LUXURY FORT FOR SALE FOR $5.2 MILLION

A former fortress located in the canal between England and the Netherlands has been converted into a luxury island that you normally only see in films. The insanely large fortress is more than 150 years old and has everything you could wish for, including a wine cellar, a spa and even a casino. Online editor: Natasha Hendriks
Image: Strutt & Parker

Spitbank Fort

The property, called Spitbank Fort, is one of three artificial islands built by the British Army in the water surrounding the Isle of Wight. The fort was first a defense post, but has been a museum, nightclub and boutique hotel, among other things. Spitbank Fort was purchased in 2009 by entrepreneur Mike Clare, who extensively renovated the 33.000 sq ft, three-storey property, including adding a freshwater spring. It has just been put up for sale by the British real estate agency Strutt & Parker. It's no surprise that the fortified island isn't cheap. The asking price for Spitbank Fort is just $5,2 million.The rooms are situated around the central courtyard, with guest suites to the outside as well as a library and lounge. Other luxurious amenities include two kitchens, a dining room that seats 60, a sauna, training center, a swimming pool, two sun decks, a fire pit and a crow's nest that overlooks the rest of the grounds and where you can gaze out at the beautiful prospect. And although it has recently been used as a hotel, the agent and owner say it could easily be turned into a private residence.