Home   Tunbridge Wells   News   Article

Contents of Burrswood Wellbeing Centre goes up for auction

It seems it is the end of the road for The Burrswood Health and Wellbeing Centre at Groombridge.

The Christian centre which used to offer a range of therapies, spiritual healing retreats and 12 beds for rehabilitation and respite care closed its doors in June after going into administration.

The former Burrswood Health and Wellbeing Centre (21574204)
The former Burrswood Health and Wellbeing Centre (21574204)

Around 100 jobs were lost.

There were hopes from former chief executive and medical director Dr Michael Harper that something could still be rescued from the ashes, based around the estate's own church of Christ The Healer, despite the trust having run up debts of £3.75m.

But those plans have come to nothing and this week it was announced that the administrators have arranged a sale by auction of the centre's contents.

Until 2016, the centre operated as a 40-bed medical hospital, and being offered in an online auction run by Lambert Smith Hampton are Arjo assisted baths, Luna person hoists with rails, electric standing aids, patient lifts with hoists, Linak automatic height adjustable shower trolleys, wheelchairs, minor medical equipment, physiotherapy rehabilitation equipment and beds, electric profiling beds, pressure reducing mattresses, electric adjustable armchairs and much more besides.

There is also a range of commercial catering equipment including ovens, dishwashers, range cookers, pizza ovens, mixers, prep counters, fridges, freezers, commercial washing machines and tumble dryers.

A 19th century chair-back three-seat settee on sale through Swan with a guide price of £200 (21641809)
A 19th century chair-back three-seat settee on sale through Swan with a guide price of £200 (21641809)

In addition, there are home furnishings including guest and dining room furniture and accessories, a John Broadwood & Sons piano, a Kemble piano and garden furniture. The closing date for bids is 1pm on Thursday, December 5

The Decimus Burton Grade II listed mansion which housed the centre also contained a number of fine artworks and antiques and these are being sold separately by Swan Auctions at a sale on site on Saturday, November 23.

Chris Buller, a director at Lambert Smith and Hampton said: "Burrswood provided a famous Christian care facility in West Kent and we are offering for a sale a wide variety of care items and equipment along with our associates The Swan Auctions who are holding a sale of the fine art and antiques. We anticipate considerable interest in the lots.”

The house and 100 acres of grounds are being marketed through Frank Knight for £8m.

The centre was founded in 1948 by Dorothy Kerin, a devout Christian who believed in bringing together mainstream medicine and Christian healing.

It has been run by the Dorothy Kerin Trust, which blamed the closure on "considerable financial challenges, including a dwindling income stream and the heavy costs of running the practice."

The administrators are Mark Newman and Vincent Green of Crowe UK LLP, Tunbridge Wells.

Detail of the Lambert Smith Hamption auction can be found here.

Details of the Swan auction can be found here

To find out what’s going on in the county and for all the latest entertainment news click here.

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More