The White Hart in Burbage finds new owners through Christie & Co

The White Hart was rebuilt in 1928 after a fire destroyed the original inn, which had stood there since 1710. Previous owners, Valentine and Joyce Scriven purchased the pub in 2013 and reopened the business for trade in July of that year following an extensive refurbishment programme. The pub comprises the main bar area, games area and snug with seating for 60 covers throughout, plus standing room, as well as three bedroom owner’s accommodation with a private garden. Externally, there is a terrace with bench seating to the front of the pub, in addition to a garden with terraced areas.

The rapidly expanding village of Burbage lies near the popular market town of Marlborough within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the North Wessex Downs in the Vale of Pewsey. Burbage attracts many visitors, especially during the summer months, looking to explore the area and nearby attractions, such as Savernake Forest and Kennet & Avon Canal.

Mr and Mrs Scriven made the decision to sell the White Hart in order to pursue retirement. Mr Scriven comments, “We have enjoyed the past six years in Burbage immensely. We have had lots of fun, laughter and friendship in abundance. It is truly a very special village and we will miss it very much indeed.”

The White Hart has been sold to new entrants, Claire Pratley and her partner from Crawley in West Sussex. After spending many years in financial services, Claire wanted a lifestyle change and now plans to run the pub with her daughter, Lauren. They have both been working in a local pub to gain some experience in preparation for their acquisition of The White Hart. 

Claire Pratley comments, “My partner called me, as by chance he’d dropped into The White Hart when he was in the area, and said, ‘I think I’ve found the pub we’re looking for, you’re going to want to buy this!’ Initially we had no specific area in mind when we were considering buying a business, then when we heard from Nick at Christie & Co that the pub was back on the market, we jumped at the opportunity to see it. It seemed like fate had brought us all together! I am very excited about what the future holds; we want to listen to what the locals want going forward. We have already received a lot of support from the village which has been great.”

Nicholas Calfe, Director at Christie & Co, handled the sale and comments, “I have to admire Claire for her determination in making her dream come true and success in becoming the proud owner of a freehold pub in such a lovely village. In getting there she had to overcome several hurdles and a major setback at the point of exchange when her house sale fell through. However, rather than go back to the market and wait several months for another buyer for her house, a part exchange deal was struck to enable the sale to go through quickly and our clients decided to purchase Claire’s house in Crawley.”