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Iconic 19th century forts on the market

Thursday September 26th, 2019

An opportunity has risen to acquire two of the world’s most unique hotel properties in Hampshire.

Two unique historic military forts off the coast of Portsmouth are being sold through global real estate advisor Colliers International. Known as the Solent Forts, the properties – No Man’s Fort and Spitbank Fort – are available as combined properties and businesses or on an individual basis.

Buckinghamshire-entrepreneur and founder of the Dreams bed company, Mike Clare acquired the properties in 2009 and 2012 and redeveloped each fort to create two of the world’s most unique hotels.  On behalf of the seller, Colliers is inviting offers for the freehold interest in these landmark properties and expects to soon announce a bid deadline. The properties are estimated to reach a combined sale price in excess of £8 million.

“This is an incredible opportunity to acquire two of the most remarkable properties to come to the market in recent years. Commissioned by prime minister, Lord Palmerston, during his tenure between 1859 to 1865, the forts were 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 before being decommissioned by the Ministry of Defence in 1956”, said Paul Barrasford, Director in Colliers International’s Hotels Agency team.

No Man’s Fort has been transformed to create a 4-star island hotel venue. With a maximum capacity of 200, guests can hire the entire venue exclusively for weddings, corporate events and celebrations.

Spitbank Fort is an even more upscale offering with nine luxurious guest suites plus staff accommodation, events spaces including a restaurant, two bars and a ‘wine cave’. Totalling some 33,000 sq ft over three floors with 15 ft. thick granite walls, the fort has a maximum capacity of 60 and features an open central courtyard, plus roof top terrace including sauna, fire pit and hot pool.

The portfolio also includes a third fort, known as Horse Sands Fort, which is being sold by auction with bids starting at £750,000. The property is currently being used to showcase the incredible history of these forts and the owner has preserved the beauty of this historic monument with its 100 chambers and living quarters, original gun carriages and armour plated walls.

To find out more about each of the Forts, please head to Solent Forts website.

 

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