It has had something of a colourful past, but when a former market town hotel appeared at auction it proved there was still life left in it yet when it sold for £400,000.

Eastern Daily Press: Hotel NR19, in Dereham, is going under the hammer at Allsops auction. The hotel was also known at Wine Lodge and Hill House Hotel in recent years. Picture: DONNA-LOUISE BISHOPHotel NR19, in Dereham, is going under the hammer at Allsops auction. The hotel was also known at Wine Lodge and Hill House Hotel in recent years. Picture: DONNA-LOUISE BISHOP (Image: Archant)

Based in the centre of Dereham, the former NR19 Hotel - also previously known as Winelodge and Hill House Hotel - went under the hammer and sold for £50,000 over its recommend valuation of £350,000.

The sale happened at Allsops latest residential sale on Thursday October 25 at The Cumberland Hotel, in London.

Receivers had been appointed to sell the Grade II Listed Building. Its previous owner was Tony Burlingham of MJB Hotels.

Lot 215 was described as having 'possible potential for reconfiguration subject to obtaining all necessary consents'.

Located on the junction with Theatre Street and Wellington Road, the house was built in the 17th century. It was the former home of Sir John and Lady Ellenor Fenn. Both were famed for their academic achievements.