19th-century fort on private island could be yours for just $65K

By James Gamble

A 19th-century fort on a private island is up for sale for the first time in decades - and could be yours for a mere $65,500.

Fort Darnet, on the River Medway in Kent, was first built in the early 1870s as part of an inner defensive line protecting access to a nearby dockyard.

The historic circular structure even has gun points to ward off invading enemy ships, and is only accessible by boat or kayak.

And three barges believed to have played a role in the D-Day landings in France also feature on the private island.

The fort is now up for sale for the first time in 40 years via property auctioneers Savills, with a guide price of just $65,500.

The Royal Commission on the Defense of the United Kingdom constructed the fort between 1870 and 1872 as part of an inner defensive line protecting access to the naval dockyard at Chatham.

And although it was decommissioned before the First World War, Darnet Fort was repurposed during World War II as an observation post, with additional platforms and pillboxes added.

The fort was originally designed to accommodate a garrison of a hundred men.

Fort Darnet is one of only two sea forts constructed on low-lying islands within the Medway channel, along with Hoo Island, located a kilometer upstream.

The pair is thought to have been designed to create a bottleneck defense for the river, and formed part of Britain's extensive coastal defense system.

The fort is now a Scheduled Monument and is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

It comprises a striking circular structure with an open upper platform and a lower level featuring a series of gun points.

Though described as being in a "fair" condition, the lower magazine level is partially submerged.

The island the fort sits on is only accessible by boat or kayak, having previously been used for picnicking and leisure until the 1980s.

Adding to its historic appeal, the island also features three barges believed to have played a role in the D-Day landings - though these are only visible at low tide.

Ben Fletcher, the negotiator at Savills Auctions in charge of the sale of the fort, said the fort offered the opportunity for buyers to own their very own piece of history.

"The sale of Darnet Fort presents a unique and rare opportunity to acquire a piece of British military history," he said.

"We are excited to be bringing this landmark to our final auction of the year.

"Used historically as a place for recreational activities, the forts could serve as the base for alternative uses, subject to the necessary planning consents.

"We anticipate strong levels of interest when it goes under the hammer in December from those keen to preserve its historic integrity, or simply drawn to the uniqueness of owning such a rare and individual structure."