“Peculiar” person wanted to take on Castles Home Hardware in Christchurch

Castles Home Hardware in Christchurch is an institution which draws customers from far and wide.

Now owner Roger Mason is hoping someone will take on the popular Bargates store as a going concern so he can retire at the age of 70.

Castles, one of the few places where customers can buy individual nuts, bolts, washers and screws, has been on its current site since 1922.

It was opened by Len Castle in 1922. Len’s father, Joseph, already ran a similar store in Pokesdown.

Mr Mason said: “My father, Ernie Mason, joined Joseph Castle in 1929 as an apprentice in Pokesdown. He later moved to the Christchurch store where he remained until he retired in 1988.

“In the mean time I had started working here in 1969 and I’ve been here ever since.

“I’ve thought about retirement before but I’ve never felt ready for it - I’m ready now.

“This is a peculiarity and it will need a peculiar person to want to buy it but it is popular and successful so I’m confident we’ll find a buyer.”

Mr Mason said the Bargates shop was built on the site of the former Home Farm, which was purchased by Joseph Castle almost a century ago. At the time was one of dozens of hardware stores in Christchurch and the surrounding area.

The business is being marketed through Goadsby in Bournemouth and is up for £30,000, plus the stock, worth around £70,000. Mr Mason will retain the freehold.

It has six full-time staff and Mr Mason said their knowledge is what makes the shop special.

“Apart from Castles being the only place where you can buy one nut or bolt, it is the only place where people behind the counter really know what they are doing and what they are talking about” he said.

“They have a lot of common sense and do their own DIY. If you have a problem, they’ll talk it through with you and come up with a solution.”

Mr Mason, who will be 70 in August, hopes to spend his retirement travelling and renovating 1950s motorbikes.