Aliens and armies: Inside one of the world’s strangest private islands

From a distance, it looks like a gargantuan car tyre floating in the sea. 

In reality, the mysterious black shape is a man-made island built to defend Britain in the case of a French invasion.

No Man’s Fort is one of a handful of sea fortresses commissioned in the late 19th century around the Isle of Wight. 

Ironically, the forts never faced an attack from France. However, they were used to defend the city of Portsmouth against German forces during World War I and World War II. 

In recent years, the forts have been put to a wide range of uses, from museums to weekend raves. 

No Man’s Fort even featured in a 1972 episode of Doctor Who called ‘The Sea Devils’, about a race of underwater aliens who planned to take over the world. 

Today, No Man’s Fort has been transformed into a lavish hotel. 

There are 23 bedrooms, staff quarters, five bars, a pub, a restaurant, several hot tubs, a sauna, a nail salon, a nightclub, and even a helipad.

Last September, London man Edward Ward snapped up No Man’s Fort as an “impulse buy”. 

He paid £1.25 million ($2.6 million) at auction for the property. 

“I know it’s a bit of a risk, given I don’t have any experience in property or hospitality, but with advances in technology like drones and improved energy management, maintaining the fort will only get easier over the next decade,” Ward told Colliers at the time. 

Now, the fort is back on the market for offers over £1.5 million ($3.1 million). 

Alternatively, Ward is open to finding “a tenant, leaseholder or joint venture partner that wishes to occupy the fort and develop a successful business”, according to the listing brochure. 

“The owner has a truly open mind as to what the fort may be used for,” notes the brochure. 

He has previously floated ideas for a scuba diving training base, exclusive members club, or high-tech data centre. 

His other suggestions for the fort include a private home, recording studio, boot camp, or containment centre. 

No Man’s Fort is for sale with Ed Jefferson from Colliers. 

The listing states “a viewing of the property can be arranged for seriously interested parties”.