THE Kings Arms in Dorchester is for sale for £1.7 million.

The sale was announced by agents Colliers International which is also marketing another landmark hospitality businesses, The Anvil Inn at Pimperne near Blandford.

The Kings Arms is being run by the receivers, Begbies Traynor, and is being offered as a going concern.

The Grade II listed building in High East Street was refurbished in 2006 and is described as smart with an AA three-star 75 per cent rating.

It has 37 letting bedrooms spread over three floors and retains some classic Georgian.

The Echo revealed in January how the hotel had gone into receivership.

Receivers appointed a specialist management company to continue to operate the hotel on their behalf.

Speaking in January, Steve Williams, the joint receiver at Begbies Traynor, said: “Effectively, it’s business as usual.

“We want to keep the business alive, honour the bookings and we want to preserve the staff’s employment, with a view to sell in due course.”

Colliers said the Kings Arms was popular with tourists and visitors all year round and was ‘very attractive’ for investors as well as owner occupiers.

The Anvil, which is currently closed, is on the market for £700,000. The 16th century thatched property offers investors the opportunity to own a charming pub with 12 en-suite bedrooms.

Director at Colliers International, Simon Wells said: “Both properties represent a real opportunity for investors to set up a profitable business within Dorset.

“Thanks to their charming original features and attractive locations, we expect to see strong interest for both.”