Humberts has announced today the acquisition of small independent Scott Bainbridge in the Lake District.

It is the first acquisition for Humberts under the new ownership of Natural Retreats, headed by Matt Spence.

Owner Iain Bainbridge will remain with the company as a consultant.

The Scott Bainbridge office will close immediately but business will continue from Humberts’ Windermere office. There will be no staff redundancies.

The acquisition price was not revealed but Spence said that it grows the lettings side of Humberts’ business in the area by 15%.

Natural Retreats bought Humberts out of administration last May.

Sole trader Bainbridge last year caused ripples when he announced leaving Rightmove, one of the first to say publicly that he was paying more to the portal than in office rent – £1,200 per month compared with £800.