Cornwall-based independent holiday letting specialists Classic Cottages has expanded its portfolio of properties with the acquisition of Norfolk Holiday Homes.

The move marks Classic Cottages' first major foray into Norfolk and adds 30 properties to its growing national portfolio which now numbers 1,462 letting properties across the UK.

Dan Harrison, commercial director of Classic Cottages, said: “This acquisition further expands the Classic Cottages footprint and gives us a significant presence in East England for the first time, with a well-established and diverse portfolio of quality properties.

“It also means that very close to half the properties we manage are now located outside our Cornish heartland as we continue to grow into other parts of the UK.”

Truro-based Murrell Associates LLP advised Classic Cottages on the deal.

Classic Cottages was founded in 1977 is part of the family-owned Sapphire Holidays group based in West Cornwall which also includes Aspects Holidays, Boutique Retreats and Unique Hideaways. The group employs over 180 staff based mostly in Cornwall and has its head office in Hayle.

The group currently manages more than 2,850 properties across the UK, selling £60m of holidays annually, catering for around 165,000 guests a year.