Up for auction: World War One Haile Sands Fort off Humberston, Lincolnshire
Now this could be the ultimate Grand Designs project. The World War One Haile Sands Fort off Humberston, Lincolnshire.
I say ‘off Humberston’ because, as you can tell from the image above, this is a sea-based fort off the coast of Humberston and constructed to defend the Humber Estuary during World War One.
It is said to have been constructed between 1915 and 1918 at a cost of £1.5 million, with around 40,000 tons of concrete and steel used in the construction of the fort.
It continued to be in use during the World War Two and beyond, the army leaving in the 1950s although the foot was still manned until the 1960s. These days it is deserted and awaiting a new purpose. Though I’m not sure exactly what. The estate agent talks about an Airbnb-style residence or a quirky hotel. I suppose it could be a holiday home too. Perhaps even a full-time residence?
Either way, you are talking about some kind of ‘Grand Designs’ project and a reasonable investment to change it from a military unit to something a little more comfortable. It has been done before with similar structures and there is no reason why this one couldn’t have a modern-day makeover too. There are an architect’s plans to help you on your way with the agent too.
As for the space, that covers four levels, with the ‘below sea level’ offering basement rooms, W.C. and the former boiler room. The middle floors have a large semi-circular room apparently still with its original details, as well as three feature projecting turrets and externally flat roofed terrace areas. On the uppers floors you will find a two storey observation tower with flat roof area.
More details on the documents that go with the auction and if you fancy creating something special in the sea, you will need access to between £100,000 and £150,000, which is the guide price for this one.
The auction takes place in Sheffield on 1st November 2018.
Images and details courtesy go Blundell’s Auctions. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
