Marston's sells Oxfordshire pub for more than £500,000
Marston's (formerly Wolverhampton & Dudley) has sold the Swan at Ascott-under-Wychwood from the Eldridge Pope estate it acquired this January.
New buyer, Richard Lait from Gloucestershire, returns to the pub trade after a career in the building sector.
The Cotswold stone building is located near the 12th century church in the centre of the affluent village.
It comprises a 30-seat bar and 28-seat dining area on either side of the bar servery which feature exposed beams, stone walls, a wood-burning stove and a bakery oven.
There is also an unused function room on the first floor that is the same size as the bar and, for owners or staff, three double bedrooms on the first floor along with a ground-floor lounge.
Outside, the property provides trade gardens with picnic sets to the rear, a stone barn and three stables.
The new owner plans to close the pub for a comprehensive refurbishment and a 2008 relaunch as a quality dining pub with luxury bedrooms.
The Cirencester office of Colliers Robert Barry was seeking offers in excess of £525,000 for the freehold.
By Angela Frewin
