The house and its extensive grounds were last week bought for an undisclosed sum by John Curran Mills Richmond, who made his money in Freshtime UK – a pre-made salad and sandwich business.
The manor had been on the market for £17.5 million following a price drop from £22 million.
At the same time, it was revealed that Mr Richmond had spent £50,000 buying the ancient land rights to the property – la fief de Le Manoir de St Jean la Hougue Boëte – making him the new Seigneur of St John.
According to UK company records, Mr Richmond was also once the director of AS Juniper and Co Ltd – a wholesaler of meat and meat products based at an address on Victoria Avenue.
In the statement, the couple also confirmed that the existing staff working at the manor would keep their jobs.
‘Our first priority is to conserve the history of the manor for future generations,’ the statement said.
‘We will work hard to reduce the manor’s carbon footprint and its impact on climate change in a sustainable way. We believe that we all have a duty to reverse the harmful effects that we have had on the climate.
‘We would like to continue to welcome visitors to garden open days. Our aim is to increase the bio-diversity of the gardens and land for the benefit of all. Mr and Mrs Richmond are private individuals who are now retired and have lived in Jersey for over 20 years. They have three daughters who all grew up in the Island.’
Canadian businessman and Rwandan Consul John Dick had previously occupied the property, which was formerly owned by a trust.
