The Cott Inn: Dartington: Second Oldest Inn In Britain
The Cott Inn, located in Dartington, Devon is a medieval establishment founded in 1307.
As the second oldest inn in Britain, it holds the status of a listed building.
The Cott Inn, established in 1307 during the tenure of the Fitz Martin family at Dartington Manor, ranks as the second oldest inn in Britain.
It derives its name from Johannes Cott, a local merchant associated with the nearby hamlet of Cott.
Originally serving travellers transporting wool or tin along the packhorse road between Ashburton and Totnes, the inn features medieval walls constructed from stone rubble and possibly cob (subsoil mixed with straw), coated in white render.
Its distinctive thatched roof, reputedly the longest in Britain, is supported by thick, closely-spaced rough-hewn wooden cross-beams that brace low ceilings.
The interior boasts inglenook fireplaces, and the original layout included three rooms connected by a through passage, with chimney-stacks in the gables at each end.
Although any open central hall has vanished without a trace, the higher-end room showcases a stone newel staircase adjacent to the chimney-stack.
The structure underwent remodelling, likely in the late 17th century, and subsequent extension in the 18th century.
Upper windows, dating from the 19th or 20th century, interrupt the eaves with thatched eyebrows, contrasting with older 4-light lower windows.
The roof relies on principals (timbers) with straight feet embedded into the tops of the front and back walls.
The beautiful inn also offers over night accommodation.
Their website says: "‘Stay in idyllic surroundings in a luxury en-suite room combining historic charm and modern comfort.’
The picturesque inn is located in the heart of Dartington, a small, beautiful village located just outside Totnes.
The village is home to the Dartington estate, a 1,200 acre estate which has something for everyone, beautiful gardens, Barn Cinema, shops, cafes and everything in-between.
There is also the stunning Dartington Hall where many events take place throughout the year.
Someone who recently visited the Cott Inn said: “The Cott Inn never disappoints. We often take friends and family to the Cott as the food is amazing and the service is excellent.
”It's a beautiful old pub with lots of indoor and outdoor seating areas. The Sunday roast is the best...apart from my own homecooked roast...and it's a real treat to go there.
”The parking can be a bit tricky, but that just goes to show how popular they are.”
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