A store in Britain’s most desirable village, Cerne Abbas in Dorset, has come on to the market.
Andrew Farrow, who formerly worked as an accountant in London, and his wife Geraldine, a schoolteacher, have owned Cerne Abbas Stores for 30 years, raising their five children in the six-bedroom accommodation above the shop, which is included in the sale. The couple attempted to sell the store before but never found the right buyer, but are now looking to retire from the retail trade.
The Dorset shop was featured in a Countryfile episode in 2008, when Cerne Abbas was chosen as Britain’s best village by the estate agent Savills, and won Best Local Business for the South West region in 2009. It has won several other awards. “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. Geraldine and I were also invited to one of the Queen’s garden parties at Buckingham Palace,” said Andrew Farrow.
“We will miss the customers and the sense of being of real value in the community, and forming lasting friendships as a result.”
Will Trott, business agent at Christie & Co’s Exeter office, which is selling the property, said: “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.”
Trott said the retail site offered great potential and the accommodation would lend itself to becoming a bed & breakfast operation.
Cerne Abbas Stores is on the market with Christie & Co for £599,950.
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