Friday 5 August 2022 11:55 AM Former Ministry of Defence battery used to defend the British coast goes on the ... trends now
A former Ministry of Defence battery which was used to defend the British coast from invasions has gone on sale for £2.6m.
Steyne Wood Battery in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, was built between 1889-1894 with the purpose of providing a defensive position on the eastern coastline.
Its purpose was to protect the area by preventing ships lying off Sandown and bombarding the Royal Navy Fleet in Portsmouth Harbour.
All of the bomb proof shelters, ammunition stores, gun positions and defensive structure remain intact in the 13,724 square feet of grounds.
The main six-bedroom period home sits at the centre of the grounds next to a three-bedroom annex - just metres away from a pool and tennis court.
Steyne Wood Battery in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, was built between 1889-1894 with the purpose of providing a defensive position on the eastern coastline
Its purpose was to protect the area by preventing ships lying off Sandown and bombarding the Royal Navy Fleet in Portsmouth Harbour. Pictured: A large swimming pool on the grounds
All of the bomb proof shelters, ammunition stores, gun positions and defensive structure remain intact in the 13,724 square feet of grounds. Pictured: A spacious bathroom in the manor
The main six-bedroom period home sits at the centre of the grounds next to a three-bedroom annex - just metres away from a pool and tennis court. Pictured: A large kitchen and living room area with floor-to-ceiling windows to let sunlight in
Estate agent Spence Willard listed the property on the market on Wednesday (3 AUG) with a guide price of £2.6million. Pictured: The home's kitchen area in the main house
Pictured: The battery where high angle guns were mounted. The home and its grounds feature many original features from the property built in the 1890s
Several other buildings are included in the sale including the original Guards House, Forge and a boat testing facility.
A separate two-bedroom building, known as Shell Cottage, was the original ammunition store and is situated amongst the fascinating gun emplacements.
Aerial images show the full scale of the battery surrounded by woodland.
Estate agent Spence Willard listed the property on the market on Wednesday (3 AUG) with a guide price of £2.6m.
They said: 'The Battery was bought from the MOD by Sir John Thornycroft in 1909 and has remained in the same family as a private residence ever since providing a wonderful home for generations, friends and as a venue for parties and weddings, as well as anyone with a keen interest in British military or wartime history.
'A versatile arrangement centred around a stunning detached house, three of the original buildings in the grounds (The Guard House, Forge and Shell Cottage) provide self-contained cottages and would be ideally used as ancillary or holiday let accommodation.
'The house itself benefits from an adjacent three-bedroom annexe, a swimming pool, lawn tennis court and some stunning woodland walks beyond the iconic earthwork bund line around the house.
