There are many things that you might expect to bid for at auction, from household items and antiques to cheap, run down properties. But one thing buyers don't often come across is a sea fort for sale in the middle of an estuary.
Last week a historic sea fortress, constructed during World War I and used in World War II, went up for sale. Originally listed on Rightmove as a 'detached house' with a guide price of £50,000, the unique property in the Humber Estuary was set to go to auction on July 19.
And now estate agents Savills has confirmed that the quirky construction was sold under the hammer for a whopping £490,000. Although it is not known who the brave buyer is, or their intended use for the fort, the bidder certainly has their work cut out.
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Constructed between 1915 and 1919 for naval sea defence, pictures show that the sea fort will need a lot of work. Despite being abandoned and left in a rotting state, Savills say the Grade II listed development has the potential for alternative uses, subject to consent, which could mean either residential or commercial use such as a hotel.
Accessed by a private boat only, the fort is kitted out with 12-inches of armour designed to withstand gunfire from heavy naval units. During World War 2 it was armed by two six inch guns and two six-pounder guns and held sufficient accommodation for a garrison of 200 men.
The men on Bull Sand Fort guarded the approach to the Humber with gun batteries and an anti-submarine net of steel mesh stretched between them across the mouth of the estuary, until it was decommissioned in 1956.
The fort has three floors with a basement and magazine below sea level as well as a central two-storey observation tower, a balcony and jetty. Fresh water supplies are currently available at the fort via an artesian well.
The fortress sits in the middle of the Humber Estuary, around 1.8 miles from the end of Spurn point to the North East and three miles from the mainland to the South West.
Savills say the properties nearest transport link is Cleethorpes Station, which is around 5.9 miles away. And, the auctioneers say the site has not been internally inspected by them, but the information has been provided by the seller and Historic England listing.
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