In what looks like a scene from Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island,” a decommissioned World War II fort in the middle of the ocean is up for auction for the first time, starting at just $60,000.
Located in Northern England’s Humber Estuary, the concrete vessel was originally built between 1915 and 1919 for naval defense during World War I, although it would not be commissioned until World War II.
Listed as historic, the property is designated by the UK as a ‘grade II’ building or structure that is of ‘special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it’.
Savills National Auctions will put the unique marine residence up for bid on July 19.
The ship once had 12-inch armor on one side and a gun battery on the other — enough to support a garrison of up to 200 soldiers, according to the catalog.
The armor and armament were removed from the site in 1956.
During World War II she was armed, in addition to the usual small and rapid-firing guns, with two 6-inch guns and two 6-pounder guns. It had sufficient accommodation for a garrison of 200 men. Savills National AuctionsThe fort comprises three floors with a basement and chamber below sea level, and a central 2-storey observation tower. Savills National AuctionsThe fort is reinforced with concrete and its seaward side is fitted with 12-inch armor designed to withstand fire from heavy naval units. Savills National Auctions
Known as Bull Sand Fort, it stands next to a smaller sea fort about four meters away known as Haile Sand.
The sea fortress consists of three floors with a basement and a chamber below the surface of the sea. It also has a central two-story observation tower. The entry notes that a fresh water supply is available at the fort through an artesian well. It also has a balcony and a jetty.
“Needs refurbishment with potential for development/alternative uses subject to consent”. the listing explains. “Access by private boat only.”
