The detached, two-storey, Grade II listed Georgian coaching inn, which is believed to date back to the 18th Century, was voted Best Independent Hotel in the 2015 EDP Norfolk Tourism Awards and was a finalist in the Best Family Dining category in this year's EDP Norfolk Food and Drink Awards.

The business, which includes seven boutique letting rooms, a 100-cover bar and restaurant, plus a sheltered courtyard for 120 covers, has recently been significantly refurbished and extended. The property also has planning permission for a further 11 ensuite rooms and a staff house is available by separate negotiation.

The business is currently operated under management with a team of full-time and part-time staff, with the current owners having recently taken a more overseeing role.

Stephen Bournes, who owns the pub with his wife Antonia, said: 'We have fallen in love with Wells and Norfolk, not just the fantastic countryside, but the people and visitors to this part of north Norfolk. The way of life and community feel in Norfolk is unlike anything else we have experienced before.

'We have invested significantly in The Globe, and feel that we have vastly improved not just the business and the building, but more importantly each and every customer and guest experience. We will miss the fun and challenge of running such a lovely business, but we feel it is the right time for us to step away from this sector, and enjoy life in this magnificent part of the country.' John Grace, associate director in Christie & Co's Ipswich office, which is ovberseeing the sale, said: 'Overlooking the town's Georgian Square, The Globe Inn is an excellent year round business benefitting from strong multiple revenue streams, with clear scope to grow further.

'Wells is a popular and growing fishing town with a busy harbour and attractive beach. Recent figures from Visit Norfolk have estimated that the value of Norfolk's tourism industry has topped £3bn for the first time, making local tourism in Norfolk more valuable than Devon or Cornwall.'

The freehold of The Globe Inn is available for offers around £1.9m.