The Dun Cow, West End, Hornton, Banbury, OX15 6DA

Description

The Dun Cow is a charming and characterful detached thatched public house, offering a well-balanced combination of traditional trading areas and substantial owner’s accommodation.

The property has been the subject of recent investment and careful refurbishment, resulting in a highly presentable and welcoming business.

The asset should be viewed as a complete freehold opportunity, comprising a well-regarded village pub with established trading areas, a fully equipped catering kitchen, attractive external space and significant private living accommodation.

The property retains a wealth of original period features, enhancing its appeal as a quintessential English country pub.

The Dun Cow is situated in the attractive and highly regarded village of Hornton, located to the north-west of Banbury in Oxfordshire.

Positioned on the edge of the Cotswolds 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', the village is characterised by its period stone properties, rolling countryside and strong sense of community.

Hornton benefits from a loyal and affluent local catchment, whilst also attracting visitors from surrounding towns including Banbury, Stratford-upon-Avon and the wider Oxfordshire and Warwickshire areas. The pub enjoys a peaceful yet accessible setting, making it well placed to serve both destination dining trade and regular local custom.

The trading areas are arranged across a number of distinct yet complementary spaces, all presented in a traditional style and offering a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The principal trading area is currently configured as a games space, with capacity for approximately 30 covers. This flexible room offers excellent versatility and could readily be repositioned as a formal restaurant or dining area, providing a cosy and homely environment well suited to destination dining.

The bar area accommodates a further 16 patrons and is rich in character, forming the social hub of the business and appealing to both drinkers and casual diners.

In addition, a separate snug/private dining area to the side of the bar provides seating for approximately 12 guests, offering a more intimate setting ideal for small gatherings or quieter drinking occasions.

Supporting the trading operation is a well-equipped commercial kitchen, together with ancillary storage areas, ladies’ and gentlemen’s WC facilities and a ground floor beer cellar.

An inventory of commercial fixtures and fittings will be provided once a deal is agreed.

Externally, the property benefits from an attractive and well-maintained garden, enjoying pleasant views towards the adjacent church and providing a highly appealing setting for outdoor trading.

A recently installed pergola creates a versatile covered area, ideally suited for events, private functions and year-round alfresco use, enhancing the pub’s ability to generate additional revenue streams.

There is also car parking available for approximately 20 vehicles, a valuable feature for a destination venue and one that supports both local and visiting trade.

The property benefits from substantial and well-presented owner’s accommodation arranged above and providing an excellent lifestyle opportunity.

The accommodation comprises four well-appointed bedrooms, a comfortable living room, a functional kitchen, a family bathroom and an en-suite to the principal bedroom.

The space is presented in very good condition throughout, making it suitable for immediate occupation by owners or alternatively for staff accommodation. The quality and scale of the living space form a key component of the overall offering, enhancing the appeal to purchasers seeking a combined business and residential investment within an attractive village setting.

The business offers a solid foundation from which a new owner can build further. There is clear potential to extend trading hours, develop additional food service (including lunch openings), and introduce events or seasonal offers to drive increased turnover.

The existing layout, including the snug and external areas, lends itself well to private functions and community-led events.

Importantly, the opportunity should not be viewed purely on historic trading performance, but rather as a complete freehold asset with significant lifestyle appeal. The combination of character property, established trading areas, attractive outside space and substantial accommodation is expected to attract hands-on owner-operators, lifestyle buyers and smaller hospitality groups alike.

The sale is offered due to a change in the current owner’s personal circumstances.

Rateable value as of 1 April 2026 to present is £4,950.

Premises licence.