A high street shop and flat looks set for a new lease of life after being sold ahead of an auction.

The former lighting business and long-serving travel agents in a vacant property that dates back to the 1880s was due to be sold at an auction this week.

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

But after failing to sell at an online auction on February 7 - despite a £131,000 bid - it was due to go under the hammer once more.

It was due to be sold at Auction House East Anglia's livestream property auction on Wednesday, March 20 with a guide price of £120,000 to £140,000 plus fees, on a freehold tenure.

But ahead of the auction, the auctioneers said 90 and 90a High Street, Lowestoft had been "sold prior".

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.

East Anglian Daily Times: The former Bright Ideas lighting business on High Street in Lowestoft, which has now sold ahead of an auction. Picture: Sonya DuncanThe former Bright Ideas lighting business on High Street in Lowestoft, which has now sold ahead of an auction. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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 described as "deceptively spacious" with "accommodation over four floors" as it extends to around 139sq m.

A property description from the auctioneers added: "The property lies within a conservation area, however is not listed.

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

"On instruction of a power of attorney."