A BUYER opened their account at an auction with the purchase of the former NatWest bank in Okehampton for £268,000.

The landmark building in the town centre was among the lots in the fifth sale of 2020 by the regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson on Wednesday July 29.

As well as the former bank premises at 40 Fore Street, the lot included a two-storey property and a car park for multiple vehicles.

Its final sale price comfortably exceeded its freehold guide price of £210,000 to £250,000 when the auctioneer’s virtual gavel fell.

Senior auction Appraiser David Henwood said: ‘The new owner, a local businessman, has acquired a handsome property in a landmark location in Okehampton.

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‘They have options for a range of schemes here subject to the necessary consents, including a mixed residential and commercial project.’