Historic shop and flat fails to sell - despite £131,000 bid

A former lighting business and long-serving travel agents in a property that dates back to the 1880s was due to be sold when it was auctioned off earlier this month.

The mixed-use property that comprises a "vacant shop and flat" at 90 & 90A High Street, Lowestoft was marketed by Auction House East Anglia.

It was due to be sold at an online auction on February 7 with a minimum guide price of £130,000 to £150,000, plus fees.

From a former outfitters shop in the late 1800s, the historic building has also been a drapers shop and then a long standing boot and shoe shop before Bettatravel moved in in the 1970s.

The travel agents was successfully run until retirement in 2016.

Most recently ran as the Bright Ideas shop until it closed in 2022, the mixed use property "comprising vacant shop and flat with off road parking and sea views" was being sold on a freehold tenure.

The description from the auctioneers stated: "The deceptively spacious mixed use property has accommodation over four floors and extends to around 139sq m.

"The shop with large self contained flat above is in need of refurbishment and is sold as seen with vacant possession.

"It benefits from sea views and ample off road parking to the rear.

"The flat is accessed via a separate door to the right of the shop and has accommodation over two floors.

"The property lies within a conservation area, however is not listed."

It adds: "It has been in the same family since the 1960's making it a rare opportunity.

"On instruction of a power of attorney."

But following the auction, the auctioneers said that "the bidding reached £131,000", however 90 and 90A High Street in Lowestoft was "unsold" at the auction.