A local village store in Cornwall has been put on the market, with offers of more than £430,000.
Ponsanooth Village Stores, seven miles south west of Truro, has gone up for sale as the current owners made the difficult decision to sell due to a downturn in health.
Michelle Bigham has owned and run the village store since 2013, with her husband Vaughan joining six years ago. The couple said they felt "very proud to have had the opportunity to run the shop," but said their journey "must come to an end" as Ms Bigham's health has deteriorated over the past year.
The store's sale is being handled by Miller Commercial and offers a Post Office service plus Amazon drop off point with Evri soon to be added. Described by the business property specialists as "a thriving business located in the heart of the village" the store is being sold alongside the owner's two-bed accommodation, which is currently trading as a holiday let.
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The team at Miller Commercial said: "There is an opportunity for a new owner/operator to continue with this highly successful and well regarded local store that is at the heart of its community."
The property comprises a ground floor village shop with rear storage, office and exterior storage. Accessed separately along St Michaels Road is the two- bed owners'/holiday accommodation, which comprises a kitchen/diner, lounge, two bedrooms and bathroom with a garden to the front.
Ponsanooth Village Stores has been trading for many years and has been in Ms Bigham's hands for the last 11.
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In a letter to the village Ms Bigham said: "It is with much reflection and prayer that Vaughan and I write to you to share our decision to sell your village shop.
"You have been at the heart of my life for nearly eleven years, and Vaughan's for nearly six. We have run the store with every ounce of goodwill, love and affection for this community that we could possibly give. Unfortunately over the last year my health has deteriorated. I am no longer able to serve in the store for more than the odd hour at a time."
She added: "From the day I took over, this community has supported the shop, and we have done our upmost to get to know and support as many of you as possible in return. The village shop matters to this village and we want it to carry on mattering, carry on supporting, recognising and reaching out to those who need it, as well as providing bread and stamps."
The adjusted net profit of the business stands at approximately £60,000. Due to health issues in the last few years more staff members have had to be employed, which has "hampered profits".
Miller Commercial added: "There is a clear opportunity for a new owner to continue to run this successful business and push indifferent directions if desired. The owner's have had plans drawn up to become a Premier Franchised Store, with details available upon request. The shop also operates as an Amazon Parcel Drop location and Evri will be available from mid-August 2023."
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