New owners for charming Dorset freehouse

l Drusilla's Inn, Horton

April 15, 2007: A charming thatched freehouse and restaurant set in beautiful Dorset countryside has been sold through the Winchester office Christie + Co, with the purchase financed through their associate company, independent business mortgage broker Christie Finance.

Drusilla’s Inn overlooks Horton Tower, a 140ft early 18th century folly set on a hillside near the small village of Horton, just north of the market town of Wimborne Minster. The folly featured in the film of Thomas Hardy’s novel Far from the Madding Crowd. The surrounding area is ideal walking country and the Moors Valley Country Park and Forest tourist attraction is located nearby.

Proprietors Ron and Angela Wraight have sold Drusilla’s Inn after two years of ownership in order to emigrate to France. The purchasers, Gary and Nicky Watling, are experienced local restaurateurs who previously owned a New Forest restaurant, the Herb Pot, in Ashurst. Gary’s 20 years’ experience as a chef has included working at the Beaulieu estate for Lord Montagu.

Drusilla’s Inn has an established reputation as a dining pub with 70% of turnover derived from food sales. It attracts trade from nearby Wimborne Minster, Verwood and Ringwood and a considerable seasonal trade from walkers.

The picturesque stone property has exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces. A unique feature is the conical thatched roof of the inn’s Tower Room restaurant. The inn has a seating capacity of 120 within two dining areas, a lounge bar and a recently refurbished public bar. There is also two-bedroom owners' accommodation and three acres of grounds including a trade garden, paddocks, outbuildings and car park.

Joe Harvey, of Christie + CO, said: “Freehold pubs and restaurants in this area are rarely available and therefore highly sought after. We received a high level of interest from prospective buyers.”

Charlotte Burridge, of Christie Finance, added: “I was delighted to arrange the mortgage enabling Gary and Nicky Watling to purchase their first freehold business, Drusilla’s Inn, having sold their leasehold interest in the Herb Pot.

"With their experience and drive, I know Gary and Nicky will make a huge success of Drusilla’s Inn — they are exactly what this business needs! They are currently carrying out some refurbishment works at the pub and are planning the official re-launch of the business on April 26.”

Drusilla’s Inn was sold for an undisclosed figure, from an asking price of £795,000 for the freehold interest.