Popular Dorset village pub set to reopen following sale
Following a long period of closure, the Gaggle of Geese in the village of Buckland Newton, Dorset is due to reopen under new ownership in a sale brokered by specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co.
Having originally been put on the market in October 2014 after the previous owners faced backlash over their plans to convert the pub into a home, the journey to get the pub sold was a long one.
With the pub closed and given ACV status by the local community, it reopened for a short while after being let to a local couple before subsequently closing again.
Almost three years later, the pub has been given a new lease of life after being bought by Simon and Sarah Colquhoun who were seeking a lifestyle change for their young family. They currently operate a leasehold pub in Brighton which they will continue to run while renovating the Gaggle of Geese and plan to reopen the village pub towards the end of the year.
With four acres of land, the new owners are planning on installing accommodation in the form of shepherd huts in the grounds to be let out to the public. They will also be refurbishing the pub itself with the intention of offering food.
Over the years, the pub has earned several awards and has also featured on the BBC’s Escape to the Country.
Cllr Brian Hayes, West Dorset District Council’s Ward Member for Piddle Valley, said, “It’s great to have this community asset brought back into use. Pubs can be a great community hub and provide a much greater service than food or drink. We wish the new owners the best of luck for the future.”
Nick Calfe, Director at Christie & Co comments, “This is a great pub with a proud history and has always been supported very strongly by the local community. It’s great that after so long the pub is being brought back to life – we had a huge amount of interest in the business with a lot of cash buyers who saw its potential, particularly with the land. Traditional village pubs are here to stay and although owners have to adapt to changing consumer needs, they can still bring great rewards.
“We wish Simon and Sarah the best of luck with their plans for the pub and are sure they’ll make a great success of it with their experience in the trade.”
