National Trust Cymru is seeking a new tenant for the Dolaucothi Arms in the village of Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire.

The conservation charity is looking for tenants who are passionate about heritage, people and the local landscape to develop a new business at the centre of a rural Welsh community.

The Trust is promoting the vacancy as an open opportunity, which could include continued use as a pub. They are inviting expressions of interest from anyone with a vision that will give the building a bright and sustainable future.

The traditional Grade II listed Inn is at the heart of the village and lies in a prime location for passing trade next to the busy A482, 8 miles from the bustling University town of Lampeter and 13 miles from the market town of Llandeilo.

The Dolaucothi Arms is nestled in the scenic 2,500-acre Dolaucothi Estate and less than half a mile away are the ancient roman Dolaucothi Goldmines, both cared for by the Trust. The Estate has numerous woodland trails, parkland, a small caravan and motorhome park and attracts thousands of visitors every year to the only known Roman gold mine in the UK.

Meg Anthony, National Trust Cymru’s General Manager for Carmarthenshire & Ceredigion says: “This is an exciting business opportunity in an enviable location in rural Wales. The welcoming space lends itself to multiple different uses, from gastropub or café to associated foody shop, retail business, learning or workshop space.

We are open to fresh ideas to make the most of the potential of this place and would like to hear from those passionate about connecting people to local history, heritage and culture, now and into the future.

We believe that people need historic, beautiful and natural places and we are looking for tenants who share our vision and values for this unique place.”

With three large, beautiful public rooms, 4 double en-suite bedrooms to let (plus tenant accommodation) and a spacious car park, the Dolaucothi Arms presents itself as an exciting business opportunity.

Parts of the white-washed building date back to the mid-18th century and a slate roof, stone flagging, chequered tile floors and log burners add to its overall charm. Outside a large 1.26 acres of garden overlooks the Cothi Valley and could potentially be used to grow produce and champion sustainability.

The Trust is encouraging food and drink businesses to apply and are open to considering other related business proposals too, with the National Trust open to working with any future tenant to address any sensitive works that may be required to support the applicant’s proposal.

To encourage sustainable, local business ideas, the initial rental of the property is set at £6,000 per annum (£500pcm) plus VAT for the first 2 years.

If anyone has a strong vision for how they can develop this special place in 2024 and beyond National Trust Cymru would like to hear from you. Please complete the expression of interest application form available online, no longer than two sides of A4, outlining your vision and ideas to be submitted to them at [email protected] by 11 December 2023.

To view the letting opportunities full details visit the National Trust website or Rightmove and search ‘Dolaucothi Arms’.

Submissions will be shortlisted in January 2024 and those successful will be invited to present a more detailed business proposal at that stage.