English Heritage has bought the Abbey Inn in North Yorkshire for £865,000 and is now searching for a manager.
The Grade II-listed property on the edge of the North York Moors National Park is set within the walls of Byland Abbey. English Heritage plans to invest the profits into conservation work for Byland Abbey and other historic properties.
The Abbey Inn, which has three guest bedrooms, was owned by Martin and Jane Nordli, who had built it into a successful gastropub serving modern British food.
Gordon Seabright, English Heritage's commercial director, said: "We're looking for someone who has a really strong track record in running a successful pub or restaurant and who is passionate about good food, quality and excellent customer service."