Music Teacher Remortgages Home to Save 100-Year-Old Pub
A 73-year-old music teacher in Devon, England risked his home to rescue his village's only gathering spot from closure. Peter Manfield's bold move saved The Dog and Donkey, a century-old pub that's been the heart of his community since World War II.
When Peter Manfield heard his favorite local pub might close forever, he made a decision that would change his village's future.
The 73-year-old music teacher from Budleigh Salterton, Devon remortgaged his home to buy The Dog and Donkey for $368,000. The century-old pub had served as the community's central gathering spot for generations, including during World War II.
"To lose its heart would've been catastrophic," Manfield told SWNS. "There's nothing else in the village apart from the village hall."
The historic pub sits in Knowle, a small village where the local watering hole means everything. Its original tiled floors, fireplace, and wide bar tell stories spanning more than 100 years of community life.
Manfield didn't have the funds to buy the property outright, so he took out a loan against his house. For him, watching the beautiful old building disappear wasn't an option.
"It was just unacceptable to let it go without a fight," he said.
But Manfield doesn't see himself as the pub's owner. He calls himself a caretaker, someone just keeping the doors open for future generations.
He partnered with Mark Loftin, who became the pub's landlord in February 2024 despite having zero experience running a pub. The two men share the same vision: keeping this traditional gathering place alive.
"This was an amazing opportunity," Loftin said. "Our values and belief systems basically align and that's what's important."
The Ripple Effect
The pub continues hosting everything from casual meetups to community group gatherings and social events. Locals have flooded social media with messages thanking Manfield for preserving what many consider their village's beating heart.
His investment did more than save a building. It protected a place where neighbors become friends, where celebrations happen, and where the community finds itself.
"We have been very lucky," Manfield said, though luck had little to do with it. His courage to risk everything for his community made the difference.
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Based on reporting by Fox News Latest Headlines (all sections)
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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