Latest news with #19thcenturyfort
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
UK ‘party island' home to Victorian FORT, rooftop bar & panoramic seaside views hits the market
A UK island complete with a five-bedroom home has hit the market for an eye-watering fee. The private patch of land also boasts a helipad and rooftop bar and was historically used to repel a French invasion. 5 5 The property - a Grade II listed 19th-century fort - is located off the coast of Pembrokeshire and it could be yours for £3million. But buyers will be rewarded with an eye-catching place to call home. It boasts underfloor heating, mezzanine bedrooms, a sea-view office, and a 10-metre hydraulic crane for lifting boats and supplies and has been listed by estate agency Strutt & Parker. "Thorne Island has been a landmark for hundreds of years," the listing reads. "The fort forming part of the Island was constructed between 1852 and 1854 as an outer defence to Milford Haven, at that time a large naval base. "It is one of twelve forts that were constructed around the entrance to Pembroke Dock as part of 'Palmerston's Haven defences' to protect against Napoleonic invasion. "The Island was sold for the first time in 1932 and has since been a hotel and a family home. "Thorne Island is a fantastic coastal landmark now offering something very different." The island sits a short three mile by sea from Milford Haven in south-west Wales. It can be reached either by boat or helicopter depending on your budget. The listing adds: 'Upon entering the property through the historic entrance gates, you are welcomed into [the] entrance hall leading into the large open plan reception, dining and sitting room with exposed traditional brickwork, vaulted ceilings, double aspect sash windows and wood burning stove. 'The kitchen is open plan with a modern, equipped kitchen and adjoining snug with wood-burning stove, exposed brick work and sea views.' 'Outside is a courtyard laid to lawn, providing a sheltered entertaining space with adjoining storage rooms. "Steps lead to the elevated grounds of the island which is home to the helipad and roof-top bar with inbuilt bar and games room.' The property's current owner, Mile Conner, bought the island in 2017, after watching a video about it. He has mostly used the island for parties, and told Bloomberg: "Thorne's been a great stress reliever. "It's just somewhere to go on boats and play with a crane and generators and fix stuff." If Thorne Island is out of your budget, then a picturesque private island off the coast of the UK is also available to buy - and it's just £108,000. The stunning Irish Islands of Dunnyneill, located on Strangford Lough, are home to range of gorgeous flora and fauna. Surrounded by blue waters and coated in lush greenery, the islands are located just 2.5 kilometres off the coast of Killyleagh, Ireland. Comprised of two islands, it was once a former seventh century trading emporium frequented by merchants. Owning the islands gives you the chance to buy a piece of history, as merchants from Russia, Germany, Iceland and France used to visit the island. The main island is described as being "formed from a small drumlin with a boulder clay core." 5
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Private Welsh island with 19th century fort goes on the market
The site is only accessible by sea or air and has its own helipad. (Strutt & Parker via CNN Newsource) London — If you want to get away from it all, there can be few places more secluded than Thorne Island. Situated 3 nautical miles off the coast of Pembrokeshire in west Wales, United Kingdom, the private island is home to a 19th century fort. Extending to approximately 2.49 acres, Thorne Island has recently gone up for sale, with the owner seeking offers in excess of £3 million (US$4 million), according to the listing on the Strutt & Parker website. The fort's highlights include a helipad, a covered rooftop bar with a games room and a sea-view office. Originally designed to house 100 men, the restored property can today sleep up to 20 people in its five plush bedrooms, while other living spaces include grand dining rooms and terraces sheltered by barrack-style walls. The fort was built on the craggy outpost between 1852 and 1854 as part of a wider plan to strengthen national defenses against a possible Napoleonic invasion, according to the property listing. But over time the Welsh island's military role faded and the fort has served as a hotel and family home since the island was first sold in 1932. Its current owner, British tech entrepreneur Mike Conner, bought the island in 2017 for £500,000 ($670,000) after seeing a video about it on YouTube, he told CNN. Back then, the fort – protected by law due to what's known as a Grade II listing – had no windows or utilities and was waterlogged, but Conner said he was fascinated and seized the opportunity to undertake a once-in-a-lifetime restoration. Conner said he had 'underestimated a lot of things,' including the effort involved in installing flushing toilets. 