Two Former Military Forts Floating off the Coast of England Head to Auction as Lavishly Amenitised Properties
Both currently used as hotels, the two properties can be converted into a residential property for a buyer looking for the ultimate private escape
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For buyers interested in taking their home security to the next level, this pair of historic forts floating off the coast of England might suit.
The duo, dubbed No Mans Fort and Spitbank Fort, are nestled in the sea between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth on the mainland and they’re headed under the hammer with Savills on June 18 with a guide price of £1 million (US$1.26 million) each.
Though both are currently used as hotels, each has pre-existing permission to be converted into a residential property for a buyer or buyers looking for the ultimate private escape.
Savills
Both forts, which have previously been on the market for £4.25 million and £4 million, respectively, “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,” said Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions, in a news release.
Mansion Global couldn’t identify the owners, but according to Savills, they’ve held both of the unique properties for 12 years.
No Mans Fort is roughly a 35-minute boat ride from the mainland. Over its four levels, it has 23 bedrooms, plus staff quarters, a restaurant, bars, a traditional English pub, a rooftop terrace and a nightclub.
Spitbank Fort is a little closer to land, sitting in the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, and spans three floors with nine bedrooms, a restaurant, bars, a wine cave, a games room, a pool and spa facilities. There’s also a scenic rooftop terrace, a sun deck and a fire pit.
Savills
“Throughout my career as an auctioneer I’ve seen several sea forts hit the market that have achieved impressive prices,” Howeson said, calling such forts trophy assets. “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.”
In 2022, Savills auctions sold the unmodernised Bull Sandfort in the Humber Estuary on the east coast of Northern England for £490,000, nearly 10 times its guide price after worldwide competition from bidders in 27 countries, the firm said.
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$30 Million Nashville-Area Estate Quietly Looks for a Buyer.
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A 120-acre property 35 miles outside of Nashville, Tennessee, is selling off market for $30 million, making it the second-most-expensive home for sale in the state.
Located in Franklin, about 20 minutes from downtown, Cortina Farms is both a private residence and an event venue, which charges up to $56,000 to rent for the day, according to Compass, which is marketing the pocket listing. Erin Krueger holds the listing.
The only residence on the open market with a higher price in Tennessee is another Franklin property, which spans 749 acres and is asking $37.5 million.
Cortina Farms takes design inspiration from the Italian countryside, with stonework heavily featured around the verdant grounds.
The main house, with a stone exterior and a shingled roof, has approximately 2,500 square feet of living space, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Outside, there’s a covered back porch, an outdoor grill, a pool and a hot tub. There are also two guest apartments off the main house, each with a bedroom and a full bathroom.
In addition to its event business opportunities, the property is also designed for an equestrian, with two barns featuring a total of 12 stalls. Near the stables are four large fenced pastures that equal about 10 acres.
Other amenities include a wellness center, a party barn with a catering kitchen, an amphitheater, two lakes stocked with bass and catfish, and a helipad. Scenic trails for walking, running or ATV riding meander throughout the property past creeks, mature trees and waterfalls, according to information provided by Compass.
The property last traded hands in 2021 for $9 million, records on PropertyShark show. The owners weren’t available for comment.
The Nashville metro area has become a luxury real estate hot spot over the past few years, largely attracting people from Los Angeles as well as other out-of-state buyers looking for properties with a large amount of acreage.
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