A £3m Private Island With a 19th-Century Fort Is Up for Sale Off the Welsh Coast
Thorne Island, a 2.49-acre private island off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales, is on the market for offers in excess of £3 million. The property, listed on Rightmove and marketed by Strutt & Parker, features a Grade II-listed coastal fort built in the 1850s, complete with five bedrooms, a helipad, and a rooftop bar. The island is entirely off-grid, powered by solar panels and a generator, with heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, and its own sewage treatment system.
The fort was originally constructed to repel a potential French invasion and has since been converted into luxury accommodation. It includes five bathrooms, an entrance hall, dining and sitting rooms, a kitchen, workshops, and a glass-fronted private office in the former lookout. The property also boasts a courtyard, games room, terrace, and a 10m hydraulic crane for lifting boats and supplies.
Who renovated Thorne Island and what did it cost?
Mike Conner, the current owner, spent £2 million of his own money on the renovation. He described the island's unique ecosystem, noting that the birds have no natural predators and that a seal that arrived as a pup has now had her own pup. Conner emphasized the total silence inside the fort, saying, 'It's completely silent inside the fort because the walls are so thick and it's double glazed. You know, it can be kicking off outside and you won't hear anything.'
What could a buyer do with the island?
Conner suggested the island could be turned into a tourist attraction to help drive the local economy. 'I think it's got to be one of the most interesting buildings in Wales,' he said. 'I think you'd be hard pressed to find a more interesting place to visit or stay maybe in the world, not just Wales.' The property has permission to operate as a hotel and includes a private jetty, five moorings, and access to caves, fishing spots, and watersport opportunities.
Where is Thorne Island located?
The island sits approximately 0.4 nautical miles from West Angle Bay, with the village of Angle about half a mile inland. Milford Haven is around three nautical miles away, while Pembroke lies nine miles to the east. The island commands a prominent position at the entrance to one of the UK's largest natural harbours, offering panoramic coastal views.
Is the island environmentally sustainable?
Yes, the island operates completely off-grid. It is powered by solar panels and a generator, uses heat pumps for hot water and heating, and has systems to harvest and store rainwater. It also has its own sewage treatment facility, making it a self-sufficient property that aligns with modern sustainability goals.