Chance to snatch Merry Harriers

An historical food-led freehouse, set in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Devon/Somerset border, is up for grabs. The Merry Harriers at Forches Corner, near Wellington, is offered for sale through the Exeter office of Christie & Co. Michael Easton of Christie's said the freehouse was on about three-and-a-half acres that is on the fringe of the Blackdown Hills. "The Merry Harriers is the closest inn to the Wellington Monument, a famous landmark and tourist attraction, and is within easy reach of the country town of Wellington and the county town of Taunton," he said. "Historically, Forches Corner was the place where the notorious Judge Jeffreys [Lord Chancellor under King James II] carried out hangings after the Monmouth Rebellion in the 1680s." He said the owners, Barry and Christine Kift, have developed "an excellent food-led trade" but now seek a new challenge. Believed to date back to the 15th century, the Merry Harriers comprises a main bar, two separate dining rooms (seating for 79 customers), four-bedroom owner's accommodation, a beer garden with various outbuildings, a car park and paddocks. The trade split is 60% food and 40% bar. The Merry Harriers is for sale with an asking price of £575,000 for the freehold.