The Ship Inn is a fully detached stone built property lying under a pitched and slated roof with sizeable extensions at the rear. Public house and restaurant accommodation is on the ground floor whilst the owners’ house is located on ground, first and second floors.
THE BUSINESS - The business has been in our clients’ hands for the last 14 years during which time our clients have managed to build up an exceptional trading business. In most cases, year on year, our clients have managed to increase turnover to todays impressive level. The business trades as a high quality village pub offering excellent home cooked meals and traditional pub fayre to a large loyal customer base as well as those transient customers who come to the village, whether they be daytrippers or holidaymakers. This area of Fife has also received a boost in terms of tourist numbers due to the filming of the Outlander TV series, an American based historic drama, filmed in nearby Culross. The business is run by a husband (chef) and wife team with the assistance of part-time members of staff. The Ship Inn is likely to appeal to those who are interested in food or who have a background and experience in catering.
Location
The highly attractive and sought after village of Limekilns is situated on the northern shores of the Forth approximately 2.5 miles south of Dunfermline town centre.
The village enjoys a tranquil setting overlooking the Forth towards Bo’ness and eastwardly towards the three bridges over the Forth. Limekilns is situated just off the A985 which is the main A road linking Dunfermline with the Kincardine Bridge.
The village is also easily accessible for the main motorway network and access to the M90 links the village to Edinburgh city centre in under 30 minutes and Edinburgh Airport in 20 minutes. The village itself is very historic with settlement recorded as early as the 14th century. Indeed, Limekilns was name checked on Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Kidnapped” where David Balfour & Alan Breck were carried across the Forth in a rowing boat.
The village has a population of circa 1,500 with a well regarded primary school as well as local shops and services. The Ship Inn occupies a prominent position at the west end of the village overlooking the Forth and in an excellent position to capture passing trade, local trade as well as the abundance of tourist trade who visit the village.
Accommodation
BAR & RESTAURANT - Main entry to the bar and restaurant is via an entrance vestibule which leads into a very welcoming, traditionally styled, yet stylish bar and restaurant. The entrance vestibule gives way to a welcoming public bar with timber flooring, large timber bar with fully stocked gantry behind. There are bar stools in front of the main bar and an alcove with wine selection and coffee machine. A compact snug area is located just off with bench style seating arranged around 2 timber tables which allow a very cosy dining environment. The whole pub can seat around 40 diners with free standing space around the bar area. The bar is fully carpeted and decorated with attractive knick knacks with a nautical theme.
SERVICE AREAS - Our clients have re-designed and fully renovated the kitchen in the last year and the business is offered for sale with a fully refurbished commercial kitchen which is of a very impressive commercial catering standard. Ladies & gents toilets are well appointed off the public areas. Other service areas include a beer cellar.
OWNERS HOUSE - One of the most attractive aspects of this sale is the sizeable private owners’ accommodation which accompanies the business. It is highly unusual to find this style and quality of accommodation with a business and would certainly suit a family. The owners accommodation is accessed separately at the side of the business leading into an entrance porch accessing the main owners’ house. The owners accommodation is on ground, first and second floors with a half landing area between the ground and first floors.
Accommodation briefly comprises:
- Porch & cloakroom;
- Half-landing area with huge utility area and office;
- Full length livingroom and diningroom with beautiful views over the Forth;
- Modern fitted kitchen with dining table located off;
- Sumptious “hotel style” bathroom with twin sinks and state of the art finishings;
- 2 double bedrooms on the first floor (one with ensuite shower room);
- Family bathroom; and
- 2 double sized bedrooms on the second floor (one master bedroom with full ensuite facilities including large bath and walk-in shower).
EXTERIOR - To the front of the business there is outdoor seating by way of benches which are heavily utilised in the pleasant summer months. To the rear of the business and house there is a private owners’ garden which includes a private decking area. The garden is sizeable and is stepped into a steep terrace at the rear.
Terms
TRADING FIGURES - Full trading information will be disclosed after a formal viewing.
SUMMARY - The availability of the Ship Inn represents an opportunity for a motivated buyer to acquire a superb business and an equally superb family home in one of the most sought after villages in central Scotland.
SERVICES - We are advised that all mains services are connected.
TENURE - The business is offered for sale on a freehold basis.
RATES - According to the Scottish Assessor’s website the current rateable value is £13,600.
PRICE - The asking price is £575,000 to represent the heritable property, goodwill of the business, fixtures and fittings.
Specification
- Superb waterside public house located in a very sought after village
- Same owners for last 14 years
- Exceptionally well presented village pub and restaurant
- Super owners house to accompany the business
- Luxurious 4 bedroomed owners house over 3 levels
- Located only 30 minutes from Edinburgh city centre and 20 minutes from Edinburgh Airport
- Ideal for a husband and wife team or those who are interested in food