A Trio of Napoleonic Forts in the English Channel
This property is on the market with Strutt and Parker.
Spitfork is listed for £4,000,000.
The 19th century sea forts were commissioned by prime minister Lord Palmerston and built between 1859 and 1865 as a line of defense against enemy attacks by Napoleon III, although they were never used in battle as intended.
Repurposed as army barracks, the forts were also used in WWI and WWII, and up until 1982, when they were sold off and used for various purposes (a museum, raves, British television shows).
Offering stunning views across the south coast of England, the forts are only accessible by boat or helicopter. In 2009, the holding company Clarenco purchased the historic sea fortresses to restore.
Two of the Victorian-era sea forts have been converted into luxury retreats, and one remains untouched since the 1940s.
Spitbank (9 bedrooms) is listed at £4m, and offers 33,000 square feet of interiors with several bars and restaurants, and an incredible lighthouse room.
No Man’s (23 bedrooms) is listed at £4.25m and offers 99,000 sq ft with bars, restaurants and a helipad.
For £750,000, Horse Sand is waiting to be transformed anew, with over 100 rooms and its original gun carriages.
The commute to central London is 20 minutes by helicopter, and 25 minutes by boat to Gunwharf Quay.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
