Former public toilets near Penzance in Cornwall sparked a bidding frenzy when they went under the auctioneer’s hammer.

The conveniences at Fore Street in Newlyn, were listed with a freehold guide price of £15,000-plus but eventually sold for £73,000 when the hammer fell.

They were among 155 lots being sold by regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson in its September sale.

Katie Semmens, Clive Emson’s senior auction valuer for the West Country, said: “There was huge interest in these former conveniences both before and at the auction.

“With fine views across to Mounts Bay from their location just a few paces from Newlyn’s fishing harbour, the former loos sparked a bidding war at auction.

“Subject to planning consents, there is scope for residential or commercial development, incorporating perhaps upwards extension or total replacement.”

Cornwall Council instructed Clive Emson to sell the asset in auction because it was surplus to requirements.

Elsewhere, a detached bungalow at Trungle, Paul, near Penzance, sold towards the upper end of its freehold guide at £106,000.

Katie said: “The Bungalow has an idyllic streamside setting and is in a popular and sought-after village.”

“Its new owner may wish to demolish and replace the building, subject to planning consents.”

Britain’s largest independent regional land and property auctioneer, Clive Emson Auctioneers, holds eight rounds of auctions at five locations from Essex to Cornwall on consecutive days every six weeks.

Starting at 11am, the seventh of Clive Emson Auctioneers' eight regional West Country auctions this year takes place at St Mellion International Resort, St Mellion, Cornwall, on Thursday November 1. Entries close on October 1.

Visit https://www.cliveemson.co.uk/properties/west-country/ for more details.