Shop in the 'most desirable village in Britain' goes on the market
Renowned village shop, Cerne Abbas Stores in Cerne Abbas, Dorchester has come back on the market through specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co.
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Andrew Farrow, who formerly worked as an accountant in London, and his wife Geraldine, a school teacher, have owned the business for 30 years, raising their five children in the six-bedroom accommodation above the shop which is also included in the sale.
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It has been put back on the market having previously been up for sale with several agents over the past few years, never having found the right buyer to fit the store. The couple are now looking to retire from the retail trade and pursue their numerous other interests.
The shop in the Dorset village of Cerne Abbas which is said to be the most desirable in Britain, was featured in a Countryfile episode in 2008 and won Best Local Business for the South West region in 2009, along with having several other awards to its name.
Andrew comments, “We have lasting memories of living and working here, the best including getting the renovation work done which made the shop a focal point of the village and the valleys around, and Geraldine and I were also invited to one of the Queen’s garden parties at Buckingham Palace. The greatest pleasure was being able to bring up a family in a safe environment with space to wander and grow up in.
“We would miss the customers and the sense of being of real value in the community and forming lasting friendships as a result. However, now we would like to travel extensively in Europe as well as spend more time with our children and grandchildren as well as studying our interests to a higher level – myself in European Studies and Geraldine in creative writing.”
Will Trott, Business Agent in Christie & Co’s Exeter office comments, “Cerne Abbas is an excellent location for an independent shop – it is a retirement area with a strong community and groups catering for many interests including gardening, history, theatre and a WI. It is also a tourist destination for local, national and international visitors.
Andrew and Geraldine put a lot of much needed work into the business when they first moved in, building it up into the renowned and extremely successful shop which it is today. It offers a great deal of potential in the business and property with the extensive accommodation lending itself to a bed and breakfast income or simply a wonderful family home due to the nature of area.”
Cerne Abbas Stores is on the market with Christie & Co for £599,950.