Knight Frank appointed to sell sea fort
Date: 15 October 2007 | 
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London, UK - Knight Frank, the property consultancy, has been appointed to sell a redundant sea fort in the
Solent.
No Man's Land Fort, three miles from Portsmouth, in the Solent has stood empty for two years and now requires
an inspired and committed individual with vision, to restore it either for a commercial purpose or to create a
highly unusual private home.
It is listed Grade II and is an English Heritage scheduled Ancient Monument. Planning permission has been
obtained to build a floating harbour to accommodate 40 berths which would be ideal if the fort was to function as
a hotel or business.
No Man’s Land Fort makes a dramatic statement against the seascape. A massive concrete circular structure
with full armour plating, it measures 200 ft in diameter and has a gross internal area of approximately 55,994 sq
ft. It is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most bizarre and memorable structures, comparable to something one might
see in a Bond film. The Fort is a rare opportunity to buy an extremely unusual property. It would suit someone
with an eye for the eccentric who is keen to own a piece of naval history.
Interested parties should be aware that this is a no small project, but once restored and refurbished it could be a
unique and amazing private home with unrivalled seclusion and spectacular views or a hotel offering visitors
something totally different from the norm. Knight Frank is inviting offers from seriously interested parties.
For further information, please contact:
Andrew Theobold, Knight Frank Hotels, Southampton, andrew.theobold@knightfrank.com 02380 488 757
Edward Thomson, Knight Frank, Country Department, edward.thomson@knightfrank.com 020 7861 1114
Olivia Gallimore, Knight Frank, Press Office, olivia.gallimore@knightfrank.com 020 7861 1035
High resolution images are available from olivia.gallimore@knightfrank.com
Notes to Editors
Background
No Man’s Land Fort was built between 1865 and 1880 as one of four sea forts to protect the naval base of
Portsmouth from the threat of French invasion. However, by the time they were completed the danger of war
with the French had subsided. After some use in the World Wars, the forts were deactivated in 1956 and were
used for coastal artillery. They were then put up for sale in the 1960s. No Man’s Land Fort was bought in 1986
by a property developer and converted into a luxury hotel. As it has been unoccupied for two years, it needs
some work and attention to restore it to its former glory. The potential to do so is enormous; the fort presents
rather a paradox, as from the outside it is dramatic and awesome, while inside, with refurbishment and
improvement it could provide pleasant and comfortable accommodation.
No Man’s Land Fort has a former lighthouse which has three bedrooms, a sitting room with French windows
leading onto a terrace and an amazing 360 degree observatory. In the fort itself are three floors arranged
concentrically around a central atrium with a glass roof. The result is powerful and highly atmospheric. There
are a plethora of state rooms, entertaining rooms, leisure facilities, administration areas, catering facilities and
bedroom suites. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and jacuzzis.
The top of the fort feels far from institutional and has been softened by a rock garden, flowering plants and
shrubs, while sundecks, a barbeque area and a bar area emphasise that this is an entertainment area. The total
area amounts to about one acre.
Reaching No Man’s Land Fort is currently only by helicopter (there are two helipads), as the boat winch is in
need of substantial repair. Once this has been done, access by boat will be possible.
Knight Frank LLP is the leading independent global property consultancy. Headquartered in London, Knight
Frank and its New York-based global partner Newmark Knight Frank operate from over 165 offices, in 36
countries, in six continents. For further information about the Company, please visit www.knightfrank.com
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