_Three historic Solent forts come to market providing a unique UK hotel investment opportunity

It's not every day that a quirky trio of circular floating hotels come to market, but then there's nothing conventional about the 19th Century Solent Forts.

Rising off the coast of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, these three alternative ‘island’ locations - No Man’s Fort, Spitbank Fort and Horse Sand Fort - are to be sold individually or as part of a portfolio.

Accessed by boat, two of the three fortifications offer distinct, unique and high-end corporate and private event space, fine dining and luxury accommodation after an investment of around £8m was made by the current owners.

The third fort, Horse Sand, is being renovated and restored to create a 'living museum' dedicated to preserving and showcasing the forts' unique history.

Investors now have an unique opportunity to expand or diversify, writing a new chapter in UK's most original and storied floating luxury retreats.

The history of the four forts is rich and dates back over 150 years; the forts were originally commissioned by Lord Palmerston - nicknamed the 'Palmerston Follies' - as British sea defences to defend Portsmouth against a less-than-imminent seaborn attack by the French.

Construction of the armour-plated began in 1865, finishing long after the threat of an invasion from France.

Never used for their original purpose, the forts later housed soldiers in both the First and Second World Wars before being decommissioned and neglected until the 1960s.

No Man's Fort

The largest fort of the three, No Man's Fort has been playfully restored into a luxury 23-bedroom, nautical themed hotel with potential to add an additional nine letting bedrooms. Its extensive public space works well for larger events and parties.

Further amenities include five bars, a pub, casual and formal dining, rooftop hot tubs, a cabaret club, spectacular glass viewing atrium and guest 'play' area. The fort can be currently be hired exclusively for weddings or corporate events for up to 200 guests.

Spitbank Fort

Sympathetically restored with many original features and the smaller and more intimate of the two, Spitbank Fort is currently operating as a nine-suite luxury island retreat with sauna and spa. It can be hired exclusively for private events or corporate use. The officer's mess provides a 60-cover restaurant.

The forts are on the market through Knight Frank. For more information contact: