Discovering the Hidden Gems
A man named David Gorton took a leap of faith when he purchased a Homes Under the Hammer property in Margate without even stepping foot inside. Little did he know, this bold move would lead him to uncover treasures worth £500,000.
A Risk Worth Taking
David, a former fireman, spotted an advertisement for The Old Cottage Pub on his computer and decided to purchase it at auction for £90,000, charging the amount to his credit card. Despite never having visited the property or owned a commercial business before, he took the risk and made the purchase.
A Decade-Long Renovation Journey
Since buying the 17th century pub, David has been tirelessly renovating it, even renaming it Gorton's after his late father. Initially planning to complete the renovations within two years, David faced numerous setbacks, including a collapsed Victorian archway in the cellar. However, his determination and hard work paid off.
Treasures Unveiled
During the renovation process, David and his wife Dennise stumbled upon a treasure trove of historical artifacts. This included a stash of silver tableware hidden up the chimney and a filled-in smugglers tunnel leading to a nearby church. They also discovered an Oliver Cromwell silver shilling dating back to 1658 under the floorboards, as well as a fireplace and bread oven from 1650 and other fascinating items.
A Labour of Love
Despite the challenges and setbacks, David found solace in the discovery of these impressive artifacts. He claims that his renovation project may be the longest one ever featured on the BBC show Homes Under the Hammer. For David, it's not about the money but the joy of seeing people enjoying themselves in his pub.
What's Next?
David's next steps include obtaining a liquor license, planning permission for a new sign, and a kitchen extractor pipe before the grand opening. If all goes well, the pub will be open this summer. However, if his application is denied, it could take another 46 weeks to appeal.
A Journey from Injury to Entrepreneurship
David's interest in pubs was sparked after he suffered an injury as a fireman. He began inspecting liquor certifications in West End pubs and restaurants and learned the ins and outs of the business. This eventually led him to invest in buy-to-let properties and ultimately purchase The Old Cottage Pub.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, David Gorton's journey of transforming a neglected pub into a treasure-filled establishment is a testament to his perseverance and love for the business. With the grand opening around the corner, locals and visitors alike can look forward to experiencing the unique charm of Gorton's.
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