'There was a lot of stuff that needed to be done to make it happen,' he said, including digging trenches through rocks and installing a running water system. It took his team 350 helicopter trips over two days to transport materials – from topsoil and building materials to heat pumps for central heating and hot water – to the island. Meanwhile, builders lived on-site in the original barracks for four years while reconstruction was underway. Part of the reason it took so long was that the fort was in bad shape when Conner took it over. Private Welsh island with 19th century fort goes on the market Tech entrepreneur Mike Conner said the undertaking had been part of a "mid-life crisis." (Strutt & Parker via CNN Newsource) Sandblasting the walls to reveal the original stone alone took six months, while the granite walls in parts were so saturated with historic moisture that it led to flooding, according to a press release sent to CNN. Conner – the founder of Appsbroker, which later became Qodea – said the overhaul, which has only been completed this year, cost more than £2 million ($2.7 million). Private Welsh island with 19th century fort goes on the market The covered rooftop bar is one of the property's highlights. (Strutt & Parker via CNN Newsource) The substantial investment included a £300,000 ($400,000) outlay on renewable energy – such as solar panels and battery storage – and a biodigester system for wastewater, which allow the off-grid fort to be completely self-sufficient, he said. Conner, 52, said he has a degree in industrial design, adding that he had embarked on the project as a bit of a challenge. Private Welsh island with 19th century fort goes on the market One of the property's five bedrooms. (Strutt & Parker via CNN Newsource) 'It was quite a healthy mid-life crisis by some of my friends' standards,' he said. The fort, which is only accessible by sea or air, had to be renovated to withstand salt air and storm-force winds. Private Welsh island with 19th century fort goes on the market The fort, which was built to defend against a French invasion, has undergone a major overhaul. (Strutt & Parker via CNN Newsource) Conner, who has spent time in the renovated fort with his family, believes it could be a perfect venue for luxury retreats and celebrations or for someone who really wants to get away from it all. As for him, he's on the lookout for a new challenge. 'I've enjoyed the journey and I think I would like to find another basket case,' he said. By Lianne Kolirin, CNN
CNN
4 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Private Welsh island with 19th century fort goes on the market
If you want to get away from it all, there can be few places more secluded than Thorne Island. Situated 3 nautical miles off the coast of Pembrokeshire in west Wales, United Kingdom, the private island is home to a 19th century fort. Extending to approximately 2.49 acres, Thorne Island has recently gone up for sale, with the owner seeking offers in excess of £3 million ($4 million), according to the listing on the Strutt & Parker website. The fort's highlights include a helipad, a covered rooftop bar with a games room and a sea-view office. Originally designed to house 100 men, the restored property can today sleep up to 20 people in its five plush bedrooms, while other living spaces include grand dining rooms and terraces sheltered by barrack-style walls. The fort was built on the craggy outpost between 1852 and 1854 as part of a wider plan to strengthen national defenses against a possible Napoleonic invasion, according to the property listing. But over time the Welsh island's military role faded and the fort has served as a hotel and family home since the island was first sold in 1932. Its current owner, British tech entrepreneur Mike Conner, bought the island in 2017 for £500,000 ($670,000) after seeing a video about it on YouTube, he told CNN. Back then, the fort – protected by law due to what's known as a Grade II listing – had no windows or utilities and was waterlogged, but Conner said he was fascinated and seized the opportunity to undertake a once-in-a-lifetime restoration. Conner said he had 'underestimated a lot of things,' including the effort involved in installing flushing toilets. 'There was a lot of stuff that needed to be done to make it happen,' he said, including digging trenches through rocks and installing a running water system. It took his team 350 helicopter trips over two days to transport materials – from topsoil and building materials to heat pumps for central heating and hot water – to the island. Meanwhile, builders lived on-site in the original barracks for four years while reconstruction was underway. Part of the reason it took so long was that the fort was in bad shape when Conner took it over. Sandblasting the walls to reveal the original stone alone took six months, while the granite walls in parts were so saturated with historic moisture that it led to flooding, according to a press release sent to CNN. Conner – the founder of Appsbroker, which later became Qodea – said the overhaul, which has only been completed this year, cost more than £2 million ($2.7 million). The substantial investment included a £300,000 ($400,000) outlay on renewable energy – such as solar panels and battery storage – and a biodigester system for wastewater, which allow the off-grid fort to be completely self-sufficient, he said. Conner, 52, said he has a degree in industrial design, adding that he had embarked on the project as a bit of a challenge. 'It was quite a healthy mid-life crisis by some of my friends' standards,' he said. The fort, which is only accessible by sea or air, had to be renovated to withstand salt air and storm-force winds. Conner, who has spent time in the renovated fort with his family, believes it could be a perfect venue for luxury retreats and celebrations or for someone who really wants to get away from it all. As for him, he's on the lookout for a new challenge. 'I've enjoyed the journey and I think I would like to find another basket case,' he said.
