So you want to live . . . in a village pub

Real ale romance or alcopop angst?

Real ale romance or alcopop angst?

It's mostly the former - this is very much a traditional country pub where everyone knows everybody else and FABs (flavoured alcoholic beverages) hardly get a look in; townie tavern this ain't.

How rural exactly?

The White Hart pub is in the village of Rockland, which comprises a school, shop, church and about 500 inhabitants. But it's not in the middle of nowhere - Norwich is about 16 miles away.

Do I get a beer garden?

No self-respecting country pub would lack one of these bank holiday crowd-pullers. This pub has quite an expansive outdoor table section surrounded by large lawns - think of the Pimms potential in the summer months. There's also a former bowling green and pavilion, which could be refurbished.

And the rest of the pub?

The public area consists of a 30ft-long L-shaped bar area, with a separate "snug" that has its own access to the bar, and a working kitchen for bar snacks. The first floor houses the main accommodation, which includes three bedrooms, a living room and a separate kitchen.

What if bar work isn't my bag?

"It doesn't seem like many people want to own a country pub these days," the principal agent declares sorrowfully. So if it's the area rather than the publican lifestyle that appeals, the property could be converted into a large family home - although quite how the locals would view that is anyone's guess. However, the agents have hinted that, should a serious buyer come along, the vendors may well throw in all the trade fixtures and fittings to sweeten the deal - and who doesn't want several barrels of beer sitting in their cellar?

How much?

The White Hart in Rockland is for sale through Mullenger & Co (01953 883474) for £295,000.