Historic Devon pub is transformed into luxury accommodation for private hire

An iconic thatched pub that had been derelict for several years has undergone a six-figure facelift and will re-open as a stunning place to stay for groups of friends and families.

New life has been breathed into historic The Leaping Trout, formerly known as The Trout Inn, a grade 2 listed building located in the Exe Valley at Bickleigh, Tiverton, following a year long renovation project and now it is available for private hire, sleeping up to 30 people, and giving an authentic old pub experience in a luxurious setting, offering a quintessentially British experience.

The pub was purchased by business partners Brian Lord and Michael Mourant in 2020. It had been closed for two years and was in a huge state of disrepair. However, the pair felt it deserved to be refurbished and brought back to its former glory.

They committed to investing £1/2 million into the inn, employing local builders with expertise in renovating old buildings, and have created a stunning private house with 12 bedrooms, most with en suites, a huge farmhouse kitchen, vintage-style cinema, private bar, eating terrace, gardens, cosy seating areas and an array of extras like vintage pub games and a pool table.

The whole building has been lovingly restored to create stunning spaces that celebrate natural eco friendly local materials and compliment the history of the building.

Mr Lord said: “When we bought the pub we knew there was huge potential to breathe new life into it and create something very special here for large groups of friends to stay. But every single inch of this huge building has been renovated. It’s been a huge project, but very rewarding and we’re delighted with the result.”
The building dates back to 1540 when it was built as workers cottages. Since then it has been expanded, but it still retains cob walls and a reef thatched roof, old casement windows, inglenook fireplaces with bread ovens and chambered cross beams. 

Brian said: “It’s been a roller coaster renovation and very stressful at times, but we knew if we could understand where the problems were in this old building and work out solutions we could create something remarkable. I’ve always loved old buildings too and this one is packed with charm.

“And it's an unusual concept too, creating private accommodation for large groups in a pub, but it is certainly unique and we hope that people will come from far and wide to enjoy this incredible and luxurious building.”

Project manager and interior designer Alice Deuchar, who was in charge of the entire renovation, said: “I’ve had about £500,000 to transform the building, and we’ve kept to within the budget to create rooms that are timeless and rustic offering incredible spaces to relax and switch off or to spend time with friends. The beauty of the building is that it is so big that you can enjoy the space, peace and quiet, or you can gather together with friends and family.

“Upcycling and recycling has been key and we’ve managed to source many wonderful things such as the antique bedsteads, a wooden spiral staircase, wonderful Chesterfield sofas, chairs, freestanding antique baths, and many other gorgeous items which really add to a sense of luxury. We found the cinema seats online too - everything is vintage and upcycled and it really adds to the romance of the building and gives visitors a sense of intrigue and history with a strong nod to the building’s original as an inn. 

‘It’s been a wonderful project, and also it's great for the communities in this area that the building is being loved and used again. We’re thrilled.”

To book The Leaping Trout visit www.theleapingtrout.co.uk.