Iconic UK sea forts going for bargain after £3.5million wiped off asking price

Two Royally commissioned sea forts are now on sale for a unbelievable bargain price with £3.5 million slashed from the original asking price. No Man’s Fort and Spitbank Fort, located in the Solent near Portsmouth, were constructed between 1867 and 1880 following the recommendations of the 1859 Royal Commission. These historic structures were later restored and transformed into boutique retreats and in 2023, were put on the market, No Man’s Fort for £3 million and Spitbank Fort for £2.5 million. Now, they are each up for auction at just £1 million – an incredible price considering their size, architecture and history of the buildings. No Man’s Fort, situated between Portsmouth’s coastline and the Isle of Wight, is a four-storey, 99,000-square-foot property that previously operated as a hotel, featuring 23 en-suite bedrooms, crew quarters, and numerous entertainment spaces, including a traditional English pub and a nightclub for up to 200 guests. Spitbank Fort, located at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, spans 33,000 square feet and offers rooms across three floors, including nine large bedrooms, a games room, pool and spa facilities, bars, restaurants, and a wine cave. It also boasts a rooftop terrace with a sun deck and fire pit. Both forts are entirely self-contained, with their own water sources, marine generators, and sewage systems. The properties are now heading to auction under Savills, listed at their lowest guide prices in recent times, as reported by What’s The Jam. Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions said: “Throughout my career as an auctioneer I’ve seen several sea forts hit the market that have achieved impressive prices as buyers have sought to pursue these trophy assets. “Having been carefully restored by the current owners, No Man’s and Spitbank Fort represent exceptional market value, each guided at £1million. Both offer an opportunity like no other; a waterfront location, up to 99,000 square feet of space and a chance to champion the heritage and legacy of these iconic maritime structures. “With pricing tailored to attract a suitable buyer(s), the forts have the potential for a variety of uses. I anticipate there to be a global interest from multiple buyer types looking to take the forts into their next chapter, whether that’s as a new commercial venture or residential home.”