Penthouse apartment in iconic seaside Isle of Wight fort up for sale

A four-storey penthouse retreat is on the market through agents Spence Willard for £1,995,000.

With stunning, panoramic views, Fort Albert – originally constructed in 1856 – now comprises seven impressive waterfront apartments.

The east penthouse is on the open market for the first time in around 40 years, and for the first time ever in its completed state.

(Image: Spence Willard)

(Image: Spence Willard)

The property has undergone an extensive refurbishment with extensions, and comprises four bedrooms, a dining room, various sitting rooms, and an impressive principal bedroom suite with its own roof terrace.

Almost all its windows and external doors boast sea views, and the property has been fastidiously maintained over the years.

The unique, multi split-level penthouse comes with a lift to the main entrance, stair access and a unique vantage point of the sandy bays and Solent.

(Image: Spence Willard)

(Image: Spence Willard)

The property is also understood to be the only one in the building that is allowed to be holiday let.

Spanning some 3,500 square foot, the east penthouse is the size of a large house and comes with its own lookout tower, which sits high above the fort, offering breathtaking views.

Fort Albert was built in the 19th century as part of Lord Palmerston’s defences against the perceived threat of a French attack from Napoleon III.

(Image: Spence Willard)

(Image: Spence Willard)

Designed to defend the Needles passage, it was completed in 1856, after around four years of construction.

With the introduction of armoured ships, the fort became obsolete by 1858.

In 1886, it was selected as one of the UK locations for the Brennan torpedo.

After this, only small guns were mounted on the fort, and it was converted into residential apartments in the 1970s and 1980s.

(Image: Spence Willard)

(Image: Spence Willard)