Visitors to the Isle of Wight know all about No Man?s Land. The James Bond style nineteenth century sea fort can be seen from the ferry as you travel from England and thousands of yachtsmen will know it as a mark in the The Round the Island Race.
Originally designed to protect Portsmouth from French invasion, No Man?s Land was part of a Royal Commission of four sea forts built between 1867 and 1880. In a remarkable feat of Victorian engineering, large slabs of granite were cut and shaped back in England before being transported into the Solent by barge and laid out to form the base of this impressive structure.
| aerial view of fortress |
Needless to say, the fortress has an important military history. No Man?s Land played a strategic part in the defence of the English Channel during WW1 and was fitted with anti aircraft guns in the WW2 before being permanently decommissioned.
After losing its military attire the sea fort was transformed into a luxury private residence and was subsequently expanded to accommodate a hospitality business. The internal area is extensive ? 65,000 sq feet and features 21 en-suite guest bedrooms dining areas, bars and a gym. The great dome covering the central (Upper Gun Floor) area offers a mild ?micro-climate? in poor weather and a light airy piazza, perfect for entertaining and is also home to the swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzis. Outside there is a roof garden and two helipads. A bore hole sunk to reach fresh water deep below the sea floor provides the property with a private water supply.
| the impressive dome |
The original lighthouse also makes for an interesting feature. There are impressive 360 degree views from the glazed observatory and the building has been converted to accommodate three en suite double bedrooms. ?Sitting in the ?Lighthouse? overlooking the Solent makes you feel like the Captain on a great ship? very James Bond!? says Nick Sweeney, the director of Savills handling the property, ?Without doubt No Man?s Land Fort is the most extraordinary property offering security, privacy and a remarkable amount of space.?
| No Man's Land |
Savills are inviting offers, but there is no formal guide price for the freehold. For more information please contact Nick Sweeney, Savills Grosvenor Hill, +44 (0) 207 499 8644.
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