LUXURY FORT FOR SALE FOR $5.2 MILLION

A former fort located in the channel between England and the Netherlands has been converted into a luxury island you normally only see in movies. The insanely large fort is more than 150 years old and has everything you could want, 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 around Isle of Wight. First a defensive post, the fort has been a museum, nightclub and boutique hotel, among other things. Spitbank Fort was purchased in 2009 by entrepreneur Mike Clare, who thoroughly renovated the 33,000-square-foot, three-story property, including adding a freshwater spring. It was just put up for sale by British brokerage firm Strutt & Parker. Unsurprisingly, the fortified island does not come cheap. The asking price for Spitbank Fort is just $5.2 million.Rooms are situated around the central courtyard, with guest suites on the outside and also a library and lounge. Other luxury amenities include two kitchens, a dining room that seats 60, a sauna, training center, a swimming pool, two sun terraces, a fire pit and a crow's nest that overlooks the rest of the property and where you can watch the beautiful views. And although it was recently used as a hotel, the broker and owner say it could easily be turned into a private residence.