Hart beats to a new rhythm

The Exeter office of agents Christie & Co have sold the White Hart freehouse in the picturesque market town of North Tawton, Devon, on behalf of proprietors David and Susan McCalla to Shaun Wootton of Mentor Inns Ltd, based in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. David and Susan have owned and operated the White Hart for three-and-a-half years and are now retiring from the licensed trade in order to emigrate to Cyprus. The White Hart is one of only three public houses in the town of North Tawton, which is located on the eastern side of the Taw Valley, some five miles north of the A30 (Devon/Cornwall link road) between Exeter and Okehampton. The freehouse has a strong local trade and plays host to several local sports teams. It is located in Fore Street and occupies a substantial property believed to date from the 16th century. The property comprises a main bar with TV area and pool room, function room/skittle alley with second bar, three letting bedrooms, three-bedroom owner's accommodation, a rear beer garden and a separate garden extending to a third of an acre. Mr Wootton has also purchased the adjoining one-bedroom cottage by separate negotiation. Michael Easton, from the Exeter office of Christie & Co, said: "The acquisition of the White Hart Inn is the first in a string of public house purchases for Mentor Inns Ltd, of which Christie & Co offices have more in the pipeline." Christie & Co sought an asking price of £250,000 for the freehold interest in the White Hart and sold the pub and a neighbouring cottage for an undisclosed figure.