A MICHELIN-recommended restaurant set in a period Georgian house has been put on the market - formore than £1.5 million.

The award-winning Little Barwick House, near Yeovil, has been brought to the market by Christie & Co after owners Tim and Emma Ford decided to focus on other interests.

The restaurant has won a host of accolades over more than three decades, including five AA Gold Stars for the accommodation, three AA Rosettes since opening in 2000, Restaurant with Rooms of the year in 2019 Good Hotel Guide and it is also one of the Good Food Guides longest serving listings boasting an impressive 38 years.

But after two decades in Somerset, Tim and Emma have decided to sell the business.

Mr Ford said: “It is with mixed emotions that Emma and I have come to this momentous decision, but we feel now is the time to implement our exit strategy.

“We have been so proud to have owned this unique house and honoured to be part of its history as one of its custodians. There have been challenges but mainly tremendous happiness.”

The Fords are looking to pass the reins on to someone who will continue to cherish and appreciate Little Barwick House.

“In the meantime Little Barwick House will be open as usual and looking forward to welcoming our guests,” Mr Ford added.

Richard Thomas, business agent at Christie & Co, is handling the sale.

He said: “Rarely do businesses of such quality come to open market with both a superb setting combined with an excellent trading history and reputation.

"The market has started well in 2020 and we anticipate high demand for such a high-quality business and property.”

Barwick is a pretty village two miles south of Yeovil set in idyllic Somerset countryside.

An example of a period Georgian Dower County house, the property is set more than three acres of its own land and sits at the end of a sweeping driveway, with access across formal gardens from the front of the house.

Christie & Co are offering the freehold interest in Little Barwick House at a guide price of £1,650,000.