A Lake District pub, which has been in the same hands for over 50 years, has just gone on the market.

The Fish Inn, at Buttermere, has been put up for sale by its current owners Jean and John Richardson, who are hoping to retire after running the pub since 1968.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co is seeking an asking price of £1,500,000 for the freehold interest of The Fish Inn.

The 10 bedroom inn offers en suite accommodation, breakfast room and lounge for guests to enjoy, along with a public bar and restaurant for around 70 patrons.

The Fish Inn also offers an attractive beer garden with views over the rolling hills and a substantial on site car park for up to 30 vehicles.

It is well known in the area, that the inn is part of the local legend, ‘The Maid of Buttermere'.

This tells of Mary Robinson, the famously beautiful daughter of the landlord of The Fish Inn in the 18th century, who was married to a local man illegally posing as nobleman ‘Colonel Hope.’ The marriage was widely reported, resulting in his fraud being exposed and the false Colonel was tried and hanged, leaving Mary heartbroken until she was happily remarried to a local farmer.

Along with its place in folklore, The Fish Inn is recognised for its location in one of the area’s most beautiful valleys, a short walk from both Buttermere and Crummock Water, at the foot of Honister Pass.

Alistair Greenhalgh, director at Christie & Co, is handling the sale.

He said: “The Fish Inn can genuinely be described as a once in a lifetime opportunity, having been brought to the market for the first time since 1968.

"Though the business currently trades strongly from both the existing letting bedrooms and the food and beverage trade, an incoming operator will have the opportunity to develop this further as there are currently five staff bedrooms and two owner’s flats which could be converted into additional letting accommodation if required."