ReadingLasses, an award winning Cafe/Bookshop (with its own Private Flat) an acknowledged focal point within Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, home of the thriving Annual Wigtown Book Festival which attracts leading authors/speakers/actors etc.

For all its charm and delights this is a successful & profitable business of appeal to both the seasoned business owner or those seeking an opportunity to take a different direction ….all picturesquely set on Scotland’s South West/Solway Coast.

Often referred to as the Pink Bookshop/Café, the building is believed to date circa 1830's (to be confirmed from Title Deeds), formerly a private home, butchers and a solicitors, it started its new life as "Reading Lasses" in 1998 when Wigtown was awarded Scotland's National Book Town status, and it gradually established itself as a feminist bookshop with the café being introduced later.

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 an extended ground floor to the rear and 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 out of hours.

The Café Bookshop area occupies the entire ground floor, entered via the main door front entrance onto a reception hall with a public wc located off, the main front facing building features a cosy "Snug" with seating whilst adjacent a separate seated lounge area known as the "Woman's Book Room".

Moving through from the front to the charming "Middle Café" which is a popular central area with multiple seating areas overlooked by a kitchen/bar/cake counter which serves as a very popular focal point (with the till area adjacent) - window views from here to the rear garden which features outdoor seating.

Moving rearwards from the Middle Café to the bright/contemporary styled Garden Café (GC) which has a large seated area serving visitors with a focal point Dowling multi-fuel Fire for chillier days whilst a cleverly screened kitchen area provides a convenient preparation area for delivering the menu selections for visitors, a 2nd public wc serves the Garden Café.

A rear door from the GC leads onto the outdoor seating and the pathway which stretches rearwards alongside the substantial newly refurbished outbuildings (noting that there is a right of way for adjacent private homeowners along the rear pathway to the rear lane as their gardens are located on the opposite side of the pathway).

The presentable & refurbished existing outbuildings are split into 3 main areas, developed to provide additional storage & occasional venues for external/seasonal events. Clearly they offer further potential (noting planning permission/use requirements for any alterations or change of use). Beyond the outbuildings are private gardens which provide a home grown produce area, private seating for the owner with the rearmost (area next to the stone boundary wall/lane) being lawned with mature trees and breathtaking glimpses of the splendid Solway Coast on the horizon.

An internal private door/staircase just off the Middle Café leads to the Private Flat which occupies the upper level. Tastefully presented apartments are featured, used by the owner, comprising a welcoming reception hall, most appealing 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.

Reading Lasses normally opens year round with the hours/days of opening usually 10am to 4pm 5 Days a week - Closed each Wednesday & Sunday. The income is divided between the very popular Café 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 Café with the bookshop sales developing/adding to the income stream. Turnover is financially very healthy providing profits/salary for the owner whilst providing for 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 only being offered for sale due to the owner retiring (there may be an option for an informal "handover" period to allow the new owners to familiarise themselves with the property).

Summary - Multi Award Winning Café Bookshop with Outbuildings, located in Scotland's National Book Town, refurbished/developed/enhanced by its current Owner, successfully/profitably trading, 33 indoor covers plus up to 12 covers externally (weather permitting), currently licenced, existing staff happy to consider working with the new owner. Private 2 Bedroom Flat on upper level. A "Turnkey" business, ready to trade from Day 1 of New Owners purchase. Option to develop further (subject to any required planning permission etc).

The Owner will happily consider serious enquiries via their estate agent - Contact Graeme Lumsden, Director/Valuer of BLACK HAY ESTATE AGENTS - blackhay.co.uk