Earliest records name a Saxon named Alsi as being the landowner of Doddiscombsleigh prior to 1066. The first record of Town Barton is in the Domesday Book of 1086 when Doddiscombsleigh was known as Terra Godeboldi under the reign of one Godbold the Bowman. Town Barton was the Capital Barton (Manor House) for Godbold’s Domesday Estates. This makes it one of the very rare instances of a property truly being specifically traceable to where a Domesday owner dwelt.
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The original house of Town Barton and land of the NoBody Inn was in the possession of one of these five Lords. In 1591 a rich Exeter merchant Robert Parr bought messuages, landes, pastures, commons, groves, marishes, woodes, rentes etc in Doddiscombsleighe and Bridford from a James Woodeye, gentleman. Previously the Deeds were owned by his father Peter and before him a Robert Holbeme in 1570.
The cottage that is now The NoBody Inn was one of these dwelling houses or messuages in 1837. The Inn has had a curious role in the parish. It did not formally become an Inn until 1838. However, from the early 1600’s at least it was virtually the village’s unofficial Church House. It was originally called Pophill Howse but details seem untraceable until 1752 when it is owned by Stephen Diggines the carpenter. Stephen and his son Stephen did carpentry work for the church and his house continued to be a centre for parish affairs and de facto inn and meeting place.
Pophill House did not become The New Inn until after Stephen Jr. died in 1837. To today it has continued to be an Inn. Since then the Inn has only changed ownership twice in 54 years and always to people who love the history, the beautiful village, good food and wine and always give a warm welcome to their customers.
The current owner has always maintained a hands-on approach to running the business, with the assistance of several key staff members and in her own words, you can expect: A warm welcome, comfy king size beds (with the exception of room 2 primrose – that one is 4’). Big towels, local ingredients, prepared with care by a dedicated kitchen team. Interesting wines, lots by the glass and a fabulous selection of whisky’s (over 200), a pretty country garden in the summer – log fire in the winter.
What we don’t have – Whizz bang Wi-Fi (patchy at best). Wall mounted flat screen tv’s, power showers, high ceilings, even floors, children under 5 (unless you are taking all the rooms ) dogs, welcome downstairs but not up. Background music (phew), We hope that reflects we are a little old school and delighted to be so. We believe this sums up the Inn perfectly.
• Our Ref: CD-10227
• Steeped by history & legend
• Charming trade areas, 84+ internal covers, enlarged dinning/function room
• 5 letting bedrooms – recent refurbishment
• Country garden, with seating for 100+
• Large car park & external areas
• Detached lodge / managers accommodation
• Permission granted for 6 additional rooms
• Robust turnover and consistent profits
• Numerous awards and accreditations
• FH Price: £995,000 Guide Price
