* Coming Soon - Spring 2026 * To register to View please contact Paula Haworth or Graeme Lumsden at BLACK HAY Estate Agents 01292 283606 (Press Option 1)

ReadingLasses, an award winning Bookshop/Cafe with Private Flat, currently one of only 2 Bookshops in Scotland featuring 100% women authors.

A successful & profitable business situated within Scotland’s National Book Town … picturesquely set on Scotland’s South West/Solway Coast.

Historically a private home transitioning through the decades as business/commercial premises, starting its new life as "Reading Lasses" in 1998 when Wigtown was awarded Scotland's National Book Town status, the cafe being added shortly thereafter.

The property is set amidst a Traditional Terrace of Stone Built properties, comprising a mix of privately owned homes with some commercial properties, overlooking the picturesque central town park with adjacent bowling green. Over 2 levels with extended ground floor area to the rear, externally large attached single storey outbuildings including “The Hut” …whilst on the upper level a Private Two Bedroom Flat serves as a very stylish & comfortable retreat for the owner.

The Cafe Bookshop area occupies the entire ground floor, extending from the front to rear with an outdoor seating area. A combination of book display areas/mixed style seating with twin kitchen/prep areas and 2 separate toilets.

Refurbished outbuildings beyond the bookshop/cafe are split into 3 main areas, developed to provide additional storage & occasional venues for external/seasonal events.

The outbuildings perhaps offer further potential (noting any required planning permission/use requirements for any alterations or change of use).

Beyond the outbuildings are charming private gardens in which one can relax/potter mature trees and enjoy glimpses of the splendid Solway Coast on the horizon.

The Private Flat occupies the upper level. Used by the owner, featuring most appealing apartments, comprising a welcoming reception hall, comfortable lounge with views over the park/bowling green, charming "master" bedroom (No 2) to the rear with additional bedroom (No 2) to the front (currently a study - could be a separate kitchen, subject to any required planning etc) whilst a very stylish bathroom is situated off the reception hall.

The specification includes central heating (Oil) and double glazing. Mains water, electricity and drainage. ReadingLasses is currently licenced to serve alcohol.

ReadingLasses normally opens 5 Days per week (closing over the winter months to suit the owner) with the hours/days of opening usually 10am to 4pm. Income is divided between the very popular Cafe and the extensive bookshop/gift sales. The annual Wigtown Book Festival provides a very healthy uplift in income during the Autumn period whilst the most productive months for turnover will be Spring/Summer. The new owner may consider developing the business further, perhaps extending hours, developing bookshop sales or looking at more events, however the existing owner has successfully developed the business, originally with the emphasis on the Cafe with the bookshop sales developing/adding to the income stream.

Turnover provides profits/salary for the owner whilst covering overheads/staff costs. The existing staff have been with the business for some time and are believed to be happy to remain within the business following its sale. The business is offered for sale as the owner plans for retirement.

In summary… an Award Winning Bookshop/Cafe with Outbuildings, Garden & Private Owner’s Flat, located in Scotland's National Book Town, refurbished/developed/enhanced by its current Owner, profitably trading, currently licenced, existing staff happy to consider working with the new owner. A "Turnkey" business, ready to trade from Day 1 of New Owners purchase. Option to develop further (subject to any required planning permission etc).

Serious enquiries welcome, please contact - Graeme Lumsden, Director/Valuer of BLACK HAY ESTATE AGENTS - blackhay.co.uk