You Can Live in an Authentic World War II Fort for $60,000
When you think about an auction, certain items come to mind: art, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, maybe wine. Usually, you’re not picturing a bidding frenzy over a World War II sea fort, but tomorrow, July 19, that’s exactly what’s going up for sale.
At auction through Savills Auctions, Bull Sand Fort is a Grade II listed sea fort that was constructed between 1915–1919, during World War I, then later used in World War II. The guiding price was set at £50,000, roughly $60,000. “This is an exciting and unique lot,” Steven Morish, an auction negotiator at Savills, said in a statement.
Located in the Humber Estuary, the fort is reinforced with concrete and 12 inches of armor designed to withstand heavy gunfire from naval units. Inside, the structure houses three floors: a basement below sea level and two central floors at observation level. Large enough to hold 200 people, the fort sits about 1.8 miles from the end of Spurn, a tidal island, and about three miles from the mainland. As such, the property is only accessible via private boat or helicopter.
During World War II, Bull Sand Fort, in addition to smaller companion fort Haile Sand Fort, guarded the mouth of the Humber and, by extension, the rest of Northern England. According to the listing, the floating burg was armed with two six-inch guns and two six-pounder guns. The military also installed a steel mesh net stretched between both forts to prevent submarine attacks.
Today, the property needs some work: It was decommissioned in 1956 and will need refurbishment from the new owner. However, it may provide an exciting opportunity for interested buyers to rethink the structure’s use. “It will require an imaginative buyer with a project in mind, but suggestions for future uses so far have included a high-end hotel, restaurant, Airbnb, grand design style personal dwelling, retreat, and a tourist attraction,” Morish added.
