Folkestone pub The Raglan in Dover Road sold at auction
Published: 11:22, 14 February 2023
Updated: 14:24, 14 February 2023
A 159-year-old abandoned pub has sold, with developers potentially eyeing up the site for flats.
The Raglan in Folkestone has finally been snapped up at auction for £180,000 after it was put up for sale in 2019.
The former boozer on the corner of Dover Road and Harbour Way is set over five floors, including a five-bedroom flat above the ground-floor bar.
Planning permission already granted to turn it into flats, but it has sat empty and boarded up for about seven years.
The building dates back to 1864, when it was called the Lord Raglan, and at one point was a hotel called Raglan Hotel.
In 1913, Folkestone police recommended the pub for closure, due to complaints about a lack of a urinal on the premises.
The toilet facilities were installed in the basement, much to relief of customers, and the licence was renewed.
The pub closed in 2016, and previously went up for auction in July 2018, with a freehold guide price of between £190,000 and £210,000.
The following year, it was listed with Christie & Co for a guide price of £195,000.
Details from the 2019 listing state: "The premises are well positioned on the busy A260, near several other local businesses and many residential properties.
"This opportunity would suit someone looking to purchase a large property, to either restore it to its former glory or look to convert the building for another purpose subject to planning permission."
Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert from auction house Clive Emson said: "The plans would see the building converted into four flats including a roof extension.
“It is a well-situated building close to local shops and the harbour. Builders and developers were interested in it.”
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Alex Jee