Property for sale: historic military forts off the coast of Portsmouth

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 with a huge range of refurbishment opportunities, such as a Casino, Spa, Training Centre, Ultra Private Residence or Private Club.

Buckinghamshire-entrepreneur and founder of the Dreams bed company, Mike Clare acquired the properties in 2009 and 2012 and spent three years painstakingly redeveloping each fort to create two of the world’s most unique hotels.

After stepping back from the business approximately three years ago, Mr Clare has decided to sell these iconic properties in order to focus on other businesses and charity interests.

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 £8m.

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

The property has 23 en-suite guest bedrooms/suites, staff quarters, a restaurant, five themed bars, laser battle play area and a spa.

An impressive feat of engineering with some 99,000 sq ft over four floors, less than £43 per sq ft, it also features a lighthouse with private dining, rooftop hot tubs, sauna, fire pit, hot pool and helipad.

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.

For further information contact Paul Barrasford, 020 7344 6963, Paul.barrasford@colliers.com