Jamaica Inn, the smuggler’s inn immortalised in Daphne du Maurier’s eponymous best-selling 1936 novel, has been sold to first-time buyer Allen Jackson.
The inn, also once owned by the thriller-writer Alistair MacLean, has been acquired for in excess of the £2m asking price from John and Wendy Watts, the owners for the past 40 years.
The 17-bedroom coaching house in Launceston, Cornwall, which was built in 1750, was brought to the market last month along with its sister hotel, the 19-bedroom White Hart in Okehampton, Devon.
It attracted attention from hundreds of prospective buyers from countries across the globe — including North America, Canada and Australia
Jackson said: “Within an hour of viewing the Jamaica Inn, I had made an offer. I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to acquire Cornwall’s most iconic, historic and famous Inn. This amazing place has so much potential. And, of course with the BBC adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s novel airing around Easter, I believe that it’s a very timely acquisition.”
Matthew Smith, director of Christie + Co, which advised the vendor, added: “Within days of launching it was quite clear the business would sell for in excess of the guide price due to the demand we received. Allen Jackson was very decisive in his decision making and agreed terms just seven days after we launched, exchanging contracts some nine days after that.
“The sale of Jamaica Inn is a great result for both buyer and seller — John and Wendy Watts can now enjoy their retirement, while it’s clear Mr Jackson has the vision and understanding to move the business on to the next level, which is exciting for anyone connected with Jamaica Inn.”
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
