ONE of the most iconic pubs in the Cotswolds is looking for a new landlord following the current owner’s decision to put it on the market for nearly £2 million.

The Inn at Fossebridge, located on the A429 in between Cirencester and Northleach, is available to anyone with a cool £1.85 million going spare.

Current owner Robert Jenkins has decided to sell up after spending nearly 10 years in charge of the luxury 18th century retreat.

“Age is the main reason why I’m going. I’m 74 now and I’ll be 75 in August. I run another business in London and I feel I’m just getting too old to be in charge of both,” he said.

Mr Jenkins, who runs the Cotswold venue with his daughter Samantha, said that he has worked hard over the years to build the inn’s reputation.

“During my time here I’ve done a Hell of a lot of work. We restored the bedrooms, reclaimed the gardens and completely refurbished the derelict barns,” he said.

“But there is more for somebody else to do. There is a lot of scope for the next owner to take what I’ve done further.”

The Inn at Fossebridge, which is made up of nine bedrooms and two self-catering cottages as wells as its own staff accommodation, is found on a 3.4 acre site on the banks of the River Coln.

The pub, which also houses a 64-seater dining area, was a finalist in the 2011 Taste of Gloucestershire Food and Farming Awards in the Best Pub category.

Reflecting on his time in the Cotswolds, Mr Jenkins said: “It’s been great fun here. The local people are very nice and I am quite sorry to be leaving.

“I shall miss the pleasure of the people but not the day to day problems that come with running a hotel. All in all, I really am satisfied with all I’ve achieved here.”

Colliers International, which is handling the sale of the building, said its “old world charm” would mean it is a hot property.

Agent Peter Brunt said: “The Inn at Fossebridge is more than simply a smart pub with rooms. This lovely Georgian building has elegant public areas and letting bedrooms with a beautiful restaurant over the garden and lake.”

For further information, visit www.colliersproperty.co.uk.