These Fortified Islands Could Be Yours

Decommissioned Forts off Portsmouth

Brick ceiling restaurant on fort island

Bar in fortified island at sea

Fancy owning a piece of history? These quirky islands are for sale at auction, running as boutique hotels until the pandemic the Victorian forts were commissioned originally by Prime Minister Lord Palmerston as a defence against the threat of Napoleon III's attack.

Above deck on a fort turned hotel

Nautical interiors on old fort

Upper deck on a ex fort island

With a guide price of a million each, these potential off-grid bolt-holes are near the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, England. There's plenty of potential. Perhaps the smaller of the two, Spitbank, at 33,000 sq ft could be a perfect Bond villain lair, though not quite the same appeal as a tropical island it's true. Instead maybe a floating spa, or unusual conference space could work.

Rooms on fortified island

Fortified Victorian island from above

The larger of the two, No Man's Fort is a 23-suite hotel with crew quarters, a restaurant, a bar, a pub and a nightclub - no need to leave!

Glass ceiling on Victorian fort

Old Victorian fort at night

A fortified island from above

Both in need of a little TLC but I love things like this, so much potential for something a little different. If this has wet your appetite then head to Savills for the auction 18th June.

Originally found at The Spaces.  

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