Latest news with #MikeConner
Economic Times
a day ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Now you can buy a Welsh island fortress with a helipad, rooftop bar, and million-dollar views; Know the price
A Victorian-era fort, Thorne Island, off the Welsh coast, is for sale at $4 million. Tech entrepreneur Mike Conner meticulously restored the derelict fortress into a luxurious, self-sufficient island retreat. Originally built in the 1850s to defend against invasion, it now boasts modern amenities and awaits a new owner with vision. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Restoration process Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Perched alone in the choppy waters off Wales' Pembrokeshire coast, a Victorian-era fort that once braced for French warships is now looking for a new commander, with an asking price of about $4 Island, a 2.49-acre private outcrop three nautical miles from the mainland, has gone on the market complete with a restored 19th-century fort, helipad, rooftop bar, and sweeping sea views. The Grade II-listed fortress, built between 1852 and 1854 to guard the Milford Haven Waterway, was originally designed to house 100 soldiers during a feared Napoleonic its thick granite walls enclose five plush bedrooms, grand dining halls, and terraces sheltered from Atlantic winds. The property, listed by Strutt & Parker , is reachable only by boat or tech entrepreneur Mike Conner bought the island in 2017 for £500,000 ($670,000) after spotting it in a YouTube video. Back then, the fort was a derelict shell, waterlogged, windowless, and without basic became a four-year mission. Builders lived in the original barracks, and 350 helicopter trips over two days ferried in everything from topsoil to heat pumps. Sandblasting the salt-stained walls alone took six months. By the time work finished earlier this year, Conner had spent more than £2 million ($2.7 million), including £300,000 ($400,000) on renewable energy, solar panels, battery storage, and a biodigester for wastewater, making the site fully Island's history stretches beyond its military roots. Sold for the first time in 1932, it later served as both a family home and a hotel. Now, Conner believes its next chapter could be as a luxury retreat, a private residence, or even a research base. "I think now everything's done, well, I just want to find another project that really excites me.'
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
‘It looks like Alcatraz!': Holidaymakers blast tech tycoon's holiday island off coast of Wales after he puts it on market for £3m… and there are TWO big catches that might put buyers off
A private island retreat on the market for a staggering £3m has been branded a Welsh Alcatraz by holidaymakers who say: 'You'd have to pay me to live there'. Thorne Island in the mouth of Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire lay derelict for 18 years until tech millionaire Mike Conner stepped in almost a decade ago. Conner, 50, splashed out £500,000 on the two-acre island and the Napoleonic fort that sits on top, then spent another couple of million doing it up. But after completing the job Conner is looking for a new project and hoping there's an eccentric recluse out there who thinks £3m is a drop in the ocean. Locals are full of admiration for the conversion job on the Grade II listed building less than half-a-mile offshore from the quaint seaside village of Angle. But holidaymakers on the village's wide sandy beach are not so sure. Father-of-four Dave Griffin, 57, from Birmingham said: 'When I heard it was for sale I walked along the coast path to have a look - it reminded me of Alcatraz. 'It would suit a recluse, but it's not for me and the wife, she'd miss shopping and I'd miss the pub.' But Mike Conner's dream of turning the rocky outcrop into the ultimate party island means it does have a bar, with astonishing sea views. When he moved in Conner was forever posting pictures of the amazing sunsets to the West of the island. But the views to the East aren't quite as breathtaking, the island's nearest neighbour of note is the ugly Pembroke Refinery, described by owners Valero as one of the largest and most complex refineries in Western Europe. It means there's a steady stream of giant oil and LPG tankers being guided into Milford Haven by the port's fleet of tugboats. 'You'd have to pay me to live there,' said holidaymaker Sharon Roberts, 46, from Merseyside. 'It looks quite foreboding and inhospitable to me. 'I'd go and visit for the day, especially if it's got a pub, but I wouldn't want to live there. You'd be too cut off.' The fort was built in the 1850s to protect Milford Haven's military installations from a French invasion. It was sold by the Government in 1932 and converted into a hotel after the war. It became a virtual ruin until Conner saw it for sale on a YouTube video in 2017 and stepped in to save it. The fortress island offers sweeping coastal views and even comes with its own helipad The fort now boasts five luxury en-suite bedrooms, living room, dining room, a swish new kitchen with snug and all rooms have sea views. There were plans to link the island to the mainland by cable car, increasing the fort's potential as a luxury, get away-from-it-all hotel. But for now it can only be accessed by sea or by helicopter and when a Force 10 is blowing off the Irish Sea, neither methods are practical. Holidaymaker Stu Smith, 50, of Worcester, said: 'Three million pounds, you could buy Wales for that! Joking aside, it's a hell lot a lot of money for a property you can probably only use for four months a year. 'And you'd have to spend another couple of million on a helicopter. But it will appeal to someone, I hope they find a new owner.' Whoever buys the island will still have to pay rates, even though there's no amenities, rubbish collection or street lights. And if it does become a hotel, guests will be clobbered by the tourism tax being introduced by the cash-strapped Welsh Government. A local builder, who knows current owner Mike Conner and wanted to remain anonymous, said: 'I have nothing but admiration for what he's done to bring the island back to life. 'He's done a fantastic job, it's a shame that he's decided to sell not long after all the work's been done. It's worth £3m, let's hope someone comes in to buy it.'
CTV News
3 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
3 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
3 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.
