Blue Ball Inn sold to ‘experienced’ hoteliers for £1.29m

The Blue Ball Inn at Countisbury, near Lynmouth, has been sold to “experienced” hospitality operators Phil and Jan Hills for £1.29m.

The Exmoor coaching inn has occupied a prominent location on the old route from Porlock to Lynmouth since the 18th Century.

The Blue Ball Inn – believed to be named after the practice of raising a blue ball on a pole for guests to hail passing coaches – attracts large numbers of hikers and history enthusiasts, generating net sales in excess of £720,000 per annum.

The hotel has five separate public areas including a 120-cover restaurant which is also used for functions. There are also 16 letting bedrooms and a well-appointed one/two bedroom flat.

Ed Jefferson, from Colliers International’s hotels team, said: “The Grade II listed inn, which has undergone a number of major refurbishments, has plenty going for it – it’s on the main road to Lynton and Lynmouth and within walking distance of Exmoor.

“With exposed beams and log burning stoves, the inn is a favorite stopover for people exploring the coastline.”