CNN
4 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Private Welsh island with 19th century fort goes on the market
If you want to get away from it all, there can be few places more secluded than Thorne Island. Situated 3 nautical miles off the coast of Pembrokeshire in west Wales, United Kingdom, the private island is home to a 19th century fort. Extending to approximately 2.49 acres, Thorne Island has recently gone up for sale, with the owner seeking offers in excess of £3 million ($4 million), according to the listing on the Strutt & Parker website. The fort's highlights include a helipad, a covered rooftop bar with a games room and a sea-view office. Originally designed to house 100 men, the restored property can today sleep up to 20 people in its five plush bedrooms, while other living spaces include grand dining rooms and terraces sheltered by barrack-style walls. The fort was built on the craggy outpost between 1852 and 1854 as part of a wider plan to strengthen national defenses against a possible Napoleonic invasion, according to the property listing. But over time the Welsh island's military role faded and the fort has served as a hotel and family home since the island was first sold in 1932. Its current owner, British tech entrepreneur Mike Conner, bought the island in 2017 for £500,000 ($670,000) after seeing a video about it on YouTube, he told CNN. Back then, the fort – protected by law due to what's known as a Grade II listing – had no windows or utilities and was waterlogged, but Conner said he was fascinated and seized the opportunity to undertake a once-in-a-lifetime restoration. Conner said he had 'underestimated a lot of things,' including the effort involved in installing flushing toilets. 'There was a lot of stuff that needed to be done to make it happen,' he said, including digging trenches through rocks and installing a running water system. It took his team 350 helicopter trips over two days to transport materials – from topsoil and building materials to heat pumps for central heating and hot water – to the island. Meanwhile, builders lived on-site in the original barracks for four years while reconstruction was underway. Part of the reason it took so long was that the fort was in bad shape when Conner took it over. Sandblasting the walls to reveal the original stone alone took six months, while the granite walls in parts were so saturated with historic moisture that it led to flooding, according to a press release sent to CNN. Conner – the founder of Appsbroker, which later became Qodea – said the overhaul, which has only been completed this year, cost more than £2 million ($2.7 million). The substantial investment included a £300,000 ($400,000) outlay on renewable energy – such as solar panels and battery storage – and a biodigester system for wastewater, which allow the off-grid fort to be completely self-sufficient, he said. Conner, 52, said he has a degree in industrial design, adding that he had embarked on the project as a bit of a challenge. 'It was quite a healthy mid-life crisis by some of my friends' standards,' he said. The fort, which is only accessible by sea or air, had to be renovated to withstand salt air and storm-force winds. Conner, who has spent time in the renovated fort with his family, believes it could be a perfect venue for luxury retreats and celebrations or for someone who really wants to get away from it all. As for him, he's on the lookout for a new challenge. 'I've enjoyed the journey and I think I would like to find another basket case,' he said.
CNN
4 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Private Welsh island with 19th century fort goes on the market
FacebookTweetLink If you want to get away from it all, there can be few places more secluded than Thorne Island. Situated 3 nautical miles off the coast of Pembrokeshire in west Wales, United Kingdom, the private island is home to a 19th century fort. Extending to approximately 2.49 acres, Thorne Island has recently gone up for sale, with the owner seeking offers in excess of £3 million ($4 million), according to the listing on the Strutt & Parker website. The fort's highlights include a helipad, a covered rooftop bar with a games room and a sea-view office. Originally designed to house 100 men, the restored property can today sleep up to 20 people in its five plush bedrooms, while other living spaces include grand dining rooms and terraces sheltered by barrack-style walls. The fort was built on the craggy outpost between 1852 and 1854 as part of a wider plan to strengthen national defenses against a possible Napoleonic invasion, according to the property listing. But over time the Welsh island's military role faded and the fort has served as a hotel and family home since the island was first sold in 1932. Its current owner, British tech entrepreneur Mike Conner, bought the island in 2017 for £500,000 ($670,000) after seeing a video about it on YouTube, he told CNN. Back then, the fort – protected by law due to what's known as a Grade II listing – had no windows or utilities and was waterlogged, but Conner said he was fascinated and seized the opportunity to undertake a once-in-a-lifetime restoration. Conner said he had 'underestimated a lot of things,' including the effort involved in installing flushing toilets. 'There was a lot of stuff that needed to be done to make it happen,' he said, including digging trenches through rocks and installing a running water system. It took his team 350 helicopter trips over two days to transport materials – from topsoil and building materials to heat pumps for central heating and hot water – to the island. Meanwhile, builders lived on-site in the original barracks for four years while reconstruction was underway. Part of the reason it took so long was that the fort was in bad shape when Conner took it over. Sandblasting the walls to reveal the original stone alone took six months, while the granite walls in parts were so saturated with historic moisture that it led to flooding, according to a press release sent to CNN. Conner – the founder of Appsbroker, which later became Qodea – said the overhaul, which has only been completed this year, cost more than £2 million ($2.7 million). The substantial investment included a £300,000 ($400,000) outlay on renewable energy – such as solar panels and battery storage – and a biodigester system for wastewater, which allow the off-grid fort to be completely self-sufficient, he said. Conner, 52, said he has a degree in industrial design, adding that he had embarked on the project as a bit of a challenge. 'It was quite a healthy mid-life crisis by some of my friends' standards,' he said. The fort, which is only accessible by sea or air, had to be renovated to withstand salt air and storm-force winds. Conner, who has spent time in the renovated fort with his family, believes it could be a perfect venue for luxury retreats and celebrations or for someone who really wants to get away from it all. As for him, he's on the lookout for a new challenge. 'I've enjoyed the journey and I think I would like to find another basket case,' he said.
