Dorset village pub to open after long closure
The optimistic forecast comes from the licensed property agent following the sale of a long-closed Dorset pub to a couple intent on reviving it as a hub of the community.
The Gaggle of Geese at Buckland Newton has been bought by Simon and Sarah Colquhoun who currently operate a leasehold pub in Brighton which they will continue to run while renovating the Gaggle of Geese, which they plan to reopen towards the end of the year.
Christie director Nick Calfe said: “This is a great pub with a proud history and has always been supported very strongly by the local community.
“It’s great that after so long the pub is being brought back to life – we had a huge amount of interest in the business with a lot of cash buyers who saw its potential, particularly with the land.”
Having originally been put on the market in October 2014 after the previous owners faced a backlash over their plans to convert it into a house, the journey to get the pub sold was a long one.
With the pub closed and given asset-of-community-value status by the local community, it reopened for a short while after being let to a local couple before subsequently closing again.
The Colquhouns plan to add accommodation in the form of shepherd huts in the grounds, which will be let out. They will also be refurbishing the pub itself, with the intention of offering food.
Over the years, the pub has earned several awards and has also featured on the BBC TV programme Escape to the Country.
Cllr Brian Hayes, West Dorset District Council ward member for Piddle Valley, said: “It’s great to have this community asset brought back into use. Pubs can be a great community hub and provide a much greater service than food or drink. We wish the new owners the best of luck for the future.”
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