An iconic hotel with views overlooking St Michael's Mount has sold at auction for more than a quarter of a million pounds.

The property, which was originally two separate houses, was extended over time and, for many years served as a hotel hosting the rich and famous.

Notable guests included the then Prime Minister of Norway Johan Nygaardsvold, during the Second World War.

The auction was held on June 13 and the estate commanded £280,000 when it went under the hammer.

Senior Auction Valuer Dave Henwood said: “There was keen interest in this well-known property. With its location, history and appearance on the market for the first time in nearly a century, a variety of different parties showed an interest. The new owner is a well thought of West Country developer who now has a sizeable and versatile property offering considerable potential for a range of schemes subject to the necessary consents.”

The Cliff Hotel has the address of 1-2 Penrose Terrace in Penzance and is a sizeable two-storey complex, with a basement, 21 bedrooms, an entrance hall, office, dining room, bar, living room, kitchens, laundry and staff rooms.

This is the first time the property has been on sale in 90 years sold at the upper end of its freehold guide price.