A HISTORIC town centre pub has been purchased and is set to be given a “new lease of life”.

The Sunny Sailor pub and its residential space was sold prior to auction by Southend-based Dedman Gray.

The detached Grade-II listed property, in Maldon, was put up for sale with full vacant possession. 

The buyers, who intend to keep the pub instead of transforming the space into one residential property, snapped up the watering hole for £400,000.

Echo: Maldon pub: outside the Sunny SailorMaldon pub: outside the Sunny Sailor (Image: Dedman Gray)

The town centre pub will open to punters under the new management this summer.

The owners have also revealed plans to convert the upper floors into accommodation for short term holiday lets and bed and breakfast rooms.

Echo: Outdoor seating: outside the pubOutdoor seating: outside the pub (Image: Dedman Gray)

A spokesman for Dedman Gray said: “Dedman Gray are excited to announce that The Sunny Sailor in Maldon has been sold.

“This historic grade II listed building was originally built in the 15th Century as residential cottages and then converted into a public house in the late 1600’s.

“The new owners intend to give the Sunny Sailor a new lease of life with a new management team to be enjoyed for the upcoming summer months.

Echo: Pub inside: inside the Sunny SailorPub inside: inside the Sunny Sailor (Image: Dedman Gray)

“The majority of the upper floors are currently undeveloped and in need of works however they hope to convert these into accommodation for short term holiday lets/ bed and breakfast rooms.

“With its prime location, the new owner hopes that when visiting you can enjoy good food and drink on the river Chelmer and even have the opportunity to have a night away in the heart of the historic waterside town of Maldon.”