Popular locals go under the hammer in rare auction
Two rural pubs, both of which are being sold in unusual circumstances, have gone on the market to be sold at auction.
The White Hart Inn in Bodmin, Cornwall, and the Horse and Trumpet in Medbourne, near Market Harborough, Leicestershire, are to be auctioned off within a day of each other later this month.
Bulmers-owned drinks wholesaler The Beer Seller is selling the White Hart Inn, which it inherited several years ago through a company takeover.
Because it is the company's only pub, it has decided to sell in order to concentrate on its core business.
The pub is being auctioned by Bettesworths, which has launched a marketing campaign prior to the auction on September 27.
Director Matt Bettesworth said although the pub was in need of "some tender loving care", there was a great deal of potential for the business.
It is a popular community pub, which dates back to the 16th century. It has a main bar, pool room, function room, a self-contained one-bedroom flat and a separate five-bedroom flat with a lounge, kitchen and bathroom.
The price guide is £140,000 freehold and so far it has attracted a large amount of interest.
The day before the White Hart goes under the hammer, another pub, the Horse and Trumpet, will be auctioned. It was trading until July 2000 when the owner passed away.
The pub is a large, three-storey stone building overlooking the bowling green in the conservation area of the village.
It has two bars, accommodation and a skittle alley.Stephen Wright, who is handling the auction on behalf of agent Christie & Co, said the pub was sure to attract plenty of interest either from potential licensees or those who want to convert it into a private home.
The practice of buying and selling pubs at auction is still quite rare but, according to Mr Bettesworth, it has benefits for vendors and purchasers.
"The chances of finding a decent freehold are becoming increasingly scarce," he said. "Auctions attract a lot of interest and are a good way of the vendor getting a good price and the buyer getting a good deal."
The reasons behind pubs being sold at an auction are normally based on the speed of the sale - auctions require just a few weeks marketing of the property before the sale.
Mr Bettesworth said that unusual properties were the best types to sell at auction. "If something is slightly unusual or needs a bit of attention then an auction is the best way to draw that attention to it," he said.
Bettesworth: 01803 212021Christie & Co: 0115 948 3100
