Anyone who loves village pubs will be fascinated to explore the idea of either running their own or developing new uses when two appear in Bond Wolfe’s next livestreamed auction on Thursday 16 May.
James Mattin, managing director of Bond Wolfe, said: “We are thrilled to be offering two properties that either are or once were beloved locals, each with its own history in the heart of the community.
“They provide opportunities to relaunch or redevelop, subject to planning permission.”
Over in Staffordshire, a former pub listed in the auction is known as The Bulls Head on Bag Lane in Marchington, Uttoxeter, set in around 0.25 acres and with a guide price of £220,000+.
Mr Mattin said: “This vacant former pub is in the highly desirable east Staffordshire village of Marchington and could be suitable for various uses, subject to planning permission.
“This is a great location close to a primary school, community village shop, cricket club, active village hall and church, as well as several countryside walks.”
The property has a lounge, bar, living room, commercial kitchen, two stores and toilets on the ground floor, plus an inner foyer leading to a basement cellar.
Upstairs is a manager’s flat with four bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen and bathroom, plus there is a seating area and large car park outside.
The towns of Uttoxeter and Burton upon Trent plus the city of Lichfield are all within easy commutable distance, with the nearby A50 dual carriageway linking to the M1 and M6 motorways.
The second former village pub up for grabs in the auction is The Gull Inn on the A146 Loddon Road on the edge of Framingham Pigot, near Norwich.
This Grade II-listed property, dating back to the 18th century, closed last September and is offered in conjunction with Watling Real Estate, with a guide price of £500,000+.
Mr Mattin said: “The Gull Inn is a landmark building of whitewashed brick, with a façade containing original features such as the timber doorcase and sash windows.
“Although its interior is largely late 20th century in character, it has some wonderful features such as exposed beams and the original central fireplace, which have helped to earn it a Grade II listing.
“This building lies on a site of around 0.75 of an acre and may be suitable for change of use or redevelopment, subject to planning permission.
“The property has a bar and restaurant, commercial kitchen and toilets on the ground floor, with the capacity for 165 internal diners, plus 45 outside.
“There is a further dining area, office and roof terrace on the first floor, along with a manager’s flat with three bedrooms, a bathroom, storeroom and reception room.
“There is a landscaped garden with seating areas outside, plus car parking for around 44 vehicles.”
The two pubs are among 208 lots that are appearing in Bond Wolfe’s next auction, which will start at 8.30am on Thursday 16 May.