Grade II-listed Somerset pub sold for £385,000

03-Oct-2018 - Last updated on 03-Oct-2018 at 13:50 GMT

New owners: Dinnington Docks pub has changed hands for the first time in almost two decades (image: Bill Harrison, Geograph)

A Somerset inn with a Grade II-listing has changed hands for the first time in almost two decades.

Dinnington Docks, in Dinnington, Somerset, was sold at an asking price of £385,000 to a freehold interest.

It was bought by first-time buyers Matthew and Michelle Mills who intend to restore the period building.

The 17th century inn is located near the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and so caters to a visiting customer base as well as locals.

It featured on the archaeological programme Time Team, in an episode where the remains of a Roman villa were excavated and a rare mosaic discovered.

Moving forward

Owners Roger and Hilary Hardisty decided to sell the inn after a 19-year stint of operation.

Hilary said: “We have loved every minute and hope the new owners, locals Matthew and his wife Michelle, enjoy it as much as we have.

“The business needs to move forward and be developed to ensure its successful future, without taking away the ambience and character of this traditional country village inn.”

Matthew said: “The Docks has always been a favourite of mine and many locals too. I’m looking forward to bringing it back to its former glory, developing the wet and food sales.

“We have exciting plans to restore and extend the building too, ensuring it remains an asset to the community and a landmark property.”

Strength to strength

Nicholas Calfe, regional director for business property adviser Christie & Co, said he was sure the pub would “continue to go from strength to strength”.

He continued: “Village inns with such a rich history in the building and the local area are very special and Mr and Mrs Hardisty have done a fantastic job of running the business while maintaining the pub's traditional feel.

“Freehold pubs in the Somerset countryside continue to perform well, acting as hubs for the local community and typically are ideally placed for the high numbers of visitors who come to the area.”