A FORMER Dorset pub has been sold just before it was due to go under the hammer.

The White Hart at Market Cross, Sturminster Newton, was due to be auctioned with a guide price of £200,000-£220,000.

But an offer was made last Friday just before a sale of 135 lots through land and property auctioneers Clive Emson.

Rob Marchant, the firm’s Dorset auctioneer, said: “A buyer came forward, making an acceptable offer to the vendor.

“The White Hart has not traded as a public house for over a year now and we were instructed by the building’s then owner to sell.

“It is considered that the property may be suitable for other commercial or residential uses, subject to planning consents. However, we are not privy to any plans the new owner may or may not have.”

Along with the main bar, dining area, kitchen, stores, cellar and six bedrooms, along with two other rooms, there is a clubroom/skittle alley, car parking and gardens.

A freehold mid-terrace house, with two bedrooms, at South Road, Bournemouth, fetched £187,000, which was £37,000 above estimate.