Auction set to make waves as historic Solent forts are offered for sale at a guide price of £1m each

Two Solent forts are set to make waves at auction with a guide price of £1 million each.

No Man’s Fort and Spitbank Fort are going under the hammer on June 18.

According to Savills Auctions, the guide price marks “the most accessible value these iconic maritime structures have been offered on the open market in recent years.”

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 £1 million.

“Both offer an opportunity like no other; a waterfront location, up to 99,000 sq ft 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.”

The forts have remained under the same ownership for the past 12 years and have been restored as boutique retreats.

No Man’s Fort is located between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth coastline.

The structure spans 99,000 square feet spread across four storeys.

Previously run as a hotel, it features 23 en-suite bedrooms, crew quarters and a variety of entertaining spaces including bars and restaurants accommodating up to 200 guests, a traditional English pub and a nightclub.

The fort has a rooftop terrace and BBQ area, providing uninterrupted views of the English coastline. Spitbank Fort sits in the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour and offers 33,000 sq ft of accommodation across three floors.

Having historically served as a boutique retreat, the fort features nine bedrooms, several event spaces (including a restaurant, bars and wine cave), a games room and pool and spa facilities.

It has a scenic rooftop terrace, sun deck and fire pit for guests.

Both forts are entirely self-contained with their own private water source, marine generators and sewage treatment plants.

They come with preexisting planning permissions for residential conversion.

Further planning requisites will be required for fractional ownership and alternative uses.

In 2022, Savills auctions sold the Grade II listed, unmodernised Bull Sandfort in the Humber Estuary for £490,000, nearly 10 times its guide price after worldwide competition from bidders in 27 countries.

• savills.co.uk

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