Dorset village pub comes to the market through Christie & Co

Set within three acres, the substantial, thatched country pub comprises a 90 cover restaurant, lounge bar, lounge dining area and the Round Restaurant, a uniquely sphere-shaped restaurant with capacity for 40 covers. The pub retains a wealth of character features throughout, including exposed brick and beams and inglenook fireplaces, and attracts a strong mix of corporate and leisure guests alike. The property also benefits from two bedroom owner’s accommodation on the first floor. Additionally, there is a substantial car park with capacity for 70 vehicles. 

Externally, the pub features an outside dining space and trade garden with bench seating for over 100 covers, which is particularly popular with customers in the summer months. The property provides idyllic views over the rolling Dorset countryside and the impressive six storey Horton Folly Tower, built by local land owner, Humphrey Sturt, in the 17th century.

Drusilla’s Inn benefits from letting accommodation in the form of two shepherd’s huts, aptly named ‘Dorset Down’ and ‘Horn and Poll’ after breeds of local sheep. Located in Drusilla’s paddock and surrounded by a field of sheep, the shepherd’s huts provide a luxurious yet quirky ‘glamping’ experience, with a king size double bedroom and en suite facilities in each hut. The adjacent paddocks and outbuilding provide substantial development potential to expand the letting accommodation side of the business.

Having purchased the business through Christie & Co in 2014, current owner, Phillip Prowse is now looking to leave the sector and hand over the reins to a new operator. He comments, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the past five years at Drusilla’s but feel the time is right to move on. We are very fortunate to have significant repeat business in our restaurant, which sources locally grown produce, and there is great potential to grow the business further, especially on the accommodation front, as our shepherd’s huts are in high demand.” 

Richard Wood, Senior Business Agent at Christie & Co’s Winchester office handled the sale and comments, “Drusilla’s Inn presents a fabulous opportunity to acquire a lovely village pub in a picturesque location with wonderful views. It is ideally suited for a hands-on owner operator who can see the business’ potential and has the passion and energy to take the pub to the next level.”

Christie & Co is seeking an asking price of £650,000 for the freehold interest of Drusilla’s Inn.