In April 1927, in an effort to improve his health, Jack moved to Bournemouth with his family. There they bought the Mayo Hygienic Laundry in Winton but the next year they moved to the Railway Hotel in Holdenhurst Road of which Jack had become the licensee.

In 1933, Hancock's parents bought Swanmore Villa and Lodge in Gervis Road, which they renamed to the Durlston Court Hotel, after Durlston Court Preparatory School,