Cape Cornwall Club in St Just is set for expansion after coming under new ownership with the support of six-figure funding from NatWest.

The Cornish golf and country club was bought by new owners, Andy and Leanne Cleary, in July this year after they secured a funding package from NatWest worth almost half a million pounds.

With the funding, the husband and wife duo – who left their jobs in London to pursue a new life in the West Country – have rebranded and refurbished the club’s facilities. They hope to increase the number of club members over the next five years and attract new groups of holiday makers keen to use the wide range of sport and leisure facilities.

The couple have transformed the country club’s 60-seat restaurant, upgrading the kitchen and bringing in Michelin Star Chef Peter Gorton and a culinary team to create a locally sourced, seasonal menu. They have already run several monthly fine dining events this year.

Alongside the restaurant, the Cleary’s have also created a designated events space for weddings and other special occasions with a number of bookings already confirmed for 2020.

Following the initial upgrades, plans are underway to double the size of the club’s hotel accommodation from 15 rooms to meet increasing demand.

Cape Cornwall Club is also hoping to work with local schools and sports clubs, giving them access to the swimming pool and gym facilities.

Andy, a keen sportsman who also formerly ran his own record label, and Leanne, a former head of events, will manage the hotel alongside the current team of 10 staff.

Andy Cleary, owner of Cape Cornwall Club, said:

“When we saw Cape Cornwall Club, we knew we’d found a hidden gem. After living and working in London for 25 years, my wife and I wanted to do something new before we retired. I grew up in the West Country and I wanted my last big project to be down here.

“We’ve got big plans for Cape Cornwall Club, but thanks to the funding and the quick turn-around from NatWest, we’re already on our way to achieving these.”

The new owners hope to make Cape Cornwall Club, which is set in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty as well as on a World Heritage Site, an escape for local residents as well as those who want a weekend away in the country.

Cleary continued:

“Our ethos for the business is to be inclusive. We don’t want people to see this as an exclusive golf club – we want local people to use our facilities just as much as people who come to Cornwall for their holidays.”

Graham Ivey, relationship manager at NatWest, said:

“Cape Cornwall Club is situated in one of the most beautiful locations. Owners Andy and Leanne have already proved they’re passionate about growing their new business and we can’t wait to see how the club continues to evolve over the coming years.”