AN historic barn conversion in the quiet and unspoilt Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the Tamar Valley is looking for new owners to open its doors to benefit the local community.
West Devon Borough Council is looking for a group or an individual with vision and commitment to take over the freehold of Lopwell Barn so that this much needed community facility reaches its full potential.
The council is currently accepting sealed bids (with a reserve of £50,000) for the building, which has previously been used as a Youth Hostel Association camping barn and a studio and workshop.
Cllr Chris Jenkins, Chair of West Devon's environment and community committee, said: 'Lopwell Barn is uniquely situated at the head of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is within the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage programme, a designated World Heritage site.
'Lopwell Barn offers a terrific opportunity for a group to use the barn for the benefit of local communities. The surrounding area has a wealth of wildlife and outdoor recreation and education possibilities, and we hope that local groups become involved with this opportunity to bid for the barn.'
The barn complex is subject to a community covenant requiring the purchasers to operate the barn for community benefit for 15 years and that the purchasers keep the adjoining public toilets open for the same period of time.
The building has recently acted as an artist's studio, and provided simple accommodation for groups of up to 16 people. It has been attractively restored, and is situated beside the River Tavy at Lopwell Dam, which provides access via a causeway to the other side of the river which is a nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest.
An ideal location for walking, cycling, canoeing and bird watching, the barn also has a shower, toilets, and cooking and sitting areas.
for information call Monk and Partners on 01752 255222.