A pub bought by Kent County Council (KCC) so it could make way for a road upgrade has sold at auction, after the authority scrapped its plans.
The Wheatsheaf in Loose Road, Maidstone was one of 150 lots listed by auctioneers Clive Emson.
KCC purchased the landmark pub, which shut in 2019, from its former landlords Renee and Rosa Kenny for a sum thought to be in the region of £500,000, so it could be demolished.
The move formed part of a £5.6 million scheme to expand and signalise the junction, which sits at a key position between the town centre and Staplehurst and Headcorn.
But that progressed no further than the closure of the Cranborne Avenue leg of the junction, with KCC officers saying that change provided most of the benefits and it was not worth proceeding with the rest of the re-format.
The pub has a main bar area, kitchen, toilets, a beer and wine cellar, three bedrooms in the upper parts as well as a commercial kitchen. It also has a small courtyard area outside.
It had a freehold guide price of £200,000-£220,000 but sold for £307,000 – bringing in much-needed funds for the authority.
However, another pub – The Fox and Hound in Margate High Street – failed to attract any attention.
It was named The Saracen’s Head when the hostelry was rebuilt in 1935 and subsequently known as Sheldon’s. The freehold guide price was £750,000.
It is currently let at £50,000 per annum with empty upper parts that have permission to be converted to provide three one-bedroom and one two-bedroom flats, while retaining the manager’s flat.
The former Royal Mail delivery office in King Street, Sandwich, also went unsold. It had a freehold guide price of £550,000-£570,000.
Swanscombe Methodist Church, which shut in 2024, sold for £377,000 – well above its £250,000 guide price.
Senior auction appraiser Russell Hawkes said: “This former Methodist church occupies a well-known position within Swanscombe close to the town centre and local amenities.
“The building includes a main church hall with vaulted ceiling together with ancillary office, meeting room and kitchen accommodation.
“The property may offer potential for a variety of continued community, educational, commercial or residential uses, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.”
A former Christian Science Society place of worship in Beer Cart Lane, Canterbury, went for £300,000, having initially commanded a fee starting from £230,000.
Director and auctioneer Gilbert Kevin said: “This lot is close to Canterbury’s comprehensive shopping and tourist facilities, a wealth of restaurants and cafes.
“It lies close to the junction with Stour Street and may offer potential for a variety of commercial uses or conversion into residential, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.”
The next auction by Clive Emson finishes on June 23, with bidding live 48 hours beforehand.
Lot entries close on June 29, with the catalogue online from July 2.
