A unique property left empty for years called Cuckoo's Nest has sold for more than £100,000 above its guide price at auction.

With no-one occupying the abandoned site in Trinity Square, Margate, for some time, nature has taken over the four-storey building.

But its current appearance did not deter prospective buyers at a recent Clive Emson auction.

Cuckoo's Nest was snapped up for more than £351,250, despite being valued at just £220-240,000.

The new owners have a big job on their hands to renovate the house.

Auctioneer Jon Rimmer said: "The property does require complete refurbishment but it can be easily reimagined as a fantastic home."

Another Thanet property which went under the hammer was a site once home to a fire station.

The plot in Margate Road, Broadstairs, was previously home to a facility used by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, before crews started being transferred across Thanet in 2011.

The old fire station was completely demolished, but remnants of the former firehouse remain, with an underground fuel tank filled to the brim with foam still on the site, which neighbours the Marston's Canterbury Bell pub.

It went under the hammer for £700,000 - well below its guide price of £800,000.

Auctioneer John Stockey described the site as an "excellent lot", adding: "This substantial site also includes a telecommunications mast.

"The land is mostly covered in hard-standing and might be developed in various ways as long as all necessary consents are obtainable.

"It was among a number of excellent lots from Thanet, and with its favourable situation and potential we had a lot of interest from builders and developers."

The auction took place virtually on November 2.