sold to Happy Days Nurseries, which now own 31 settings across the South and South West.

Kim Herbert, Managing Director for Happy Days Nurseries and Pre-Schools, comments, “Farlington and Dolls House' values and beliefs of providing children with the very best care and education align with our own. The staff team will remain in place, and we look forward to working with them to support children to become strong and motivated learners for life and provide a top-class service to enable parents to work and live their daily lives knowing their children are cherished and cared for to the highest standard.” 

Sophie Willcox, Director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, comments, “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Rachel and Dean on the sale of their business and ensuring we found the right fit for what they wanted from a buyer in the long term. As they owned the freeholds of the nurseries, we approached the market on both a freehold and leasehold basis and evaluated between us the offers as they came in, to ensure that they proceeded with the route that suited them and their plans the best. We were inundated with interest from local and regional operators, and I’m delighted that the settings have sold to Happy Days Nurseries who, I’m sure, will take them to further success.”

Farlington Day Nursery and Dolls House Day Nursery were sold for an undisclosed price.

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For further information on this press release, contact:
Phoebe Hill, Associate Director – Corporate Communications
P: 07540 063 598 or E: phoebe.hill@christie.com

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