In praise of the English pub

THE English countryside is full of pubs that used to be houses and houses that used to be pubs. The old village inn with its low-slung beamed ceilings and roaring fireplace has such an air of history and warmth about it that is so quintessentially English that new owners often can’t wait to transform it into a lovely family home.

Simmons and Sons have two such properties on its books at the moment.

The White Hart is a stunning former public house dating back to 1670 maintaining an abundance of character complete with a one bedroom annexe. Accommodation includes a beamed sitting room with inglenook fireplace, a spacious dining room, study and family room and a wonderful farmhouse kitchen.

There is a cellar play room/bedroom 5, four further bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room, plus a large private garden with ample parking for several vehicles and potential to extend further, subject to the usual planning consent.

The beautufully restored former village inn with a 330-year history was converted by the current owners in 2003.Maintaining many of the original features, particular attention has been paid to the exterior facade including the original herringbone brickwork, exposed beams and brick-and-flint work while internally the property benefits from a number of exposed beams and open fireplaces.