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No Mans Fort, Solent
Written by Roma Publications

No Mans Fort, Solent

Building contractors needed their sea legs for a project involving the comprehensive renovation of a Victorian-era sea fort in the Solent, creating a highly unusual luxury hotel that sleeps 44.

The project was carried out for Clarenco’s AmaZing Venues division.

Built between 1867 and 1880 to protect Portsmouth from Napoleon III, No Man’s Fort, located around 1.5 miles (2.2km) off the Isle of Wight, once housed more than 70 soldiers. The Victorian structure was originally built when Prime Minister Lord Henry Palmerston commissioned five forts along the Solent’s eastern approaches to defend the Royal Navy fleet at anchor in Portsmouth harbour.

Four remain today, as one was abandoned during construction.

The granite and iron sea forts were built with cutting-edge Victorian engineering technology.

However they, along with other defensive forts along the south coast, were later dubbed “Palmerston’s Follies” as the French threat never materialised.

Restoring the interiors of the fort was a “multi-million pound project”, according to the owners

No Mans Fort can cater for 200 people in larger events and has 22 huge bedroom suites Accommodation includes Executive Rooms, Junior Rooms a Superior Suite and the Lighthouse.

Executive Rooms are spacious and comfortable, each offering its own unique character and style, complete with seating area, large slate finished shower room and  spectacular sea views.

Junior Suites also offer sea views, either towards Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight. Each includes a large shower room and a seating area with armchairs or a settee.

The Superior Suite is the largest bedroom available on No Man’s Fort. It offers the best views of the Solent, plus a separate lounge and private dining area. The suite also offers a feature bathtub in the bedroom, with sea views.

The Lighthouse, which sleeps four, incorporates a spectacular self contained penthouse suite with the best views of the Solent. The penthouse suite includes a large bedroom, and separate lounge with seating and television.

In addition, No Man’s Fort includes four floors packed with a variety of amazing facilities, offering a unique venue that’s sure to fire people with enthusiasm and leave them with unforgettable memories.

Facilities include two helicopter pads for private use, a nightclub, laser battle arena, games rooms, snooker room, meeting space, rooftop hot-pool, glass-floored lighthouse, gallery restaurant, wine bar and spa facilities with signature sea salt treatments where the salt is sourced from just five metres away.

No Man’s Fort is one of three converted fortresses in the Solent, all owned by Clarenco’s AmaZing Venues and available for unusual private stays

Clarenco control an £80m property portfolio that includes Country Manor Estates, Clarenco Commercial Properties, Edinburgh Lodges and Beaconsfield Executive Homes – but by far the most interesting and exciting is AmaZing Venues.

Clarenco pride themselves in rescuing historic venues from various states of disrepair and ensuring that they remain for future generations to cherish.

Clarenco was founded by Mike Clare, an entrepreneur with a unique approach to business, best known as the founder of ‘Dreams.’

After stepping down as Chairman and CEO of ‘Dreams’ in 2008, Mike turned his attention to unusual property.

 

 

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Roma Publications