Two pubs so picturesque they have graced the cover of guides

The famous Royal Oak Inn in Winsford, Exmoor, is for sale with Christie & Co, with a guide price of £1,295,000, while the Cock Inn at Sibson, on the Leicestershire-Warwickshire border, noted as one of England's six oldest pubs, is offered on a new lease agreement by Guy Simmonds at £175,000. The Royal Oak is a renowned inn, hotel and restaurant, which has three stars from the RAC, AA and English Tourism Council. It has appeared on the front of many travel guides and brochures over the years as an image of the quintessential English country inn. The building dates from the 12th Century and was originally a farmhouse and dairy. The pub has 14 en-suite bedrooms, three lounges, two bars where light meals are served, and a restaurant offering a menu of freshly-cooked, quality cuisine. It is on the market due to proprietor Charlie Stevens' decision to retire after 31 years of ownership The Cock, meanwhile, was featured on the front of last year's Good Pub Guide. The pub dates back some 750 years and, in 1735, Dick Turpin hid from the excise men in its cellars with Black Bess. Boasting sales in excess of £600,000 pa, the pub consists of the Stables Grill, a lounge bar, locals snug and further informal dining areas. It has been under the same ownership for some 13 years and is on the market due to retirement. It is held on an original 15-year Bass lease which is renewable under the Landlord & Tenant Act.