Despite the site being listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, planning permission for conversion to 14 luxury apartments was secured in 2004.

Oliver Childs, national head of auctions at LSH comments: “Over the years we have sold nuclear bunkers, telecommunications masts, former reservoirs, beaches and airfields to name but a few. Unique assets such as this appeal to buyers with creative vision and we are expecting worldwide interest.” 

Steve Leahy, property director at Clarenco LLP, adds: “The success of our development of No Man’s Fort and Spitbank Fort in the Solent demonstrates the potential of this unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial high net worth investor or developer to create their own vision.”

About the auction:
View lot here 
When: 11:00 Tuesday 11th October 2016 
Where: Le Meridien Hotel, 21 Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BH
How to bid: You may bid in person, by phone or by proxy. For more information on how to do so, please email or visit the website.

More about Horse Sands Fort:
Horse Sands Fort is one of the largest of four forts in the Solent, completed in 1880 as a military base to protect Portsmouth against the French. They were never needed for their intended use and thus became known as ‘Palmerston’s Follies’ after the prime minister who authorised their construction. Horse Sands Fort was armed during the first and second world wars, then declared surplus to requirements by the Ministry of Defence in the 1960s.

The fort lies south east of Portsmouth in the middle of the Solent, approximately 15 minutes by boat from Gunwharf Quays and approximately four miles out to sea. Robustly built from concrete and granite, the fort comprises two floors and a basement and has a circular road along the inner perimeter, affectionately known as ‘the Street’.

The fort would offer residents the ultimate in seclusion, fantastic views and a rare chance to reside offshore in a unique location.