Make the grade as College head
A Warwickshire village inn, steeped in history and full of character, is on the market with the Birmingham office of Christie & Co.
The College Arms, the only pub in the village of Lower Quinton, near Stratford-Upon Avon, dates back to the 16th century and was originally owned by Henry VIII.
Sometime later it was purchased by Magdalen College, Oxford hence the name the College Arms and remained under its ownership for 400 years.
Because of this connection, the College Arms is the only pub in England permitted legally to display the College Coat of Arms.
The property was originally a farmhouse before becoming a pub in 1897.
Having owned the College Arms for 17 years, Tony and Lynn Smith are retiring from the licensed trade.
Offers in excess of £175,000 are sought for the remaining seven years of the current lease.
The College Arms overlooks the village green and has a wealth of character.
Internal features include exposed walls built of mellow Cotswold stone, exposed beams, flagstone flooring and open fireplaces.
The property comprises a lounge bar with two seating areas for 60 customers, a "refectory room" to seat 18, public bar to seat 30, four en suite letting bedrooms and three-bedroom owner's suite.
Simon Cable of the Birmingham office of Christie & Co said the pub had an excellent reputation for good quality food, which currently accounts for 40% of turnover.
"The College Arms is popular with both residents and tourists alike and has a fantastic location close to tourist attractions and beautiful countryside.
We anticipate a high level of interest from prospective purchasers.
