Prominent Cotswolds inn in the heart of Laurie Lee country placed for sale

The Fotson’s Ash Inn, a prominent Cotswolds roadside inn in the heart of Laurie Lee country. has been placed on the market.

Believed to have been named after a former turnpike keeper, Grade II listed Foston’s Ash Inn is located on the B4070 Calf Way, midway between Cheltenham, Gloucester, Cirencester and Stroud and is being brought to market by Colliers International.

Peter Brunt, a director in Colliers International’s Hotels Agency team, said the Cotswold stone inn is ideally situated, and attractive both inside and out.

“Although it occupies a superb country location Foston’s Ash is located at the centre of a good road network – Calf Way is thought to be a Roman route – and attracts custom from a very large surrounding population,” he said.

“This is genuine Laurie Lee country – Slad is just down the road while the hamlet of The Camp is about a mile away. It’s not clear whether Camp refers to the remains of Neolithic burial chambers or whether it was a Civil War military encampment.”

Foston’s Ash is on the market at £450,000 for the freehold, and includes a bar and restaurant with around 50 covers, a two-bedroom owners’ flat, and a further one-bedroom flat presently bringing in a rental income of £550 per month. There is planning consent to extend the premises if required.

Brunt added that Foston’s Ash is very popular with walkers exploring the Cotswold Commons and Beechwoods National Nature Reserve, and is also used by many customers from the Brockworth area.

“This helped generate net sales of £350,000 under management with clear scope to improve,” he said.

“Our clients, who bought the business in 2006, are active, multiple site operators with a growing business portfolio – and have rather outgrown Foston’s Ash. It would be an ideal property for private operators looking for a proper hands-on business.While the present management shows modest profits hands-on operation would reduce overheads considerably.”