The accommodation briefly comprises:-
ENTRANCE
Portico lobby and inner doors from the main street leading into:
RECEPTION & LOUNGE AREA
A recently refurbished space with bespoke fitted reception counter, part carpeted and part timber flooring, period fireplace and exposed ceiling beams. Seating at a range of Chesterfield sofas, easy chairs and upholstered armchairs. Open fireplace with cast iron wood burner.
LOUNGE BAR/RESTAURANT
Arranged over split levels with close fit carpeting throughout. Areas of fixed banquette seating with tables and bar stools and an upper dining area providing approximately 40 covers. Stone reveal walls and feature fireplace with cast iron wood burner. Recently remodelled Central bar servery with wooden counter and pendant lighting over. Fitted mirrored back bar with optics. Hallway leading to the letting bedrooms, kitchen and restaurant.
LADIES & GENTS CLOAKROOMS
DINING ROOM/FUNCTION ROOM
With patterned carpet and room for up to 40 covers, although this space is currently unused. Sideboard, prints, bric-a-brac and antique features. Direct access to:
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN
With commercial flooring, stainless steel panelling around the main cooking range and canopy with extractor. Fully fitted with range of professional catering equipment.
SEPARATE WASH UP ROOM
With push through Winterhalter dishwasher, large stainless steel sink, wash hand basin and freezers. Dry store with fitted shelving. Boiler room housing industrial Strebel boiler.
BEER CELLAR
With concrete floor, modern installation including ring main and python, chiller, wooden stillage for real ales and separate spirit store.
TAP BAR
A separate public bar located to the south west corner of the building with independent access. Bar servery, timber panelling to dado height, carpeted flooring. Historically operated as a popular wet bar although currently closed with genuine opportunity to kick start trade. This could be let out as a separate unit or alternatively be used as a snack bar, ice cream parlour or many other uses. Gent’s cloakroom to the side.
FOYER
Character area with display areas, seating and information on local attractions. Recently installed Fire Alarm system. Staircase leading to:
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
Located over the first and second floors, all benefiting from central heating and fitted carpets throughout. All rooms are fully furnished with televisions, hospitality trays, free Wi-Fi, exclusive toiletries and complimentary bottled water. All rooms have en-suite facilities. There are a range of premium and standard rooms. Well behaved dogs are welcome in all of the letting rooms.
FIRST FLOOR ROOMS
Comprises:
ROOM 1
Double.
ROOM 2
Twin.
ROOM 3
Family room with double bed and separate bunk room.
ROOM 4
Single.
ROOM 5
Single.
ROOM 6
Double
ROOM 7
Single.
ROOM 8
Double.
ROOM 9
Double.
ROOM 10
Currently used for staff accommodation.
OWNERS LOUNGE
Previously used as a residents’ lounge, a good size room with period fireplace and marble hearth.
SECOND FLOOR ROOMS
Comprises:
ROOM 11
Double with four poster bed.
ROOM 12
Triple.
ROOM 14
Small Family – double and single.
ROOM 15
Single.
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
Located on the first floor and comprising:
Hallway leading to:
OPEN PLAN LIVING ROOM INCORPORATING DOUBLE BEDROOM
With fitted carpet and built-in cupboard.
GALLEY STYLE KITCHEN
With fitted units and sink.
BATHROOM
With vinyl flooring, WC, bath and fitted shower.
GENERAL INFORMATION
THE BUSINESS
The Lion Hotel is a well-established and profitable country inn and hotel, successfully trading from its prime position in Dulverton, widely regarded as the southern gateway to Exmoor National Park.
The business benefits from a strong year-round trading profile, driven primarily by the accommodation side, which accounts for approximately 75% of turnover and delivers an impressive level of gross profit. The 14 en-suite letting bedrooms are well supported by consistent occupancy levels, repeat custom and a steady flow of visitors to Exmoor.
The current operators have adopted a proactive and customer-focused approach, with a range of targeted offers designed to drive occupancy and enhance guest experience. These include a popular “Dog Special”, allowing guests to stay with their dogs free of charge on longer breaks, together with early booking incentives offering up to 15% discount for advance reservations, and midweek “4 for 3” promotions encouraging extended stays. These initiatives have proven effective in sustaining strong room occupancy and broadening the customer base.
Whilst the business is predominantly accommodation-led, additional income is derived from the bar and ancillary areas, with the Tap Bar providing further flexibility within the existing trading model.
POTENTIAL
Whilst already operating as a strong and profitable business, there remains scope to further enhance turnover through a more proactive use of the trading areas. In particular, increased utilisation of the Tap Bar and the reintroduction of the dining/function room would provide opportunities to grow wet and food-led income streams.
There is also potential to build upon the successful accommodation offering through continued marketing initiatives, refinement of pricing strategy and selective upgrading of rooms, with scope to further strengthen occupancy levels and achieved room rates. The property may also lend itself to repositioning as a boutique-style country hotel, capitalising on its attractive Exmoor setting.
Overall, The Lion Hotel represents a profitable and well-run freehold business which has been priced to sell with a proven trading model, offering both immediate income and clear opportunities for further growth.
TENURE
Freehold with Vacant Possession. Please note that the property is currently subject to a lease however the lease will be forfeited on completion on the sale of the freehold. The business will however still be sold with the benefit of the goodwill and trade inventory as a Going Concern.
SERVICES
We understand the property is connected to all mains services.
RATEABLE VALUE
2026 List: £18,000.
Please note this is not Rates Payable. Interested parties are advised to make their own enquiries with the Local Billing Authority.
INVENTORY
Trade fixtures, fittings and equipment included subject to inventory.
EPC RATING E
VIEWING
Viewing is highly recommended and can be arranged by prior appointment with the Sole Agents, Bettesworths.
