EVER fancied running your own shop in the heart of a picturesque rural village?

The Spar in Porlock, a convenience store business situated in the heart of the affluent village, has gone on the market with a leasehold value of £145,000.

Porlock sits on the edge of Exmoor National Park, an area of hilly open moorland that attracts walkers all year round.

A spokesman for specialist property business advisor Christie & Co said; “With a large prominent shop front, the store benefits from excellent levels of passing trade and is ideally situated close to residential buildings, a primary school, a variety of local businesses and the Dunkery & Horner Wood National Nature Reserve; one of the country’s largest woods.”

Spar Porlock has been owned and operated by Stephen Lister since 2003, and he is now looking to relocate to Australia.

Mr Lister said: “We have run this village store for more than 16 years as a family and are selling as we have made the decision to emigrate to Australia.

“Porlock is a wonderful village with a very strong local community surrounded by the beautiful Exmoor countryside.”

Jamie Williams, business agent at Christie & Co added: “Due to the number of tourists that visit the area, there is the opportunity to introduce a variety of product ranges and promotions to help increase gross profit margins.

“Currently closing at 8pm and 9pm throughout the week, the store offers huge scope to increase trade through longer opening hours.

“Spar Porlock is an outstanding business located in the centre of a thriving community, with consistent levels of trade throughout the year.

“The store has been fantastically run by our clients and is an excellent opportunity for a new owner to acquire a well-positioned business with scope to increase revenue.”

Christie & Co are offering the leasehold interest in Spar Porlock at £145,000 with an annual rent of £20,100.