Inside two iconic sea forts that are now luxury hotels
Two luxuriously redeveloped sea forts could be all yours, but you’ll need a boat or helicopter to reach them…
Spitbank Fort (nine bedrooms) and No Man’s Fort (23 bedrooms) are two Victorian-era sea forts that have been transformed into luxury hotels.
The 19th century structures were originally built more than 150 years ago to repel the threat of a French invasion, but now boast multiple bars, rooftop terraces, a lighthouse, a restaurant, a helipad and a spa.
The iconic forts are on the market for more than £8 million combined, and both offer stunning views across the south coast of England.
The incredible aerial picture below shows just how isolated the forts really are.
The former military bases stand proud with the shimmering sea surrounding them, and the city of Portsmouth is just a short helicopter flight away.
Our favourite features of these remarkable buildings are definitely the Hollywood-style roof terraces, which offer stunning views across the south coast of England.
The leisure areas also benefit from a hot pool, sauna, fire pit and sun deck – perfect for those long summer nights when toasting marshmallows are the order of the day.
The forts were commissioned by prime minister Lord Palmerston during his tenure between 1859 to 1865, originally built as a line of defence against enemy attacks on the Solent and Portsmouth.
They took 20 years to build but were never used in battle as intended – instead they were repurposed as temporary army barracks.
They were later equipped with guns for World War One and fitted with a boom defence to ward off submarines during World War Two. The buildings were disposed of by the Ministry of Defence in 1982.
What do the experts say?
Our very own property expert Miles Shipside said: “These are two of the quirkiest listings that I’ve ever come across and I’m sure these iconic pieces of Britain’s military history will attract significant interest. Spitbank Fort and No Man’s Fort are both wonderfully unique, and each has huge potential to be given a new lease of life – perhaps as ultra-private residences, or exclusive retreats.”
