Believed to be the last Victorian fort under private ownership, Fort Borstal finds itself on the market via Savills for offers over £1.5 million.
Originally designed to hold the high ground southwest of Rochester to protect the Chatham dockyard, Fort Borstal was used as the base of an anti-aircraft battery during the Second World War.
Construction of the fort began in 1875 — following the Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom in 1859 — with works completed in 1895.
Its network of underground tunnels and Napoleonic pathways are just some of the unique features within the 50 acres of grounds in which it is located.
Externally, the fort is surrounded by 12ft concrete walls with original firing slots (great for keeping nosey neighbours at bay), and at its centre are nine former casements — used as billeting for soldiers during the war. Today, this space offers ample storage and stabling.
The current owners have dedicated two decades to the transformation of the fort, utilising every corner of the subterranean network to the highest capacity — the highlight of which is surely the secret bar and entertaining area, located in the old magazine chambers, which has been used in a number of music videos and films.
Built of polygonal design, Fort Borstal has sweeping views over the River Medley and is comprised of a series of dwellings, stables and store rooms, which offer exciting scope for further development.
The Guard House is a 1,900sq ft dwelling, offering two bedrooms, bright living space and a long galley-stye kitchen. The main dwelling can be found in the former Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess, and has been recently refurbished to offer just over 3,000sq ft of striking accommodation.
Walking into the black and white tiled entrance hall, you will find three bedrooms, plus a spacious kitchen and drawing room with arched windows overlooking the former parade ground.
History is infused everywhere, and the network of tunnels and former ammunition rooms could be transformed into something really special.
Chris Spofforth, the head of Savills rural agency team and handling the sale of Fort Borstal says that, 'without question, this is one of the most unusual sales I have been instructed on in my career. Not only does it have a wealth of history, Fort Borstal also presents an utterly unique opportunity to acquire a one-of-a-kind site that offers an exciting renovation or redevelopment project that brings with it an array of possible future uses.
'This spectacular and diverse property, the like of which may not be seen again, is complemented by the viticulture, equestrian, natural capital and leisure potential of the sale, subject to the necessary consents.'
Fort Borstal is currently on the market via Savills for offers over £1.5 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Rochester: What you need to know
Location: On the Kent coast, just over 30 miles southeast of London. There are excellent communication links with trains running from Rochester to London St Pancras, London Bridge, Victoria, Cannon Street and Charing Cross. Gatwick Airport is also less than an hour away.
Atmosphere: Kent's heritage coast was last year named one of the best places to visit in the entire world, according to Lonely Planet. Rochester is home to a pretty high street with a mix of independent and chain shops, plus a cathedral and castle.
Things to do: Visit Rochester Cathedral — the second oldest in England, and Rochester Castle. Charles Dickens spent much of his childhood in the surrounding Medway area (the district in which Rochester lies), and many buildings which feature in his work can still be visited today. There's also a large cultural and create scene, with annual festivals and events held in the area.
Schools: St William of Perth Roman Catholic Primary School is rated 'good' in Ofsted reviews, The Rochester Grammar School, Brompton Academy and Chatham Grammar are also well-regarded.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
The wisteria clad cottage where Noël Coward and Ivor Novello held court at the height of their fameThe 17th-century Follejon Cottage just outside Windsor was a perfect escape from the city for Noël Coward and his circle of friends. As it goes on the market, Penny Churchill takes a look.
-
What were the code names of the three tunnels dug during the Second World War’s Great Escape? It's the Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 23, 2025Test your general knowledge this fine Thursday.
-
The wisteria clad cottage where Noël Coward and Ivor Novello held court at the height of their fame
The 17th-century Follejon Cottage just outside Windsor was a perfect escape from the city for Noël Coward and his circle of friends. As it goes on the market, Penny Churchill takes a look.
-
A Cotswolds property that's the strangest mix of old and new we've ever seen... and yet somehow, it all worksThe Gasworks is a house quite unlike anything you've seen before — or at least anything you've seen all in one place. Toby Keel takes a closer look.
-
A country house near Windsor that could be straight from the pages of a Jilly Cooper novelPenny Churchill looks at the beautiful polo-lover's sanctuary that is Barkham Square Park.
-
The factory that once fuelled the Victorians' insatiable appetite for pianos has become a set of gorgeous, characterful apartmentsChappell & Co were a huge name in 19th century music, even working with Beethoven. Today, one of their old factories in Camden has become a series of beautiful apartments.
-
What £1 million buys you across Britain, from a Cornish cottage to a miniature castle in the HighlandsSprawling country houses, a mini-estate in Scotland and homes where the sea almost laps up at your feet are among the property options open to those with a seven-figure budget. Here's our pick of the best £1 million houses for sale across the land.
-
The Hampshire home of a Victoria Cross-winning British WWI ace fighter pilot is for sale, with lake, chapel and some of the best fishing rights in EnglandPenny Churchill looks at Longparish House, a north Hampshire haven on the River Test.
-
Five superb country homes, from under £1 million to £20 million, as seen in Country LifeOur look at some the best homes to come up for sale via Country Life in the past week includes a Wiltshire dream home and a vast Kent mansion that's an easy commute to the City.
-
Rock stars and the country house: Liam Gallagher's life in the Cotswolds is in the finest tradition of music A-listers, from The Beatles to BeyoncéWhat is it about the British countryside that draws A-listers from every walk of life? With Liam Gallagher's Cotswold former home on the market, Toby Keel takes a look.
