Castle Inn For Sale

Business description

Offers in Region of: £150,000

Picture postcard Inn in National Trust village. 2 bars, 2 restaurants (22/35) & rear patio (50). Large garden. Very spacious private accommodation. Retirement sale – real scope for new owners. Chiddingstone is a unique village much loved by printers of postcards and calendars of 'old England'. A village fixed in time and a truly delightful place to visit - as indeed many people do - with the entire High Street remaining exceptionally unspoilt and in the care of the National Trust. Add to this the fact that geographically Chiddingstone is only a little over an hour from Central London and contains a wealth of other beautiful and historic properties all within a short drive, and it is not hard to realise that having an inn in the village is something really rather special. Chiddingstone is easily accessed from all directions with, for example, Royal Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead and, to the north, Jct 5 of the M25 all within easy reach.

Dating back to 1420 when the property was originally known as Waterslip House, the building was converted to an inn somewhere around 1730, at which time it was called the Five Bells. It retains to this day a really wonderful authentic character, coincidentally much loved by film makers from all over the world with numerous well known productions having been made in and around the inn. With such natural character the inn draws custom from a very wide area and with its interesting bars and restaurant areas - not to mention a beautiful rear beer garden - it has attracted customers for centuries. Acquired by the present owners in 1964 the property is now only for sale as after over 40 years our client wishes to retire. As a result there is presented a very rare opportunity for prospective new owners to acquire such an historic old property with a substantial turnover.

THE PROPERTY
A sizeable property dating from 1420 and of traditional timber framed construction beneath a Kent peg tile roof. Constructed on cellar, ground, and first and second floor levels.

PUBLIC AREAS
A porch to the front leads to a Public Bar with original old quarry tile floor. To the right of entrance is a Restaurant/Private Dining Room area for 22. The Main Restaurant is to the rear with matching tables and chairs and covers for 35. Delightful heavily beamed Saloon Bar, accessed from separate side entrance, enormous period character with wood burner fireplace, seating for 40/50, matching that in the restaurant areas, with attractive curved servery.

PRIVATE/STAFF ACCOMMODATION
The first floor comprises 5 double bedrooms, 2 WCs - 1 of which includes a shower. Second floor includes a games room (or further bedroom), a sitting room, and a loft area. Another wing, approached by a separate staircase, contains a sitting room/office area, bedroom, bathroom/wc and kitchen.

SERVICE AREAS
Dispense Kitchen near the saloon bar and fully equipped Main Kitchen. Two Cellar areas - one temperature controlled. Walk-in Cold Room and Freezer Room. Dry goods store.

OUTSIDE
Charming secluded Patio Area (50), with own bar, large covered awnings; access to a very attractive rear garden with various outside tables and seating for a further 50. Numerous stores and 3 garages (recently re-roofed). Attractive trading area to the front of the property with 5 tables and seating for 20/30.

SERVICES
Mains electricity, water and drainage. LPG (with 3 bulk storage tanks) for cooking and full central heating from 2 boilers.

LICENCE
The property has a Premises Licence.

2007 LISTINGS
The property is Grade II* Listed. The outbuilding in use as garages is Grade II Listed. Good Pub Guide; AA Places to Eat.

TRADE
The Castle Inn attracts business from an extremely wide surrounding area, including many customers from South London. Accounts for the year to April 2006 show turnover of £511,571. This slipped the following year to £490,624, which the vendor believes is largely as a result of his taking a more relaxed attitude to the running of the business with the imminent approach of retirement. He has no doubt that younger and more energetic owners will easily bring the turnover back and indeed increase it substantially.

LEASE
A new lease was taken up with the National Trust and is for a term of 20 years from 25th March 1996. The rent was last reviewed in March 2006 to £60k per annum. Free of tie.

PRICE
Offers in the region of £150,000 are sought for the leasehold interest complete with goodwill and trade contents (according to inventory), excluding personal items. Stock at valuation.

FINANCE
Colliers Robert Barry is in touch with different brokers and lenders specialising in all aspects of the hotel, hospitality and pub sector and will be pleased to introduce them to prospective purchasers on request.

FINANCE
Colliers Robert Barry is able to assist prospective purchasers by introducing sources of finance if required. Whilst we do not charge the buyer for this service, we may receive an introductory commission from the lender or broker involved.

TO VIEW
All appointments to view MUST be made through the vendors' agents who are acting with sole selling rights.

Property information

Property:

Leasehold