Music Teacher Purchases 100-Year-Old Devon Pub to Preserve Community Hub
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Peter Manfield, a 73-year-old music teacher, has purchased The Dog and Donkey pub in Knowle, Devon, securing the future of a 100-year-old community institution. He remortgaged his home to buy the property, which features original period details and is managed by a local resident. The pub serves as a meeting place for various local groups.
Facts First
- Peter Manfield purchased The Dog and Donkey pub in 2024 for approximately £270,000.
- The 73-year-old music teacher remortgaged his home to finance the purchase of the community asset.
- The pub has been in operation for 100 years and features original details like a fireplace and tiled floor.
- Mark Loftin manages the pub, a role he expressed interest in after meeting Manfield.
- The venue is used by multiple local groups including meeting attendees, dog walkers, and skittle teams.
What Happened
Peter Manfield, a 73-year-old music teacher, purchased The Dog and Donkey pub in Knowle, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, in 2024. He financed the purchase by remortgaging his home. The pub, originally built in 1926 as the Brittania Inn, has been operating for 100 years. Manfield, who moved to the village in 1997, met the pub's current manager, Mark Loftin, while getting a haircut, where Loftin expressed interest in the manager role.
Why this Matters to You
This story shows how individual initiative can preserve local community spaces. For residents of Knowle and similar villages, it means the continuation of a traditional English pub that serves as a vital hub for social groups, from skittle teams to dog walkers. The investment by a long-term resident suggests a commitment to maintaining the character and utility of the neighborhood, which could help sustain local social networks.
What's Next
The pub is likely to continue its established role under its new ownership and existing management. With its original features and community-focused use, The Dog and Donkey appears set to remain a stable part of village life for the foreseeable future.