The renowned and historic Cotswolds inn the Wild Duck has been brought to the open market with an asking price of £2.8 million for the first time in 35 years by specialist property adviser Christie + Co.. The current owner has reluctantly decided to retire from the trade after 24 years of ownership.
Located amongst the countryside set with Badminton Horse Trials, Gatcombe Horse Trials, Cheltenham Racecourse, Cirencester Polo Club, Beaufort Polo Club, three golf clubs and several shoots in the surrounding area, trade at the inn also benefits from the nearby Cotswold Water Park and the highly sought after second homes amongst the lakeside developments. Not only does The Wild Duck offer a sought-after business, it also offers a desired and rewarding lifestyle to go with it.
History and character
The Wild Duck is a Grade II Listed building with the principal building dating back to 1563. The original Wild Duck sign, painted by Sir Peter Scott, still resides at the Inn today. Not only does the inn still retain this history, but the clock tower, with its flying duck clock, was presented to the-then owners by the famous Swiss clock maker Longine.
History states that the building was originally a gardener’s cottage and barns to the Manor, with one of the barns being the first area licensed in the First World War, subsequently closed when the war ended and relicensed in 1937.
The 16th century building offers 12,000sqft internally and is set in excess of half-an-acre. Traditional character is to be found throughout with the open log fires, exposed beams with hanging hop vines, and wooden oak floors.
With 12 individually designed en suite bedrooms showing a minimum of 84 per cent occupancy throughout the year, the business offers a strong platform for the next operator to take full advantage of the scope the business presents in addition to the way it’s currently traded. The Wild Duck attracts its local weekday trade from a 20-mile radius around the village and boasts regular year round trade from across the UK.
Nicholas Calfe, Director of Christie + Co, says: “This is a rare and exciting opportunity to come to the market and offers rewards beyond that of a successful business. It presents a strong platform and scope for a new operator to take it to the next level. The Wild Duck is a trophy asset and, consequently, we expect to receive strong levels of interest and enquiry.”