A historic village pub which was once a popular haunt with smugglers is up for sale at auction.

The Hogarth Inn in Grain, which got its name after a visit from the English artist William Hogarth in 1732, is going under the hammer with a guide price of between £320,000 and £340,000.

It stands on the Hoo Peninsula, once a haven for the illicit trafficking of many sought-after items on the surrounding waterways,

A network of tunnels, including one reportedly underneath the Grade II-listed pub in the High Street, are dotted around the marshy and – what was then – isolated area.

Areas like Yantlett Creek, which divides the Isle of Grain from the rest of the peninsula, and the Chalk Marshes were ideal locations for those engaging in the illegal trade.

The hostelry was initially a private residence and then a post office before being converted into a pub, then called the Cock Inn.

One of the few pubs serving the rapidly expanding peninsula, it is popular among locals and ramblers.

It has residential accommodation on the first floor, with two bars and an outside seating area in the heart of the village.

It’s among 149 lots listed for the next online sale by Clive Emson, the land and property auctioneers.

Auctioneer John Stockey said: “This is a fine opportunity to buy a historic pub.

“It sits on a plot of 0.36 acres (0.15 hectares) and there might be potential for further development as long as all necessary consents are obtainable.

“The pub does need refurbishing and would make a great business for someone.

“Its historic nature just adds to its charm. And it has a huge chimney so Santa will have no problem leaving presents for the new owners.”

Also at the sale is 2 Tudor Farm Cottage in Stoke Road, Upper Stoke, Rochester. It is semi-detached with two bedrooms and in need of refurbishment.

The freehold guide price is £180-190,000.

Another opportunity is 36 High Street in Rochester, a commercial property for improvement.

The period property over three floors is currently let at £12,000 per annum. The freehold guide price is £100-110,000.

There is also a plot of land available at the sale. It is at the back of 21-34 Tay Close in Chatham and measures 0.45 acres (0.18 hectares). Its freehold guide price is £15,000-plus.

Another Chatham lot is 292 Chatham Hill, a semi-detached house with two bedrooms for investment. The freehold guide price is £125,000-plus and it is currently let at £9,620 per annum.

One more lot is Hollyhock Cottage in The Street, Bredhurst, a detached property with two bedrooms in need of decoration. The freehold guide price is £250-260,000.

Clive Emson Auctioneers holds auctions eight times a year. It offers specialist advice for auction purposes in Essex, London, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and the West Country.

This sale will conclude on Wednesday, December 13.