THIRTY years ago Jim Henry travelled to Devon to hunt out a pony trekking business to buy on Dartmoor — instead he bought the pub where he stayed and has been in love with it ever since.

But at the age of 73 and with no hope of his two sons taking on the business, Mr Henry, owner of the historic Oxenham Arms at South Zeal, is succumbing to retirement and selling up.

The atmosphere of the old building, which dates back to the 12th century, and its location on the fringes of Dartmoor, has kept American-born Mr Henry happy as Larry pulling the pints over the past three decades.

Although a three-year stint in the American Army Food Service gave him a background in catering, it was never his intention to go into the industry.

'We had a farm in Kent for 15 years and when we sold the farm I came down to Devon to look for a pony trekking business,' he said. 'I stayed at the Oxenham Arms and discovered it was for sale. Three months later we moved in.

'It was a pure coincidence but I just fell in love with the pub and I am still in love with it now.'

The interest in horses was catered for with a paddock at the back of the premises but when the last horse died about four years ago, Mr Henry and his English-born wife Patricia decided at their stage of life not to replace them.

'For people who enjoy the country like we do, this place has been perfect for us but we really feel now that we must retire,' he added. 'Part of the attraction of living here has been the people, so we hope to stay in the vicinity.'

Apart from the addition of one bedroom, the Grade II listed building, which has eight bedrooms to let, has changed very little over the years, but that is the way the Henrys like it.

'It is very typical of an old English inn and my opinion is that we have just been caretakers of it for the past 30 years,' said Mr Henry.

Like Fawlty Towers, the Oxenham Arms had its own resident major, when an old army major came for bed and breakfast and ended up staying for 13 years until his death at the age of 92.

The Oxenham Arms is to be sold by tender in the New Year and interested parties are invited to contact Stephen Johnston of Charter & Co, Dartmouth.