South Coast: Historic Solent fort to go under the hammer

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) is offering Horse Sands Fort for auction at 11am on October 11. With a guide price of £875,000, the property is being sold on behalf of owner Clarenco LLP.

Representing a unique residential or tourism development opportunity, the 73m diameter armour-plated fort is situated just off the Portsmouth coast. 

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, commented: “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, added: “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.”