A popular Grade II-listed 15th-century pub with a formidable

The Tradesman's Arms is situated in the pretty picture postcard Devon village of Stokenham. It is just under a mile from the glorious South Hams...

The Tradesman's Arms is situated in the pretty picture postcard Devon village of Stokenham.

It is just under a mile from the glorious South Hams coastline, an area officially designated as being of outstanding natural beauty.

The pub is just eight miles from the historical naval port of Dartmouth, six miles from the old market town of Kingsbridge and 12 miles from the popular yachting resort of Salcombe.

An especially pretty pub with its white-washed elevations under a thatched and slated roof, the Tradesman's Arms has been run for the past four-and-a-half years by John and Liz Sharman, who have decided to retire.

The free house is described by them as enjoying busy trade from locals and visitors virtually every week of the year.

It is particularly busy during the summer months, when crowds of tourists visit the famous Slapton Sands and enjoy the miles of scenic coastal walks.

The Tradesman's has been featured in many guides and publications, including The Good Food Guide 2003 (Knife and Fork Rosette), the AA Pub Guide 2003, Which?

Guide To Country Pubs, Camra's Good Beer Guide and The Quiet Pint.

In the summer, the pub features a minimum of three cask-conditioned ales along with Heron Valley cider, which is made locally in the South Hams near Loddiswell.

The Sharmans say they have only traded limited hours to suit their particular needs and that there is big potential for any new licensees to develop the business considerably, especially during lunchtimes.

John said: "We have opened unusual hours to enjoy shooting, fishing, playing golf and run the pub with joy."

Matt Bettesworth, of agents Bettesworths, commented that the Tradesman's had produced an extremely healthy turnover and excellent profits despite its limited trading and the fact that it was closed for seven weeks last year for personal reasons.

The accommodation comprises a heavily beamed character bar, dining room, trade kitchen, trade garden, car park, private garden, and excellent owners' facilities with three en-suite bedrooms and a large living room.

Bettesworths are seeking offers in the region of £450,000 for the freehold.