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.
An estate agent spokesman 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’
Several other buildings are included in the sale including the original Guards House, Forge and a boat testing facility. Pictured: One of the bomb shelters featured on the property
They added: ‘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 battery is classified as a scheduled monument which places state protection on the property. Pictured: Shell Cottage on the grounds
Pictured: The outside of the Guard House on the property where guards would have been stationed when the property was used as a battery
Pictured: A bedroom in the main house with sloped ceilings and wooden beams in the centre of the room
Pictured is the sitting room in the guard house which boasts a fireplace and large windows to let in lots of sunlight
‘This fascinating and diverse property located on the western fringe of the popular coastal village of Bembridge also lies in close proximity to Culver Down and an area of outstanding natural beauty, in addition to Bembridge airport and the beautiful beach at Whitecliff Bay.
‘The grounds extend to approximately 18 acres and of particular note, the Listed (Grade II) boat testing facility that was built by Sir John Thornycroft, who founded the ship building company Thornycroft & Co here in Bembridge.’
The battery is classified as a scheduled monument which places state protection on the property.
It is one of the many Palmerston Forts built on the island to protect it in response to a perceived threat of French invasion.
Steyne Wood Battery had the shortest active service of any battery or fortification on the Isle of Wight, and was only armed and in service for two years between 1896-1898.
High angle guns were positioned inland so that they were hidden from an enemy fleet, who would not be able to counter-attack them.
It was constructed with three gun groups, each of two guns.
It is one of the many Palmerston Forts built on the island to protect it in response to a perceived threat of French invasion. Pictured: One of the bomb shelter entrances on site
Aerial shot of Steyne Wood Battery which shows the swimming pool and extensive grounds to be used as gardens
Steyne Wood Battery had the shortest active service of any battery or fortification on the Isle of Wight, and was only armed and in service for two years between 1896-1898
High angle guns were positioned inland so that they were hidden from an enemy fleet, who would not be able to counter-attack them. It was constructed with three gun groups, each of two guns. Pictured: View from Guard House bedroom
Pictured: The back area and garden patio of the main house, complete with dining area and a covered seating space
Pictured: An original shell store which is still on site at the grounds
Pictured is ‘the annex’ which also sits on the expansive property of Steyne Wood Battery in Bembridge
The property is surrounded by acres of trees which leave the property feeling remote and secluded
Pictured is Forge Cottage – another smaller living space on the large property
Defensive rifle trenches were emphasised where infantry would be able to advance in front of the guns to defend from enemy attack.
The defence was also aided by a steel palisade in the front while rifle trenches protected the rear of the battery.
The battery’s weapons were stored in intricate underground bombproof cartridge and shell stores between the guns.
The battery also had a guard room, cell and a caretaker’s quarters capable for use as prisoner’s quarters.