Buttermere’s Fish Inn has been sold for the first time in 50 years from an asking price of £1.35 million.

It has been bought by Mike and Abi Martin, who run the Allerdale Court Hotel in Cockermouth and was sold by Christie & Co.

The 10-bedroom Fish Inn has been owned and operated by Jean and John Richardson since 1968, and they put it up for sale so they could retire.

The couple previously ran a small guest house in Keswick.

Mr and Mrs Martin said: “We are delighted to be part of this wonderful community and look forward to working in such a spectacular part of the Lake District.”

The inn, which also features a bar and restaurant for around 70 people, plus a breakfast room and lounge, features in local legend The Maid of Buttermere, which tells the tale of Mary Robinson, the beautiful daughter of an 18th century landlord.

She married a man who posed as nobleman Colonel Hope, but his fraud was exposed and he was tried and hanged.

Alistair Greenhalgh, director at Christie & Co, handled the sale.

He said: “We’re pleased to have helped Jean and John achieve their retirement, and are delighted to have found local operators who will continue their legacy.

“Hotels within the Lake District continue to prove desirable as and when they come to the market, and The Fish Inn was no exception, with multiple expressions of interest from potential purchasers.”