These eye-catching military forts are now highly amenitized hotels — and are heading up for auction

Off the southern coast of mainland England, floating in the Solent straight about a mile from the Isle of Wight, two eye-catching former military forts are drifting to auction.

Known as the Solent forts, the circular granite islands were constructed in the 1860s to defend the city of Portsmouth from the French and have, more recently, been renovated into lavish nautical hotels, Mansion Global first reported.

Now, after 12 years under the same ownership, the extensively built-out parcels are set to hit the auction block on June 18 with a guide price of $1.27 million each.

The larger of the two, No Mans Fort, features 99,000 square feet spread over four floors containing 23 ensuite bedrooms, crew quarters, multiple bars, restaurants and a spa. There’s an “entertaining space including laser battle” on the lowest level, and hot tubs and a fire pit on the roof deck.

The second is Spitbank Fort, with approximately 33,000 square feet spread over three floors offering nine guest suites, staff accommodation and event spaces such as the 60 Covers Restaurant and Crows Nest Function Suite. It’s slightly closer to the mainland and, like its counterpart, is also equipped with self-sufficient power and water sources, a fire pit and a hot tub.

While No Mans has a helipad, Spitbank is only accessible by boat.

As of the present, both are currently being used as hotels, but press materials suggest a buyer could also utilize them as a vacation home, for medical research, a casino — or a prison.

“Throughout my career as an auctioneer I’ve seen several sea forts hit the market that have achieved impressive prices as buyers have sought to pursue these trophy assets,” said Savills head of auctions Robin Howeson, who holds the listings. I anticipate there to be a global interest from multiple buyer types looking to take the forts into their next chapter, whether that’s as a new commercial venture or residential home.”