Bodmin auction brings in the bids

More than 60 people squeezed into the main bar of the White Hart Inn in Bodmin, Cornwall, to take part in the public auction for the freehold pub.

The pub dates back to the 16th century and is a listed building. It is in the centre of Bodmin and has a main bar, separate pool room and a five-bedroom private flat. Outside there is a beer garden with a car park.

Drinks wholesaler The Beer Seller inherited the White Hart through a takeover and, because it was the company's only pub, decided to sell it to concentrate on its core business.

The auction was advertised for six weeks by agent Bettesworths, and attracted a large amount of attention. When the marketing campaign began, director Matt Bettesworth said he had been dealing with as many as 20 enquiries about the auction every hour.

Auctioneer Barney Bettesworth opened the bidding at £90,000 and after 19 bids the property was sold to Richard and Jill Pullen, who have now moved to the White Hart from the Ship Inn in Oldford.

Auctions are growing in popularity as a way to sell properties as they almost guarantee the buyer gets a good deal while the vendor gets a good price.

They also mean a quick sale, with just a few weeks marketing before the auction.

Unusual pubs or those that are in need of renovation are the best to sell at auction because the sale draws attention to the property.