A Victorian sea fort in the Solent between Southsea and the Isle of Wight is one of the highlights of Clive Emson’s autumn sale.
Horse Sand Fort is one of three forts built off the south coast between 1865 and 1880 to prevent a French invasion.
The 99,000 sq ft structure has a guide price of £750,000-plus.
According to the auctioneer, the property’s two nearby sister forts have undergone multi-million pound conversions into hotel and wedding venues, but Horse Sand Fort is still in much the same condition as it was when it was deemed surplus to MoD requirements in the 1960s.
The fort was originally built over four levels, the middle two of which housed 45 cannons. An inner courtyard housed accommodation and a well.
In the Second World War additional structures were added to the upper storey, including lookout posts and anti-aircraft guns which were used to protect the nearby Portsmouth Dockyard.
The auction will be held over five days from 28 October to 1 November in the following locations: Chelmsford City Racecourse, the Clive Emson Conference Centre, Detling, the Hilton Brighton Metropole, the St Mellion International Resort, Saltash and the Solent Hotel at Whiteley, near Fareham. An online auction will also be held on 7 November.
