New owners have arrived at The Old Ferry Inn, Bodinnick, Cornwall, which has changed hands following a deal brokered by Colliers International.
The quintessentially Cornish former coaching inn — which has been providing bed and board for travellers on the old London to Penzance road for more than 400 years — has been bought by businessman and hospitality newcomer Robert Seabourne and partner Karen Gardner, a classically trained chef, off a guide price of £1.2 million.
Bob, who worked in clothing and packaging before moving into the hospitality sector, said: “I’ve been visiting Cornwall since I was a boy and fell in love with Bodinnick around six years ago.
‘Evolution, not revolution’
“The Old Ferry Inn is a lovely old lady who has suffered from a lack of investment over recent years, and is in need of a fair bit of TLC. The aim is evolution, not revolution: everything changes, yet nothing changes!
“We believe that establishing links with local businesses and charitable organisations, like the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, will be of paramount importance to the long-term success of the business.”
Ed Jefferson, from Colliers International, believes there is plenty of scope for Bob and Karen to take business forward at the Old Ferry Inn, which has 12 letting rooms and overlooks the busy Bodinnick to Fowey ferry and also Ferryside, the family home of writer Daphne du Maurier.
He said: “The present inn dates back to the 17th century and features a host of traditional features, including a woodburner and stone slate floor. The popular River Room has fantastic river views over Fowey and the village of Polruan.
“The Old Ferry also boasts south-facing terraces, which have the same outstanding views and are a real sun trap. The characterful bar is packed with photographs, historical artefacts and memorabilia.”
