Limestone Capital Backs Nokken’s Global Push for Eco-Friendly Modular Retreats

Limestone Capital, a Switzerland-based private equity firm specialising in the experience economy, has acquired just over 30 per cent of Nokken, a UK company known for its design-led modular cabins.

This partnership is set to fast-track Nokken’s international growth, opening doors across Europe, the UK, the United States, and into new markets in Asia and Australasia. The move underscores Limestone Capital’s focus on innovative and sustainable hospitality ventures that are redefining how people travel and stay.

"This is a significant milestone in Nokken's journey and confirmation of where we believe the hospitality market is heading", said Co-Founder Nathan Aylott. With over €1 billion AUM (Assets Under Management) invested in lifestyle and hospitality platforms such as Aethos Hotels, Emerald Stay, Loisium Wine & Spa Hotels, and Voaara, Limestone Capital is known for combining real estate investment with branded, experience-driven operating platforms. "We are confident in the alignment this represents", said Nathan

"Nokken represents a unique intersection of beautiful design, functionality, and emotional resonance," said Grazi Painelli, Managing Director and Head of Acquisitions at Limestone Capital. "They are redefining how we experience the natural world, and their scalable model aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of hospitality."

Nokken has carved out a space for itself as more than a manufacturer of modular cabins. The company is actively shaping an entirely new category within retreat-style hospitality. While much of the traditional hotel sector still revolves around costly urban developments, Nokken is championing a different approach. Its model focuses on creating agile, immersive stays in nature — a shift that resonates with a new generation of travellers. Similar ideas have been adopted by forward-thinking brands, such as Autocamp, and by major players like Marriott, which recently acquired Postcard Cabins.

The concept offers a range of advantages: faster project rollouts, lower operating costs, and a stronger emotional connection for guests. Through its cabins and complementary services, Nokken enables hospitality partners to create scalable experiences in stunning natural environments, such as forests, mountains, or coastal settings. By prioritising these destinations over concrete city landscapes, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of a movement that is reshaping the very notion of where and how people choose to stay.

The capital infusion from Limestone will be channelled into forging strategic partnerships with landowners and operators, securing critical elements of the supply chain, and expanding both sales and marketing operations. Sustainability lies at the heart of Nokken’s offering. Its low-impact modular designs are built to disturb as little of the land as possible, using responsibly sourced materials and avoiding the heavy infrastructure demands of conventional builds. This approach not only enables hospitality in delicate or remote locations but also delivers operational efficiencies for business owners.

"Limestone Capital is a great strategic alignment for Nokken. The partnership with Limestone allows us to focus on bringing our products to some of the best destinations in the world and ensuring end customers can experience nature in new, meaningful ways," said Craig McDonald, CEO of the Nokken Group. "Their hospitality expertise and operational excellence will be instrumental as we scale."

"We've always believed that great design isn't just about aesthetics, it's about impact. This partnership gives us the platform to bring Nokken's vision to a global stage, where architecture, nature, and emotion meet in powerful, purposeful ways," says James Van Tromp, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer

In an era when climate-conscious travel is shifting from a niche preference to a mainstream expectation, Nokken’s model is perfectly timed. By offering exceptional stays with a minimal environmental footprint, the company is setting a new standard for responsible, experience-rich hospitality. With Limestone Capital’s backing, Nokken now has the financial firepower and strategic support to lead the sustainable retreat sector on a global scale.

"This is more than capital - it's a partnership grounded in shared values," added Grazi Painelli. "Nokken delivers meaningful, nature-based experiences without compromising on design or environmental responsibility."