A 17th century pub is set to be sold at auction after community group efforts to buy the property fell short. 

The Prince of Wales, in Holcombe Rogus, was closed in November 2021, and has remained empty since then. 

The pub, which is registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), had seen interest shown by a local nominating group, which had until March this year to raise the necessary funds. 

The group was aiming to raise £500,000, to cover the cost of the purchase as well as refurbishments and any further developments. 

Tom Critchley, member of the management committee of the Holcombe Rogus Community Hub & Pub Ltd, said: “The community pub would be a hub for Westleigh and Burlescombe, it will support the community in a variety of ways and allow us to be more flexible with community events bookings.”

As the deadline has passed, the property will now be sold under normal market conditions, and go to public auction on 24th August 2023. 

The pub comprises a lounge bar with a central servery, a games room with a hired pool table, a snug and a restaurant, between them serving 100 customers, plus a skittle alley and a commercial kitchen. 

There is also a four-bedroom owners’ accommodation and a garage, as well as a beer garden and a secondary garden. 

Planning permission has previously been granted for the conversion of the skittle alley into a function room, conservatory and three en-suite letting bedrooms. 

The property is being sold by estate agents Charles Darrow for a guide price of £250,000. 

The agent said: “The Prince of Wales Inn is a two storey, 17th century building located in the village of Holcombe Rogus, near the eastern end of the Grand Western Canal.

“The pub is registered as an ACV (Asset of Community Value) and has been added to the local authority list of Community Assets under the Localism Act 2011.”