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The number of UK pubs has dropped by over a third since the 1970s and, according to accountancy firm Price Bailey, last year time was called on more than two a day.
Factors such as lower footfall and rising costs are to blame and although this loss is keenly felt by local communities, the upside is that many former pubs are being given a new lease of life and converted into much-needed housing.
They are often conveniently positioned, filled with charm and have big, sociable living spaces – like this selection, all on the market.
1. Branthwaite, Workington, Cumbria, offers over £230,000
Although this historic waterside inn was transformed into a four-bedroom house some years ago, it requires a little TLC to achieve its full potential. It’s generously sized with a flexible ground floor layout and lots of period features, including a circular stone staircase and exposed beams and brickwork. You can hear the sound of the river trickling past from the bottom of the south-facing garden. Find out more from Mark Buchanan.
2. The Coach House, Kirkcowan, Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway, £275,000
Located in the heart of a vibrant village, this recently modernized Victorian house was once the Kirkcowan Arms. It comprises three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen/diner, a utility/boot room, a sitting room and a family room that’s been used as a fourth bedroom, and there’s a large enclosed garden and off-street parking. From Williamson & Henry via ESPC.
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3. Crawleyside, Stanhope, County Durham, £330,000
This fully restored former pub is now a comfortable and contemporary family home with two useful storage/workshop rooms and countryside views on tap. Accommodation is arranged over three storeys, with a newly-refitted kitchen/dining room on the ground floor, an open plan living/dining room, a further sitting room with a log burner and cloakroom on the first and four bedrooms and a bathroom at the top. Contact Weardale Property Agency.
4. Beare Green, Dorking, Surrey, £365,000
The Duke’s Head, a much-loved 18th century coaching inn, has been converted into character-packed apartments with lovely countryside views and parking. Entered through its own front door, this one’s on the ground floor and consists of an all-in-one kitchen/living/dining area with a breakfast bar and French windows opening into a private garden, two double bedrooms and two bathrooms. From Ralph James via OnTheMarket.
5. Walworth, London SE17, £550,000
Old and new combine seamlessly in this high-spec split level flat, part of freshly-converted pub The Masons Arms. The upper, raised ground floor contains an ensuite double bedroom and a large mezzanine reception room that looks down to the lower ground floor where there’s a second reception room, a kitchen and another bedroom suite. For more information contact Winkworth.