The Star Inn, Harbottle, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 7DG

Description

Built in 1800,this refurbished coaching Inn offers a warm welcome to tourists, walkers, cyclists, families, and dog lovers.

With its own village shop, newsagent and National Park Information Point, The Star Inn is more than just a pub, it is a community hub and a perfect base for exploring Northumberland’s wild beauty and dark skies.

Whether you are stopping for a pint, a wood-fired pizza, or a peaceful overnight stay in one of the luxurious en suite rooms, the Inn’s tranquil setting and friendly atmosphere make it a standout destination in one of England’s most scenic regions.

The Star Inn is set in the heart of Harbottle, a peaceful stone-built village nestled within the Northumberland National Park.

Just 10 miles west of Rothbury and close to the Scottish Border, the Inn is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, ancient ruins and walking trails that wind through Coquetdale and the Cheviot Hills.

The nearby Harbottle Castle ruins and the legendary Drake Stone add a touch of history and folklore to the area.

The Star Inn is a recently refurbished Coaching Inn, built using sandstone from the nearby Harbottle Castle ruins. This turnkey Inn occupies a prominent central position in the village of Harbottle, within the Northumberland National Park.

The structure retains much of its original character, with traditional stonework, timber features and a pitched slate roof. The site includes the main pub building, a courtyard, a large barn, and outbuildings that have been sympathetically converted for guest use.

Pub & Dining Areas:
The ground floor houses a welcoming bar and dining space (c.80 covers), featuring exposed beams, multi fuel heating, and rustic furnishings. The atmosphere is cosy and relaxed, with a mix of traditional pub seating and more intimate dining arrangements.

A separate kitchen (wood-fired, bottled gas and two-phase electric) in the courtyard serves artisan pizzas, pub classics, and seasonal specials.

Additional Facilities:
A village shop and newsagent adjoins the pub, doubling as a National Park Information Point. The shop can provide hot and cold drinks as well as bacon baps between 9am and 12 noon.

All fixtures and fittings are including in the sale, any personal belongings will be removed.

Located next door to the Star Inn, the cottage sleeps up to four guests across a double bedroom and a small double.

Inside, guests will find a fully equipped kitchen, open-plan living and dining area, modern electric heating, and a woodburning effect stove for added comfort.

Current annual income c.£22,000 (separate accounts).

The cottage may be used as staff accommodation.

This self catering cottage is available to purchase in addition to the Inn at an asking price of £175,000.

Three well appointed en suite bedrooms offer king or twin beds and private enclosed patio gardens with outdoor furniture.

The courtyard and barn offer alfresco dining and event space, with seating areas ideal for social gatherings or outdoor service.

External seating for c.40 covers.

The Star Inn includes a beautifully decorated self contained two bedroom owner’s apartment located on the first floor above the main pub.

With private kitchen, living and bathroom facilities, separate from guest and public spaces, the flat benefits from views over the village and surrounding countryside.

Private side and rear access as well as a private enclosed garden, the flat can be used as luxury holiday let accommodation, producing income of £1,000-£1,500 per week during the main holiday season - April to October.

This living space offers a comfortable and practical setup for live in management or onsite staff.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a thriving, multi-faceted hospitality business in the heart of Northumberland National Park.

The Star Inn is a well established free-house with a very strong local following. Benefitting from additional tourist trade to the area, the Inn offers a blend of traditional pub charm, modern dining, retail, and luxury accommodation.

The business benefits from its location within a conservation area and International Dark Sky Park, attracting tourists, walkers, cyclists, and stargazers all year round. The Inn is a good central base for exploring wider Northumberland.

The business has consistent revenue streams and has achieved excellent online reviews on Booking.com, Google, TripAdvisor and various social media platforms.

The Star Inn has a 5* hygiene and 5* cask marque and was awarded Winner of Pub of the Year North East 2026 in the My Local Awards and was a finalist in the Best of Northumberland 2025 Awards for Best Food and Drinks.

With untapped potential for expansion, The Star Inn presents a compelling lifestyle and investment opportunity.

Annual Turnover for year ended 2023/4 was £464,577
Annual Turnover for year ended 2024/5 is £501,000

2025/6 shows further strong growth at c.£550,000.

Accounts will be available to seriously interested parties after a formal viewing.

Open 7 days a week, 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day)

Sunday to Thursday
12.00pm - 10.00pm

Planning permission for extra rooms and storage facilities has been secured for the old stables, which is the last building on site to convert.

First Floor
Two en suite bedrooms to each sleep four, plus an en suite bedroom to house a member of staff, e.g. a summer agency chef.

Ground Floor
Laundry, utility, general storage and secure bike storage.

External
Covered walkway to toilets.

This could achieve additional income of £150,000 per annum. The costs to develop have been assessed as c.£150,000.

We have been advised that current rates payable are c.£700 per year.

The Rateable Value as of 1 April 2026 is £19,000 Confirmation of actual rates payable can be obtained from the local Authority.

Premises Licence