St. Helens Fort for Sale
Press Release supplied

Probably the most attractive of the famous Solent forts is up for sale through Vail Williams

St Helen's Fort, the smallest of the four Solent forts and still in private ownership since divergence from the Crown Estates in 1982, is coming to the market through property consultants Vail Williams in Portsmouth.

The Grade 11 Listed Ancient Monument is situated 1 mile north-east of Bembridge Harbour on the Isle of Wight and unlike the other Solent forts has its own beach at low tide created by the remains of the old access spit from Nodes Point. Constructed in 1870 in a variety of stone, concrete and dressed granite blocks St Helen's Fort has Planning Permission for conversion to a private residence.

Although in need of refurbishment, the fort's position, in a quiet location adjacent to the Bembridge Channel and opposite two of the Island's most attractive beaches, offers spectacular all round maritime views.

Smaller than the other Solent Forts at 135 ft in diameter, St Helen's would convert into an outstanding private residence, giving the prospective owner privacy, seclusion and unrivalled panoramic views.

The property is mainly set out on three levels, a basement, gun deck and relatively large observation area. The latter is unique to St Helen's, the other forts being of an enclosed design. There is an artesian well water supply, a generator and a fixed davit with a SWL of 200kg is in place for lifting equipment and stores on board.

Vail Williams is seeking offers for St Helen's Fort in excess of £200,000, which is a competitive figure allowing for the work required to convert the fort into a private dwelling. Considerable experience has been gained by Vail Williams in the sale of Solent forts having sold Horse Sand Fort last year and currently being instructed in respect of No Man's Land Fort.

Commenting on being instructed to sell St Helen's Fort, Jeremy Lear, Partner in Vail Williams, said: -

"Having sold Horse Sand Fort last year after considerable interest from developers, we are anticipating a high level of enquiries for St Helen's Fort. Being smaller than the other Solent forts, the likelihood is that it will sell to a private individual for conversion to a house, but one that can truthfully be described as being unique, and with the most wonderful Solent views."