Incredible fort built a mile out to sea to protect UK from invasion could become your ultimate coronavirus lockdown base

A VICTORIAN fort built a mile out to sea to protect the UK from invasion could become the ultimate luxury home for a millionaire looking to self-isolate.

No Man's Land Fort - which can only be reached by helicopter or boat - was previously a four-star hotel with 23 en suite bedrooms, staff quarters and five themed bars.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

7

7

Now the fort could become a single luxury house after millionaire businessman Mike Clare applied for planning permission to convert it.

No Man's, Spitbank, and Horse Sand forts were all built in the Solent just a mile off the coast of Portsmouth, Hants, the base of the Royal Navy.

And now No Man's fort could be the perfect isolation spot for Brits as thousands are currently self-isolating at home while the pandemic grips hold of the UK.

As of Wednesday afternoon, coronavirus cases hit 2,626 in Britain in the biggest daily leap yet - with 72 already killed by the deadly bug.

Cases jumped by 676 cases in 24 hours while Scotland recorded another death today.

• Coronavirus cases hit 2,626 and 72 deaths in Britain 
• Boris Johnson promises new law to stop renters getting evicted this lunchtime
• Coronavirus testing is being ramped up to 25k a day – with NHS staff set to be the first in line
• A heartbreaking photo shows elderly man staring at empty shelves
• Glastonbury has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic
• And a baby and a nine-month-old boy have now got coronavirus

The forts off the south coast could now be an attractive purchase after it was announced they were to be sold off by Mr Clare - founder of the bed company Dreams - in September last year.

It was thought No Man's and Spitbank Forts could fetch £8 million together.

The planning application for No Man's — which also has a lighthouse, laser battle play area, restaurant and spa — is asking the Isle of Wight Council for permission to change the hotel into a single residential property.

Plans put forward by Mr Clare's holding company, Clarenco, would see the building converted from a hotel into a house with at least 15 bedrooms in the middle of the Solent.

ISOLATION FORT

As a hotel, No Man's Land Fort had capacity for 200 people and cost up to £990 per night.

Guests were able to arrive by boat or on the fort’s helipad, before drinking in its five themed bars and relaxing in its rooftop hot pools.

It has 23 ensuite guest bedrooms and staff quarters.

The fort has 99,000 sq ft over four floors and includes a lighthouse with private dining, rooftop hot tubs, sauna, fire pit, hot pool and helipad.

Mr Clare, from Beaconsfield, Bucks, bought Spitbank Fort in 2009 and later bought Horse Sand and No Man’s forts in 2012.

MOST READ IN NEWS

MORE CARNAGE

Fresh flood HELL in Spain as footage shows wrecked cars after more torrents

YOUNG LIFE LOST

Tragedy as boy, 9, left blind & brain damaged by evil dad's abuse dies

FIREWORKS HORROR

Shocking moment man with 'ROCKET LAUNCHER' shoots fireworks at people

JULIA HARTLEY-BREWER

The lesson from this US election is simple - and it applies to UK too

The three forts were originally ordered by then-Prime Minister Henry Temple, the third Viscount Palmerston, in the mid-1800s after concerns were raised over the strength of the French Navy.

However, when they were never actually used in war, despite also having submarine defences strung between them during the Second World War, they become known as 'Palmerston's Follies'.

They boast 15ft tall granite walls and were used as temporary army barracks but were decommissioned by the Ministry of Defence in 1956.

Comments on the application can be made until April 14.

7

7

7

7

7