It was just over a year ago I met a young man, Arthur, who had done something in my Swindon community which I found utterly incredible – he’d bought the local museum. Since that time, this quietly ambitious and visionary property developer has shown what it takes to be savvy about property and how he helps his investors make the most of their money. Meet Arthur Dallimer of William Arthur Property – https://williamarthurproperty.com/
What do you do?
I’m a property developer and landlord with an extensive portfolio spanning both commercial and residential properties. My focus is on maximising revenue across all my assets. I’ve fuelled business growth by partnering with investors and offering fixed, guaranteed returns on their funds—a strategy that has enabled me to scale and develop the business to its current success.
How did this all begin?
From an early age, I was driven by a desire to succeed and earn a living, always believing there was more to life than the traditional route of simply slogging through school. I’m incredibly fortunate to have had parents who encouraged me to think differently and follow my own path, even when I knew the journey wouldn’t be easy.
While at university, I balanced my academic commitments during the day with renovating my own properties on the weekends, and even managed to secure part-time evening work with property developer Susannah Cole. Immersing myself in that dynamic business environment not only nurtured my self-development but also taught me invaluable lessons about hard work and dedication. My time with Susannah played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the solid business I have built today.
What was your money mindset in your childhood?
From a young age, I’ve been driven to accumulate wealth and enjoy the finer things in life—from the most stylish 
clothes to the freedom that money brings. To me, money is about options and opportunity.
I’ve come to realise that our attitudes towards money are often inherited from our parents. On one hand, one of my parents was remarkably frugal, mending his own socks when they wore out. On the other, my other parent was a generous spender, always seeking high quality at a sensible price. Experiencing these two extremes has helped me develop a well-balanced approach to managing my finances.
When did you buy your first property?
At 18, I purchased my first property—a three-bedroom semi-detached house. I took on the challenge of adding a two-storey extension, a project that spanned twelve months. Throughout the process, I learnt people management, cost control, and the art of building. Reflecting on it now, it was a huge learning curve, and the project ultimately netted me a profit of £65k.
Did you stay in Bristol?
I’d been living in Bristol for 10 years, I love the city and had projects there, I loved the vibe of the whole city, different pockets offered varied experiences. However, my heart was always in the Swindon area where I grew up and went to school and I’ve always felt the pull to return. Swindon offered more options, less competition business wise and the decision was made to grow the portfolio in the town.
Why did you buy a museum?
I was approached by an agent when the council were first looking to market the property. Business wise to lower my risk profile with investments, I’ve always focused on have multiple income streams from one asset which is easily achievable with Apsley House (formerly Swindon’s museum and art gallery). It was very clear to me I could sympathetically divide up the asset to create smaller rentable spaces.
Additionally, I’ve got this big drive to help develop the area and gentrify Swindon as I feel Swindon has been somewhat missed from the developing towns outside London. I want to make it a place we’re all proud to say we live in!.
What surprised you about this project?
The practicality of the project and the vision is as strong as ever. What surprised me more is that there would be interest in ‘me’ as a person – and who I was and my motivation – and that had not happened before. I realised that there was a perception by the local community and the local media that they needed to know me, to know my vision and almost to hold me accountable for it and to understand what was happening to this iconic building – even though it had been empty previously.
How can would-be investors work with you?
I work with investors, usually with debt finance where I offered fixed percentage returns on funds invested. I used my time, skill and experience to develop project and let me use my skills to create a healthy return on investment for them.
Does culture and heritage interest you?
Absolutely, it always has. I love the history and stories that some buildings tell and being able to give them new life is a blessing. However these projects have to be practical too, these buildings need to be able to pay their way into the future and that can be a challenge.
In my wider life, I adore music, the arts and I love supporting these sectors through attending events and, I hope even hosting some events in the not too distant future.
Indeed I’ve flexed this love of heritage rather strongly by buying my own manor house on the Burderop estate in Chiseldon, near Swindon.
Tell us about your new home?
The house in its current form dates back to 1776, however previous this date the house and grounds was a monastery. For the last 50 years it has been used by a well known firm Halcrow as their HQ.
The house and the outbuildings were in a state of disrepair, but I could see the potential in create a sustainable small estate outside of Swindon.
The house itself was on my school run as a child and think about how lovely it would be to have a home with its own gate and drive – a really grand entrance. I never dreamed, of course, that one day I would own that very house. Yet here we are.
This is my home however I’ve got a vision to turn it into a vibrant and quality estate which will be sustainable for the future. With help from the bank Hodge, I’ve already turned some outbuildings into seven beautiful heritage homes for rent and other plans are in the pipeline.
One of the benefits of the estate is that over time, I can provide support for my brother Adam, who has autism. Being able to provide a safe space for him to be able to live a full life is something that’s really important to me and offer space for support staff.
What does 2025 hold for you?
Lots of time working hard! The projects mentioned here and others which will come onstream will keep me busy.
Personally I’m going to be 30 this year but the focus is to consolidate my business activities and start planning the next stage of my life and career.
And finally back to The Museum:
“Taking on this project was a huge decision,” Arthur said. “However having lived in the Clifton area of Bristol previously, I could see the benefit of creating such a culture, over time, in Old Town. This building with its heritage and the space it provides seemed a fantastic way to start such a vision. It’s ambitious, it’s been a long road but work should begin in the Spring.”
I’ve secured planning permission to develop the Apsley House into a restaurant downstairs and a co-working and meeting venue upstairs. Three retail units linked to the main building will also be upgraded.
I want to create a building which respects the heritage of the whole while becoming a modern, beautiful and practical space.
“The upstairs co-working space is a useful addition to Swindon’s Old Town which lost such a facility over the pandemic and lacks affordable meeting places for business people from early morning, through to the end of the working day.
“Many business people like to meet up in an appropriate venue and that’s been sadly lacking for some time in Old Town. Many business people who work from home can get lonely and they may just simply want to work with others around them. This space will fill that gap, and with easy parking nearby, it’s accessible for all.
Work is due to begin at Apsley House in the spring, and it should be open for business in late 2025/early 2026.
