HISTORIC CHURCH HOUSE FOR SALE

23rd April 2008, 10:54am

Steeped in history, the Church House Inn in the village square at Harberton near Totnes, Devon is up for sale with the owners seeking £119,950 for the leasehold interest.

The inn is currently run by a working partner with a small team of staff including a full time chef. It is held on a 15 year free of tie private lease with a current rent of £36,000.

Originally built to house the stonemasons working on the church next door around 1100, the charming inn has also been used as a chantry for monks. The present bar comprised the Great Hall, Chapel and workshop.

In the 14th century the Abbot handed over the property to the poor and in 1950 it passed out of the church's hands and eventually became an Inn.

Plaster was removed to reveal massive beams of fluted mellow oak together with a fine medieval screen said to be one of the oldest in the country. Other interesting features include 17th and 18th century pews and settles.
 
Matt Bettesworth of the selling agents said: "The Church House is a particularly fine example of a village centre continuing to support the locals and welcoming visitors. It is supported by the local cricket and bowls clubs and has its own Golf Society."

Two thirds of the inn is set out for dining, offering 74 covers, and there is also a family room with a further 20 covers. Fine food is on the menu with meat supplied by a local butcher and fresh vegetables delivered daily by local suppliers.
 
The Church House Inn also has three letting rooms popular at weekends with visitors to the South Hams, an area of outstanding natural beauty.