A 14th century thatched freehouse in Devon has been sold.

The Linny, in the village of Coffinswell, was probably built circa 1368 as two farm cottages. In 1954 the cottages were converted into a "members country club" with a full on-licence and since then the property has continued to trade as a pub. This traditional inn boasts low ceilings with oak beams, numerous alcoves and snugs, open log fires and a warm atmosphere. There is seating for some 60 in the ground-floor bar and for a further 62 in the Hayloft restaurant on the first floor. The inn has recently been extensively refurbished and was only put on the market by the owners because of health reasons. The new owners are Mark and Angela Egglestone, trading as the Gilstone Partnership, who recently sold the Manor House Hotel in Seaway Lane, Torquay. They intend to continue running the business in the same way, with the emphasis on offering warm hospitality and excellent food. The existing staff have been retained, with Denise Burke being appointed as manager and joint licensee. The freehold pub was sold off an asking price of £795,000 through Bettesworths. Barney Bettesworth said: "The demand for freehouses is still strong, particularly in South Devon where there are fewer quality inns available.