| 7 November 2007 |
 
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 A redundant sea fort in need of work is available for sale and offers the ultimate restoration project. No Man's Land Fort, three miles from Portsmouth, in the Solent has stood empty for two years and now requires an inspired and committed individual with vision, to restore it either for a commercial purpose or to create a highly unusual private home. It is listed Grade II and is an English Heritage scheduled Ancient Monument and has a gross internal area of approximately 55,994 sq ft. It is currently for sale through Knight Frank who is inviting offers from seriously interested parties.
No Man’s Land Fort makes a dramatic statement against the seascape. A massive concrete circular structure with full armour plating, it measures 200 ft in diameter and is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most bizarre and memorable structures, comparable to something one might see in a Bond film
The fort was built between 1865 and 1880 as one of four sea forts to protect the naval base of Portsmouth from the threat of French invasion. However, by the time they were completed the danger of war with the French had subsided. After some use in the World Wars, the forts were deactivated in 1956 and were used for coastal artillery. They were then put up for sale in the 1960s. No Man’s Land Fort was bought in 1986 by a property developer and converted into a luxury hotel. As it has been unoccupied for two years, it needs some work and attention to restore it to its former glory. The potential to do so is enormous; the fort presents rather a paradox, as from the outside it is dramatic and awesome, while inside, with refurbishment and improvement it could provide pleasant and comfortable accommodation.
No Man’s Land Fort has a former lighthouse which has three bedrooms, a sitting room with French windows leading onto a terrace and an amazing 360 degree observatory. In the fort itself are three floors arranged concentrically around a central atrium with a glass roof. The result is powerful and highly atmospheric. There are a plethora of state rooms, entertaining rooms, leisure facilities, administration areas, catering facilities and bedroom suites. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and jacuzzi.
The top of the fort feels far from institutional and has been softened by a rock garden, flowering plants and shrubs, while sundecks, a barbeque area and a bar area emphasise that this is an entertainment area. The total area amounts to about 1 acre.
Reaching No Man’s Land Fort is currently only by helicopter (there are two helipads), as the boat winch is in need of substantial repair. Once this has been done, access by boat will be possible. Planning permission has been obtained to build a floating harbour to accommodate 40 berths which would be ideal if the fort was to function as a hotel or business.
No Man’s Land Fort is a rare opportunity to buy an extremely unusual property. Interested parties should be aware that this is a no small project, but once restored and refurbished it could be a unique and amazing private home with unrivalled seclusion and spectacular views or a hotel offering visitors something totally different from the norm.
For further information, please contact:
Edward Thomson, Knight Frank, Country Department, Edward.thomson@knightfrank.com 020 7861 1114
Andrew Theobald, Knight Frank Hotels, Southampton, Andrew.theobald@knightfrank.com 02380 488 757
Olivia Smith, Knight Frank, Residential Press Manager, olivia.smith@knightfrank.com 020 7861 1034
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