The UK's floating hotel in middle of the sea where rooms were £700 a night

Daily Record

21-05-2025

The unusual establishment has had many incarnations but was sold to an unknown buyer last year
One of the UK's most unique hotels was one that floated in the middle of the sea and had a former life as a WW2 fort. Guests who stayed would have to fork out £700 a night to stay and were encased in walls as thick as 4.5m to protect them from the water.
Just a mile from the coast, the incredible granite island, Spitbank Sea Fort, has had varying uses in its lifetime since it was built in 1860. Firstly, it was built as one of a trio of forts to defend Britain against French warships in the 19th Century. They were then installed with anti-aircraft guns in World War 2 to protect against German attacks.
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But Spitbank Sea Fort, which lies in the Solent on Spit Sand, 1,100m southwest of Southsea Castle in Portsmouth, was transformed into a luxury hotel after it was sold by the Ministry Of Defence in 1980.
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In its incarnation as a fort, it was built with walls around 4.5m thick at basement level, and a 2.3m thick concrete roof.
It consisted of ammunition stores, fronted brick casemates, and an iron armoured gun gallery which faced out to sea.
It homed soldiers, sergeants, and officers, up until the 1960s when it was decommissioned and turned into a museum.
Then, in 2009, the circular sea fortress was built by millionaire businessman Mike Clare, who founded the Dreams bed company, reportedly spent a staggering £3.5 million refurbishing the island into a luxury hotel.
Arms and ammunitions were removed for the venue, to make way for nine spacious bedroom suites, three bars, three restaurant areas, and spa facilities, reports The Mirror.
A deluxe double room cost £700 per night, while a premier room came with an even heftier price tag of £750.
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"Where better to stay when visiting Cowes Week than on your own private fortress?" stated Visit Portsmouth, the area's official tourist board. "Want a magnificent venue for a private party where there is no chance of gatecrashers, then Spitbank Fort ticks all of the boxes.
"What about luxurious accommodation for the Isle of Wight Festival where you can party on like a rock star long into the night?
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"As Spitbank Fort can only be reached by own boats it provides a level of privacy, peace and tranquillity that is virtually impossible to find anywhere else in the world."
Despite its glitz and glam, Fortbank Fort closed as a hotel in 2020 - following the Covid-19 lockdown.
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While travel enthusiasts have since discovered the empty fort, and claim it has been abandoned, the building was actually sold to an anonymous buyer last year.
With a hammer price of just over £1 million, Spitbank Fort was sold by Savills, who witnessed 'global interest' from 'multiple buyer types'.
They described the listing as an 'unparalleled opportunity to own a former island fort transformed into self-contained private accommodation', stating the island had potential for alternative use, subject to consent.
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"Nestled in the waters of Portsmouth Harbour, this remarkable property offers a truly one-of-a-kind living experience," Savills added.
"Boasting approximately 33,000 sq. ft. of space, the fort's historic charm harmonizes with modern amenities. Enjoy panoramic views and exclusive privacy in this secluded yet accessible waterfront retreat."
What its next reincarnation will be is not yet known.