Falklands hero acquires third care home

Arcot House, a beautiful care home in the lovely East Devon seaside town of Sidmouth has been sold in a deal brokered by specialist property adviser Christie + Co.

The 23-bedroom property has been acquired by Keith Mills of Doveleigh Care Ltd, a former Royal Marines Officer who commanded the defence of South Georgia against the 1982 Argentina invasion. He was famously quoted saying “Sod that, I’ll make their eyes water”, following a command from HMS Endurance that they only should make a token resistance to any violation of British territory.

During the two-hour Battle of Grytviken on 3 April 1982, Lieutenant Mills’ detachment of 22 Royal Marines inflicted damage on the Argintine corvette ARA Guerrico, hitting her with an 84mm anti-tank rocket, several rounds of small arms fire and they also shot down a Puma helicopter. The losses suffered at Grytviken prevented Argentina from occupying the rest of the island, with 15 Briton’s remaining outside Argentine control on several locations from Bird Island and Schlieper Bay in the North West to St Andrews Bay to the south east.

Doveleigh Care Ltd’s latest acquisition brings their total tally of care homes to three, with their other care homes situated relatively near in the Devon towns of Seaton and Colyton. 

Outgoing vendors, Guinness Care and Support wish to focus their resources on the supported living and social housing aspects of their business.

At the end of World War II, a public meeting decided that the Sidmouth War Memorial should take the form of a home for elderly people.  An appeal for funds resulted in approximately £10,000 being donated, Arcot House being purchased and adopted to accommodate elderly residents.

John Crocker of Christie + Co who handled the sale says: “We have enjoyed a long-term working relationship with Doveleigh Care and congratulate them on this fantastic acquisition. As a former Royal Marine, it is fitting that Keith has acquired a care home with a strong association to World War II and I wish Doveleigh Care every success at Arcot House.”