The pub’s building dates back to the 15th Century
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Being the landlord of a beautiful historic pub is the dream for many.
And Northamptonshire is blessed with plenty of amazing pubs to choose from.
Fancy owning a building which is not only the hub of a community but one which is also steeped in hundreds of years of history? Well, your dream might just have come true.
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After 52 years as landlord of The Bell Inn in Finedon, near Wellingborough, Dennis Willmott has finally decided to take a well earned rest and retire.
Dennis runs the pub with his wife Joan, and the pair are now on the look out for someone new to take on the business.
"I am 80 years old and almost blind," Dennis said. "So I think that's a good a reason as any to retire!
"I rented the pub before and then I bought it about 25 years ago. It's an amazing place full of history, the site here is very old."
According to Dennis' expert knowledge, The Bell Inn's licence dates back almost 1,000 years, as the pub is built on land which belong to Queen Edith, who married King Edward the Confessor in 1042.
In fact, there are even statues on the front of the building which nod to its royal heritage, and the building that stands now has parts that date back to the 15th century.
The pub has been a special place for the Willmotts, and Dennis has thoroughly enjoyed his years as landlord.
"I have really enjoyed my years here, it has been an experience and has given me a good life," Dennis said.
"I'm sure there will be some locals who will be sad to see us go, but there will be plenty who will say it's about time I put my feet up!"
Dennis and Joan are on the lookout for a new owner and landlord of the pub to come and take the project on.
The large pub is a listed building and although it will be a lot of work, Dennis believes it is worth it.
"It's not just a building, it's a piece of history. It is a listed building, so making changes to it can be tricky, but we have made improvements over the years.
"We would love for the new owner to be someone who knows the trade well, who is interested in its history and who will look after it for many more years to come."
There is an old barn next to the pub that the couple are hoping to do up and move in to, so whoever the new landlord is can rest easy in the knowledge that Dennis, who knows the building inside and out, will be on hand to help if needed.
The pub itself has three serving bars, a snug room, a dining room and a barn restaurant and full commercial kitchen.
It sits on around half an acre of land with a street frontage of 120 feet. There are also around 50 parking spaces, a garden area and a cellar.
So, it is a big site and a lot to take on, but it could be the perfect opportunity for someone with a passion for pubs and their history to start a new, exciting project and preserve this beautiful building.
Joan and Dennis have asked anyone who is genuinely interested in the pub to give them a call on 01933 680332.
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