Ancient South Zeal inn to be sold 'soon'

It was back in July last year that Okehampton People reported the sad death of Mark Payne, the landlord of South Zeal's Oxenham Arms Hotel. Six months on, the ancient building still stands empty as the legal professionals sort out its future.

The Grade Two* listed inn, which has reputedly held a licence since 1477, has always been at the centre of South Zeal village life. Jim and Pat Henry - landlord and landlady for more than 30 years - also earned The Ox a world-wide reputation for traditional English hospitality and a place in highly-influential guides. Having the building in darkness leaves the village almost without a heart: to see it lifeless over Christmas made many ask, "What next?"

At last there is a glimmer of hope for those who lament the loss of The Ox. It would appear that the legal complexities are nearly sorted out, and the property should be on the market at the end of this month, or early February at the latest.

Local estate agents Bradleys, who have been involved with looking after the building since it shut, are confident that once a full valuation has been completed a 'normal' sale can take place - and offered the opinion that it was unlikely to be converted into private accommodation, the building having had a licence for so long.

They remained reticent about a possible price: the property has certainly changed hands for in excess of £1 million in the past....  

Come on Okehampton! Get your cheque books out and get this beautiful old pub open again.

**What news of The Plume of Feathers, one of the principal buildings in the centre of Okehampton and now derelict for more than two years?**