A pub which has been left abandoned since 2019 could be knocked down or turned into flats.

The former Lighthouse Inn in Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone, is due to go under the hammer at auction with Clive Emson later this month.

It is understood the pub, which served food and also had hotel rooms, closed following a dispute with the landlord.

The former public house with “uninterrupted sea views” is being offered with a freehold guide price in excess of £600,000.

It is set to be bid on at auction on Wednesday, March 20.

The auctioneer for the site, Kevin Gilbert, said the building could be redeveloped as apartments or new homes or demolished entirely.

“This large property with wonderful sea views now requires improvement,” he said.

“It might be converted into flats or knocked down and totally redeveloped, as long as all necessary consents are obtainable.

“It was a popular pub when it closed and many people locally will be interested in what happens to it.”

In 1840 The Lighthouse Inn, as it is known today, was in two parts, Vineyard Lodge, which was used as a wine and ale house, and Capel Lodge where travellers would rest during their journey.

Over the years, it had various names and was run as a home for psychiatric patients, a convalescing home and a country club.

But in February 1998, it was refurbished and opened under the new name of The Lighthouse.

Now, the site is in a sad state of affairs with weeds growing in the garden and car park, paintwork left untreated and signage removed from the building.

In July 2019 the pub closed for good following a reported dispute with the landlord.

Two months later, the pub went on the market for £500,000.

The building includes two cellars, function rooms and several en-suite rooms on the first floor and also has a garden area.

Last year, villagers were intensifying their calls for the “eyesore” to be returned to its former glory as a community asset.

Resident Martin Ingrouille, who has lived in the village for seven years, told KentOnline at the time he felt someone should be able to make a success of it as it is “such a prime spot”.

Capel-le-Ferne Parish Council declined to comment about the building.