While Devon’s towns and cities are experiencing growth and investment, the village of Woodbury Salterton, tucked away just 5 miles south-east of Exeter, remains a tranquil haven in the surrounding countryside. But in a rare event, village pub, The Digger’s Rest, goes on the market for the first time in 12 years.
Traditional, rustic character
A former cider house, the 500-year old property has all the local history you could want from a Grade II listed old English country pub. With its solid stone and rustic cob walls, and log fires, The Digger’s charm and character make it more than just a pub – it’s a local way of life.
Currently owned by the Heartstone Inns pub group, The Digger’s Rest is just one of 15 pubs on their books. During their ownership, the pub has received significant investment throughout, most notably a recent full replacement of the traditional thatch roof.
Modernised with period features
The main entrance leads to the lounge bar and restaurant with two feature fireplaces and central bar servery dominating this traditionally styled area. Wooden tables with chairs, benches, and settles give seating for (40). And, with its own side entrance, the local’s bar – with large screen TV and dartboard – seats (24).
The ground floor also includes the function room and side restaurant with its central multi-fuel wood burning stove and comfortable seating for (45) covers. Beyond is a fully equipped commercial kitchen with an additional washroom and ancillary storage rooms and office.
The property has been sensitively modernised throughout. Retaining many period features, the exposed wooden beams, low ceilings, and stripped wooden floors all add to The Digger’s unique atmosphere.
The Digger’s also comes with self-contained owner’s accommodation. Accessed via the rear courtyard or internal corridor, this includes 2-double bedrooms, shower/WC, 1-double en-suite, WC, lounge, and kitchenette diner. In the past, the accommodation has been split to provide a separate bedsit for the assistant manager / chef.
Outside, the rear of the property has an enclosed beer garden has picnic bench seating for 50 customers, plus further seating to the front. The rear trade courtyard includes a range of storage sheds and separate walk-in fridge and freezers and leads to the customer car park for c. 25 vehicles.
Exceptional trading
The Digger’s Rest comes on the market with a Freehold guide price of £625,000. Charles Darrow Director, Jon Clyne, comments “We are delighted to be instructed by Heartstone Inns to act on their behalf on this sale, following a strategic review of the site. The pub really is a gem of a freehold property and fits very much in the ‘quintessential English pub remit’. We are already receiving some positive interest, with viewing days being held.”.
Set in its own sizeable plot, The Digger’s Rest is very much a destination inn with an excellent local and regional reputation. Attracting an eclectic mix of visitors and locals alike, a fairly evenly split trade, just in favour of food sales, means new owners can expect to continue exceptional turnover and profits in a stunning atmosphere and location.