Fox & Hounds Country Hotel, Eggesford, Devon, EX18 7JZ

The Fox & Hounds is a beautiful country hotel with parts dating back to the 1800s. The business is well established and attracts a wide variety of clientele. Since taking over the business our clients have invested in the property to upgrade the facilities and have recently added two new rooms, including the premium Heywood Suite. In addition, our clients have focused on building the business and have now seen sales figures hit record levels. The business has also just been awarded a TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award, putting the hotel in the top 10% of TripAdvisor listing globally based on customer reviews.

The hotel has a diverse selection of bedrooms which can cater for a wide range of guests, including a number of dog friendly bedrooms. Although two bedrooms have recently been added to the letting inventory there is still scope to grow this number further; our clients have started work on converting the disused first floor chapel into two further letting bedrooms. Due to their decision to sell the business this project has been put on hold; however, it would be relatively straightforward for a new owner to finish this project and quickly benefit from the income these rooms would create. The three-level Luxury Treehouse has a wrap around deck, sleeps 2 adults and 2 children and features a fully equipped kitchen, log burner and brass bath.

The popular Heywood Restaurant & Bar is open daily from 8am to 11pm serving both hotel residents and the public. The restaurant is well-known for its high-quality food and serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon and cream teas, dinner, and a Sunday carvery.

The hotel has been hosting weddings for over 25 years and has developed a good reputation in this regard. The hotel specialises in garden wedding ceremonies, offering plentiful covered areas to allow for ceremonies in all weathers. Receptions are held in the terrace function room, which can accommodate more than 100 seated guests. The hotel also uniquely offers more intimate Treehouse Weddings for intimate parties of up to 10 people including the bride and groom.

The hotel is situated in the heart of the stunning Devon countryside midway between Dartmoor and Exmoor, set on the banks of the River Taw amongst the scenic Mid Devon landscape. The hotel is the perfect location from which to explore the beautiful Devon countryside, nearby attractions and a wide range of activities. Eggesford is the final point on the famous 180 mile Tarka Trail, a figure of eight walking and cycling route through unspoilt countryside, making it a popular destination with visitors exploring the area.

Eggesford Train Station is just a short walk from the hotel, which offers frequent services to both Exeter and Barnstaple.

The present owners have carried out many renovations and improvements in recent years and as a result the hotel is presented in good order throughout.

• Heywood Restaurant & Bar - 60 covers.
Licenced for civil weddings.
• Function Room - Seating over 100 on round tables.

Ancillary
• Commercial kitchen
• Cellar
• Stores
• Walk in freezer & cold room
• Ladies and gents WCs
• Offices

Trade fixtures and fittings are included in the sale.

For more than 100 years the hotel has been a destination for anglers who are attracted to the area for its Wild Brown Trout, Sea Trout and Salmon. The hotel owns a ¾ mile beat which runs along the boundary of the property and has access to approximately a further six miles of fishing along the River Taw and River Torridge. The hotel has access to two local independent guides who can help guests get the most out of their fishing.

The hotel has 22 ensuite bedrooms comprising:
• Superior / Suite - 6
• Double / Twin- 13
• Self-Catering Suite with kitchenette- 1
• Single - 2

The luxury treehouse self catering unit comprises:
• Fully equipped kitchen with dining area
• Lounge with log burner
• King-sized bedroom
• Two bunk beds
• Bathroom with full sized copper bath and shower
• Wrap around deck

Gardens: Enclosed gardens to the rear with summer house licenced for outdoor weddings.

Grounds : Approximately six acres of grounds, split into two areas. Mainly laid to grass with a lake.

Fishing Beat: ¾ mile fishing beat adjoining the hotel grounds, between Eggesford Bridge and Heywood Bridge.

Car parking spaces: 60+

Site area Approximately 5.9 acres.

Storage: Shed and storage container

The business includes a full complement of staff including a head chef and operations manager. The staff are overseen by a hands on owner operator.

Accounts for the year ending January 2023 show net sales of £977,127.

The Fox & Hounds is held on a freehold basis.

Rateable value with effect from April 2023 £37,500. Please note this is not what you pay in business rates. The local council uses the rateable value to calculate the business rates bill.