ONE of the three Solent forts has been sold and is likely to become a luxury leisure facility.

Horse Sand Fort, which is undeveloped, has been sold to a private UK purchaser for £715,000.

The three former sea defences, built more than 150 years ago to protect the county from a French invasion, had been owned by entrepreneur Mike Clare who decided to sell them in 2019.

The entrepreneur is keen to sell the two remaining and, working with Colliers Hotel Agency, has now set a deadline for bids for No Man’s Fort.

Isle of Wight County Press: A view of the Atrium inside No Man's Fort. Picture courtesy of Andrew Matthews/PA Wire.A view of the Atrium inside No Man's Fort. Picture courtesy of Andrew Matthews/PA Wire.

Paul Barrasford, from Colliers Hotel Agency, said: “Following our recent sale of Horse Sand Fort, Mr Clare is keen to progress on No Man’s Fort and has reduced the asking price to £3.6 million, and set a deadline for offers to come forward.

“There are not many people who can say that they own a fort.

"This site could be an amazing addition to a property portfolio, whether it is used as a hotel as it is now, a holiday residence or converted into a different use.

“For a creative investor, it could be many uses such as a data centre, specialist athletic training venue, a filming location, or even a headquarters for a fast-growing start-up.

"Its remote location offers the ultimate privacy and security."

Isle of Wight County Press: General view of the lighthouse on No Man's fort. Picture courtesy of Andrew Matthews/PA Wire.General view of the lighthouse on No Man's fort. Picture courtesy of Andrew Matthews/PA Wire.

The 99,000 square foot Island is currently developed as a 23-bedroom luxury island retreat, which was refurbished in 2015 with a spa, restaurants, helipad, events space, as well as a pub.

Previously No Man’s Fort was marketed for £4.25 million, but now the asking price has been dropped to £3.6 million and the deadline of Friday, November 26 set for bids.

The third Spitbank Fort is also available for purchase under separate negotiation.

All three forts are built with granite walls and armour plating and can only be reachable by helicopter or boat.

British Prime Minister Lord Palmerstone commissioned the forts to repel the threat of a French invasion in 1859.

It is believed they took around 15 years from start to finish.