The upmarket Star Inn at Alfriston in Sussex has been sold off an asking price of £1.95m.

The chocolate-box village in the Cuckmere Valley, which lies on the South Downs Way, is a popular short-break destination and a magnet for overseas visitors, (especially from Holland and Germany) as it is within easy reach of Brighton, Eastbourne and London.

The 14th-century three-star inn is believed to have been built by the Abbot of Battle in 1520 as a hostel for mendicant friars and it was at one stage part of the Forte Heritage group.

It offers 37 en-suite bedrooms to sleep around 72 guests, of which 13 are in the original Grade II-listed building while the remaining 24 are in a modern bedroom wing added to the rear.

The Capella restaurant will seat 60 diners of 90 function delegates while the Heritage function room will accommodate 40 guests theatre-style.
 
Other facilities include a 14-seat library lounge, a 25-seat lounge bar, a 25-seat bar, and a three-bedroom apartment for staff
 
The Reading office of Colliers Robert Barry sold the property to Martin Gobbee and Damian Martin on behalf of R&B Hotels.

By Angela Frewin