Dorset village pub comes to the market

Drusilla’s Inn, a pub in the Dorset village of Horton, has been brought to the market for the asking price of £650,000 for the freehold interest.

Set within three acres, the thatched country pub comprises a 90 cover restaurant, lounge bar, lounge dining area and the Round Restaurant, a sphere-shaped restaurant with capacity for 40 covers. The pub has retained its character through its exposed brick and beams and inglenook fireplaces and it attracts corporate and leisure guests. The property also has a two-bedroom owner’s accommodation on the first floor and there is a 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.The property provides views over the Dorset countryside and the six storey Horton Folly Tower, built by local land owner, Humphrey Sturt, in the 17th Century.

Drusilla’s Inn offers letting accommodation in the form of two shepherd’s huts, 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 ‘glamping’ experience, with a king size double bedroom and en suite facilities in each hut.

Having purchased the business in 2014, current owner, Phillip Prowse is now looking to leave the sector and hand over the reins to a new operator. He said: “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.”