Thursday, September 19, 2024

Inside two stunning British sea forts heading to auction with a guide price of £1m

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If you are fed up with troublesome neighbours, poky rooms and congested streets, a solution could be at hand. 

There are not one, but two, unique island sea forts going up for auction on Savills later this month on 18 June.

No Man’s Land Fort, located in the waters off the Isle of Wight, and Spitbank Sea Fort, nestled in the waters of Portsmouth Harbour, each have a guide price of £1million ahead of this month’s auction. 

It could be yours: No Man’s Land Fort has a guide price for auction of £1m

Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions, said: ‘Throughout my career as an auctioneer I’ve seen several sea forts hit the market that have achieved impressive prices as buyers have sought to pursue these trophy assets. 

‘Having been carefully restored by the current owners, No Man’s and Spitbank Fort represent exceptional market value, each guided at £1million. 

‘Both offer an opportunity like no other; a waterfront location, up to 99,000 sqft of space and a chance to champion the heritage and legacy of these iconic maritime structures.’

On the potential to add value to the forts, Howeson told MailOnline: ‘The avenues to add value to either Fort would depend on the intended end use. 

‘Previous planning permission exists to add a helicopter pad to Spitbank Fort, and a full marina with additional helicopter pad to No Mans Fort, making these structures more accessible to both owners and visitors. 

‘There would also be the opportunity to go green with the instalment of tidal power generators, or to convert the forts into a variety of other uses.’

Let’s take a closer look at the two sites going up for auction.

Wow factor: No Man's Land Fort is going up for auction via Savills on 18 June

Wow factor: No Man’s Land Fort is going up for auction via Savills on 18 June 

Stunning: No Man's Land Fort is secluded but remains easily accessible

Stunning: No Man’s Land Fort is secluded but remains easily accessible

Space matters: No Man's Fort comes with roughly 99,000 sq. ft. of space

Space matters: No Man’s Fort comes with roughly 99,000 sq. ft. of space

Divine: No Man's Land Fort boats panoramic views and could be yours to enjoy

Divine: No Man’s Land Fort boats panoramic views and could be yours to enjoy

Room with a view: No Man's Land Fort already has 23 ensuite bedrooms

Room with a view: No Man’s Land Fort already has 23 ensuite bedrooms 

Plush: The bathrooms on No Man's Land Fort have been finished to a high standard

Plush: The bathrooms on No Man’s Land Fort have been finished to a high standard

Charming: The bedrooms on No Man's Fort have been individually designed

Charming: The bedrooms on No Man’s Fort have been individually designed 

Fun times: No Man's Land Fort has a host of eating and drinking spaces available

Fun times: No Man’s Land Fort has a host of eating and drinking spaces available 

Where's the party? No Man's Land Fort is home to a myriad of event spaces

Where’s the party? No Man’s Land Fort is home to a myriad of event spaces 

Located off the Isle of Wight, No Man’s Land Fort is a Victorian island fort which has already been transformed into self-contained luxury private accommodation. 

Within this secluded yet accessible location, you will not be short of space. There is approximately 99,000 sq. ft. of space on offer, with old-world charm incorporated seamlessly with modern amenities. 

Boasting panoramic views, the site is already operating as a hotel and event space, and there’s significant potential to add further value. 

At present, the four-storey fort has 23 ensuite bedrooms, crew quarters, multiple bars and restaurants and a number of multi-purpose rooms, which are ideal for events like weddings and parties. 

The fort comes with a helipad in place and two landing stages for visitors by sea. 

The lowest level of the fort has been converted into entertaining space including laser battle, while the roof deck provides further facilities including hot tubs, a fire pit, bar and Nordic bothy. 

The newly opened Lord Nelson Pub, The Cabaret Bar nightclub and additional entertaining spaces are located on the upper and lower levels of the fort. 

The fort is fully self-contained with its own private water source in the form of an artesian well and comes equipped with marine generators, and sewage treatment plant. 

The site can be sold fully furnished, if desired. 

Privacy at last: Spitbank Sea Fort is great for privacy-seekers wanting easy mainland access

Privacy at last: Spitbank Sea Fort is great for privacy-seekers wanting easy mainland access

Outlook: Spitbank Sea Fort is close to the hub of Portsmouth Habour

Outlook: Spitbank Sea Fort is close to the hub of Portsmouth Habour 

Sit back and chill: Spitbank Sea Fort has roughly 33,000 sq. ft. of space

Sit back and chill: Spitbank Sea Fort has roughly 33,000 sq. ft. of space 

Yes please, captain: Spitbank Sea Fort is currently home to nine plush guest bedrooms

Yes please, captain: Spitbank Sea Fort is currently home to nine plush guest bedrooms

Retreat: The accommodation on Spitbank Sea Fort has been finished to a high standard

Retreat: The accommodation on Spitbank Sea Fort has been finished to a high standard

History: Spitbank Sea Fort's circular design was predominantly crafted from granite, brick and stone

History: Spitbank Sea Fort’s circular design was predominantly crafted from granite, brick and stone

Wine time: Enjoy panoramic views from the bar at Spitbank Sea Fort

Wine time: Enjoy panoramic views from the bar at Spitbank Sea Fort 

Event space: Spitbank Sea Fort has multiple event spaces available

Event space: Spitbank Sea Fort has multiple event spaces available 

Take a dip: Spitbank Sea Fort has a hot pool and a sauna on offer

Take a dip: Spitbank Sea Fort has a hot pool and a sauna on offer

Nestled in the waters off Portsmouth Harbour, Spitbank Sea Fort boasts approximately 33,000 sq. ft. of space and 15ft thick granite fort walls. 

The fort was constructed in the 1860s as part of a trio of forts to safeguard Portsmouth against potential naval threats from French ironclad warships.

It has been meticulously transformed into self-contained private accommodation. 

The site is currently home to nine high-end guest suites, a 60-covers restaurant, crew quarters and multiple event spaces. It is licensed for weddings. 

Subject to planning consent, the potential for alternative uses is available, including, Savills suggests, using the site as a casino, an ‘ultra private residence’, corporate offices or converting it into individual flats. 

Prospective buyers will also be pleased to hear that the fort also comes with a wine cave, roof terrace, sauna, hot pool, fire pit and sun decks. 

As with No Man’s Land Fort, Spitbank Sea Fort comes equipped with a private water source from an artesian well, marine generators for power and a sewage treatment plant. Furnishings can be negotiated, according to Savills. 

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