The Windmill Inn at Redmile near Grantham, the pub which featured heavily in the second series of 1980s comedy series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet is to be offered at auction next month, at a guide price of £475k.
Known as The Barley Mow, the pub was a favourite watering hole for characters in the ITV series played by actors including Tim Healy, Kevin Whately, Jimmy Nail, Gary Holton and Timothy Spall.
The current owners are planning to retire and the pub will be auctioned via Savills Nottingham at their next sale at the city’s racecourse on Thursday, 27 April, unless it is sold prior.
Bob Crocker, auctions director at Savills Nottingham, commented, “The sale of The Windmill Inn, which is visited by thousands of fans of the show every year, presents a rare opportunity to own an iconic pub that featured heavily in an extremely popular British TV series from the 80s and 90s.
“Memories of the pub will evoke a real sense of nostalgia for many, but its sale also represents a unique opportunity for those wishing to retain a successful business as well as those seeking to develop the property for residential or additional commercial use.”
David and Kirsten Rutt, owners of The Windmill Inn, added, “It has been incredible to be the custodians of this iconic pub for almost 15 years. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, where we have seen countless fans of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet as well as many local residents pass through our doors. We will be sad when our journey here comes to an end, but we’re looking forward to our retirement when we will be moving back to Essex to spend more time with family and watch our five young grandchildren grow up.”
The impending sale has already caught the attention of the official Auf Wiedersehen, Pet fan club who have created a consortium to raise enough money in the hope that they will be able to buy the property through Savills.
Several hundred fans have already joined the consortium, including Sara Peters from Wingerworth in Derbyshire. She said, “I want to be part of this because I've loved Auf Wiedersehen, Pet ever since it was first aired on TV. I often visit the pub with other fans and it truly means so much to me. I love the place. An Auf Wiedersehen, Pet themed pub owned by fans would be a dream come true for all involved.”
The property comprises a brick built fully rendered detached property set on a generous plot with outdoor space and additional first floor owners accommodation with four bedrooms and private access.
Bob Crocker added, “Those who watched the TV series will remember that this presents an opportunity to own a quintessential village pub which is full of charm and character, including exposed brick and beam work, and an attractive open coal fire. We have already had significant interest from a number of buyers and we are certain this lot will be the star of the show at our April auction.”
