AN HISTORIC former bank has been sold at auction for more than half a million pounds after a bidding war.

Longer House, the former Barclays Bank building in the High Street, Rye, was sold last week for £662,000 at an auction held by Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers. 

Auction appraiser Chris Milne said: “We expected this fantastic opportunity to purchase such an attractive period property situated in a prominent position to prove popular – and we were right.

“Strong interest led to sustained bidding on a type of property which rarely comes up for auction and which we considered suitable for residential conversion, subject to all the necessary consents being obtainable.

“The trend for wanting to live in unusual and striking properties shows no sign of abating and the auction is the best place to secure an excellent deal for anyone who may be considering a sale.”

The building has an 18th century front which was largely rebuilt when taken by Barclays Bank in 1930.

Behind the facade, the house runs back into a gable of the early 17th century or earlier and contains ceiling beams dating from a timber framed building.

Longer House was for many years occupied by Barclays Bank and is positioned among various independent and national retailers, pubs and restaurants, and is close to the railway station.

There is a large garden to the rear of the building.

Clive Emson Auctioneers holds auctions eight times a year offering specialist advice for auction purposes with offices in Brighton.

The next auction is on Wednesday, 22 September and entries close on August 30.

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