Devon inn with prehistoric monolith changes hands

An historic Devon inn that surrounds a 5,000-year-old stone monolith has been sold through the Exeter office of Christie + Co.

The Oxenham Arms hotel in South Zeal, Okehampton, is believed to be one of oldest in the country. It was built by lay monks in the latter part of the 12th century and become the Dower House of the Burgoyne family whose heiress took it to the Oxenham family.

It was first licensed in 1477 and is reputed to have accommodated Lord Nelson and Charles Dickens.

It occupies a 3.5-acre plot just off the A30 on the northern fringes of Dartmoor National Park.

Along with eight letting bedrooms, the inn has a 20-seat main bar with open stone fireplace, a 10-seat back bar that houses the prehistoric monolith, a residents' lounge with a granite fireplace, and a 30-seat restaurant with a granite pillar and supporting beams.

Outside is an enclosed courtyard area, a beer garden, and a three-bedroom detached bungalow for the owners.

Christie + Co sold the freehold off a £1.25m asking price on behalf of Paul and Janet Lucas.

By Angela Frewin