Historic Somerset village inn changes hands for the first time
Dinnington Docks, a historic country inn situated in the village of Dinnington near Hinton St George, Somerset, has been sold through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co to a first time buyer.
The Grade II listed two storey property, which dates back to the 17th century, was made famous when featured on the Time Team TV programme following the discovery of the remains of a Roman Villa in Dinnington. The inn retains its traditional character, maintaining some of the building’s original period features such as mullion windows, open fireplaces, an exposed stone internal wall and ceiling beams. Comprising three linked trade areas, the main bar, a family room, and a dining room, the pub caters for around 60 patrons, plus further outdoor picnic bench seating in the spacious beer garden.
Despite its rural and scenic location, the inn is easily accessible by main roads A303 and A30, linking it to the nearby larger towns of Crewkerne, Ilminster, Yeovil and Chard. Well established and popular in the local community, the long standing inn is also a short drive from the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a draw for outdoors enthusiasts and visitors to the area.
Previous owners, Roger & Hilary Hardisty decided to sell Dinnington Docks after having owned and operated the pub for 19 years. Mrs Hardisty comments, “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.”
Mr Matthew Mills, who purchased Dinnington Docks, comments, “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.”
Nicholas Calfe, Director based in Christie & Co’s Bristol office comments, “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 pubs traditional feel. I was delighted to help them find the right new set of hands to take over the reins and am sure that Dinnington Docks will only continue to go from strength to strength.
“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.”
Dinnington Docks was sold off an asking price of £385,000 for the freehold interest.
