Mike Clare – the former CEO of bed retailer Dreams – has transformed 19th century sea fort into an exclusive luxury hotel. Located in the English Channel off the coast of Portsmouth, Spitbank Fort was originally build by Lord Palmerston to protect one of Britain’s most important naval bases from attacks by Napoleon the III’s navy. Now, with all its guns removed and a £3 million makeover, the 7,000 sq ft base can be reached via boat or helicopter and features eight bedrooms, an “Officer’s Mess” restaurant, a bar, fire pit, pool and sauna, and a lighthouse. There are also plans to turn the neighboring No Man’s Land Fort into a lager version of Spitbank, with up to 27 bedrooms.
