Inn up for sale after 22 years

A period freehouse owned and operated by the same people for the past 22 years has come onto the market. The Bell Inn is in the centre of the secluded Somerset village of Curry Mallet, five miles from Taunton, and enjoys an unopposed position. The stone inn has many period characteristics including exposed stonework and beams, and features a main public bar with covers for about 20, pool room and five-bedroom owners' accommodation. Included with the inn is a detached two-floor barn which is currently used for garaging and storage but, subject to the usual planning regulations, could be converted to possibly a holiday cottage or additional owners' accommodation. There is parking for five cars and behind the pub, an enclosed courtyard. Westcountry, which is marketing the inn, says it has been owned and operated by the vendors for the past 22 years. The vendors have carried out their business in wet sales only thus, adds the agent, the "substantial turnover" could be increased by introducing food. "It should be noted that this period freehouse is in the centre of a quality village benefiting from easy access from the county town of Taunton," the agent added. The freehold business is on the market at £235,000.