Finches plan to roost at Faulkland
The only pub in the village of Faulkland, Somerset, has changed hands.
The Bristol office of Christie & Co sold the Faulkland Inn on behalf of the Carroll family to James and Tania Finch for an undisclosed sum off an asking price of £395,000 for the freehold. This is a first-time freehouse purchase for the Finches, who will be working with experienced chef, Neil Chant. The 18th-century former coaching inn is a substantial, detached, stone-built country inn which is Grade II listed. Nicholas Calfe, Christie's associate director, said: "The previous owners, the Carroll family, have decided to take a break from the business and then purchase a restaurant. "When they took over the Faulkland Inn at the end of June 2000 trade was at a very low point and food was offered on an ad hoc basis. Since that time they have completely refurbished the building and established an excellent food trade."
The attractive village of Faulkland, located on the Somerset/Wiltshire border, has a large village green. The property comprises a character bar with games area, 34-cover restaurant and 10-cover alcove, three en-suite letting bedrooms, three-bedroom owner's accommodation, former stables converted to a skittles alley/function room, detached stone barn, private and trade gardens and a car park. The inn has many character features, such as exposed timbers and a flagstone floor. The Finches previously managed the Manor House Inn in Ditcheat, near Shepton Mallett, and the Talbot public house in Mells. Christie's sold the Faulkland Inn for an undisclosed figure, from an asking price of £395,000 for the freehold.
