Cornwall’s Sapphire Holidays Expands to Dorset with Major Acquisition

Photo: Headshot of Dan Harrison, a director of Sapphire Holidays

Dorset Expansion Adds Urban Luxury to Sapphire’s Portfolio

Sapphire Holidays, the Hayle-based group of self-catering holiday letting agencies, has bolstered its presence across the UK by acquiring Grandeur Property Management Limited in Dorset. This latest deal adds 80 luxury urban properties to Sapphire’s growing portfolio, which now spans 2,700 holiday letting properties nationwide.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, marks Sapphire Holidays’ first step into the urban luxury accommodation market. Properties under Grandeur’s management are located across the South Coast, covering Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole, the New Forest, and Southampton. Grandeur, based in Poole, will retain its name and brand as part of Sapphire’s network, which already includes well-known agencies like Aspects Holidays, Boutique Retreats, Classic Cottages, and Unique Hideaways.

A Growing Family of Holiday Businesses

Sapphire Holidays, the UK’s largest family-run holiday letting agency, employs over 190 staff and caters to 165,000 guests annually. Its acquisitions strategy has seen significant growth in recent years. In the latter half of 2024, the company expanded its geographic reach with the purchase of Norfolk Holiday Homes and Cat Hole Cottages in the Yorkshire Dales, adding 40 properties to its Classic Cottages division.

Director Dan Harrison highlighted the strategic value of the Dorset acquisition, saying, “We are pleased to welcome Grandeur Property Management to the Sapphire Holidays family. This acquisition marks a significant step in diversifying our portfolio and expanding into the urban luxury accommodation market, complementing our established expertise in self-catering and property management.”

Dan emphasised the synergy between Sapphire Holidays and Grandeur, stating, “Grandeur’s reputation for excellence and alignment with our values make it a perfect fit for our group. Supporting property owners remains at the heart of our mission, and we are committed to maintaining the exceptional service they have come to expect while introducing new opportunities to enhance their property’s success.”

Investment in Cornwall’s Future

The acquisition follows Sapphire’s ongoing £2m investment in a new office space on Hayle Business Park. The high-tech, low-carbon facility will complement the neighbouring Sapphire House, built in 2020, and support the company’s growing team.

Sapphire Holidays’ commitment to sustainable growth extends to the urban market, with Dan commenting, “By combining Grandeur’s strong local presence with our resources, expertise, and digital marketing capabilities, we aim to deliver sustainable growth for owners and unique experiences for guests. We look forward to working with the talented Grandeur team and warmly welcome the property owners and staff into the Sapphire family.”

Local Expertise Supporting a National Vision

The deal was advised by Henry Maples from Truro-based Murrell Associates LLP, showcasing Cornwall’s role in supporting Sapphire Holidays’ expansion.

With this latest acquisition, Sapphire Holidays continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the UK holiday letting market, combining local expertise with national ambitions to deliver exceptional experiences for guests and property owners alike.

Photo: Sample interior from one of the luxury properties managed by Grandeur Property