Cornwall pub for sale Shipwrights Arms at Helford for £1.4m

The Shipwrights Arms at Helford is an 18th-century pub set right on the banks of the river and has its own private jetty, meaning it is visited by just as many customers on boats as by car.

The Grade II listed, two-storey thatched freehouse dates back to the 1700s but has been significantly refurbished throughout the years, while still retaining many of its original features, including exposed beams and stone walls, and flagstone floors throughout.

For the last four years it has been owned and run by Roger and Laura Fergus, who also have the Royal Standard at Flushing, with Roger previously running the Three Mackerel in Falmouth and the Boathouse.

One of the pub's four dining areas

However, after 25 years in the industry he said the time was right to step back a bit, although the family would continue running the Royal Standard.

He told the Packet: "There comes a point in time when you have to peg back a little bit and this year is that time.

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"It's with a heavy heart and mixed feelings. It's always been one of my favourite pubs, even prior to buying it."

For sale with Devon-based estate agents Charles Darrow, it is on the market with a freehold guide price of £1,395,000.

The agents said there had been "a high level of interest" in the pub, following "significant investment" from the current owners.

The main lounge bar

The Shipwrights’ ground floor is the main trading area with capacity for more 90 covers across four areas: The Mermaid Terrace with seating for 16 diners, the characterful main lounge bar that includes seating for around 40 diners and the central wooden bar, The ‘Fisherman’s’ seating a further 18 diners and the ‘Yachtsman’s’ with tables for 16 customers.

On the first floor is three-bedroomed owners' accommodation with a private side entrance.

Outside, there are further tiered terraces with extra picnic bench seating for more than 100 customers.

The private jetty, licensed to the pub, is available all year round for customers, and there is parking for eight vehicles with planning permission in place for a larger car park as well as five letting bedrooms.

A conservatory seating area

Jon Clyne, a director of Charles Darrow, said: “Having sold the inn to Roger, I know first-hand how much investment has gone into the very fabric of the building to ensure the future viability of the business.

"The Shipwrights is rightly recognised as one of Cornwall’s most iconic inns and whilst retirement looms for Roger, given his investment and drive, the next custodians will have a firm footing in which to commence their operation."

The agents went on to add that with an estimated net turnover of circa £700,000 and the pub's reputation "should prove irresistible for the right buyer."