A set of historic barns sold to a mystery buyer almost a decade ago are to go under the hammer.

Repton Manor Barns, in Sir Bernard Paget Avenue in Ashford, are expected to fetch about £420,000 when sold by land and property auctioneers Clive Emson later this month.

In 2015, the structures, one of which is Grade II-listed, were snapped up by an anonymous buyer for an unknown sum just before they were due to be included in a previous auction.

At the time, the plot included planning permission to convert the historic ‘Long Barn’ and other former farm buildings into a restaurant or bar, coffee shop and eight retail units.

The structures, which have been empty for many years, are on the former Templer and Rowcroft Barracks site, most of which has already been developed.

Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert said: “These barns date, we believe, from the early 19th century with some later additions.

“They are situated well for Junction 9 of the M20 as well as Ashford town centre and the railway station.

“The site forms part of the urban village regeneration development of the former barracks.

“This is a mixed scheme including homes, retail, offices, school and other employment uses – most of which is completed.

“Therefore the barns are a highly attractive lot in our sale.”

The buildings, which sit on a 0.72-acre plot opposite Ashford’s Waitrose supermarket, will go under the hammer on Wednesday, September 18 and are being offered with a freehold guide price of £420,000.

The complex occupies a rectangular site and the period buildings are believed to include some 20th-century alterations.

Clive Emson says the site “may be suitable for alternative commercial, residential or perhaps a mixture of commercial and residential uses”, subject to planning permission.