THE White Hart Hotel in Okehampton is to go on the market along with its sister hotel, the Jamaica Inn near Bodmin.

The hotel is renowned as one of the longest established hotels in Devon, and is a fine example of a 17th century coaching inn. The White Hart was part of The Trafalgar Way — the historic route used to carry dispatches overland from Falmouth to the Admiralty in London, with the news of the Battle of Trafalgar. This is commemorated by a plaque on the wall outside the hotel. The White Hart now has 19 rooms, and remains popular with locals and visitors to the area.

The freehold to the hotel is on the market at a guide price of £900,000. It is being sold along with its sister hotel the Jamaica Inn, a pub that inspired a swashbuckling novel about smuggling by Daphne du Maurier. Owners John and Wendy Watts are selling the businesses so they can enjoy retirement. The sales are being handled by Christie and Co.

Matthew Smith, director of Christie and Co in Exeter, said: 'It's rare when just one hotel of such local historical significance is brought to the market, but in Jamaica Inn and the White Hart Hotel we have two excellent opportunities with a renowned past, and which have traded well under the auspices of the current owners.

'The family which has owned Jamaica Inn since 1973 is now looking to retire. Given the history, the location and the trading records, we anticipate great interest.'