Eight years ago tech entrepreneur Mike Conner bought a dilapidated fort on a remote Welsh island and began an epic restoration project to turn it into a unique home that’s now for up for sale.
If the idea of complete solitude, away from the hustle and bustle, with only the sound of crashing waves, chirping birds and stunning sea views as your backdrop sounds like heaven, then private island life is for you. Oh, and you’ll need a cool £3million to secure it.
Thorne Island, accessible only by boat from the Pembrokeshire mainland or via helicopter, thanks to a handy helipad, is one of Wales’ most extraordinary locations. It’s now on the market for offers over £3m.
The island is dominated by an impressive fort, which one man has spent years and over £2m of his own money restoring. This historic Grade II defensive building has been transformed into a home and potential business venture. With no neighbours in sight, it could also be the ultimate party pad.
Thorne Island fort was initially constructed during the 1850s, forming part of a dozen fortifications erected around Pembroke Dock’s entrance as “Palmerston’s Haven defences” to ward off potential Napoleonic attacks.
However, in 2017 the historic Welsh structure was stumbled upon by a restoration enthusiast who had a grand vision for the island.
Businessman Mike Conner, now 52, took the leap to resurrect the island and fort after spotting it in a YouTube clip.
Despite the challenges, he remained undeterred in his mission to save the fort from ruin and transform it into one of Wales’ most remarkable homes, employing a team of local tradespeople, boat companies and specialist craftspeople over many years.
Eight years on from purchasing it, the fort has become a unique dwelling and arguably one of the most intricate and ambitious renovation projects undertaken in Wales, if not the UK.
Among the hurdles was the significant problem of how to deliver supplies and equipment for the works. But Mr Conner had a solution. Over just two days, 350 helicopter trips were made, airlifting everything onto the island.
Inside the fort, there are bright and spacious rooms, wood-burning stoves, mezzanine bedrooms with spiral staircases, and luxurious new bathroom facilities – a modern and comfortable space that feels worlds away from how it looked when the project commenced.
The impressive 8,000 square feet of living space includes a bespoke rooftop bar offering incredible views overlooking St Ann’s Head, and an internal courtyard that’s perfect for hosting unforgettable parties.
Guests can arrive in true James Bond or Agatha Christie style, flying in via helicopter or arriving by boat, and then party into the night without worrying about disturbing neighbours or dealing with uninvited guests.
There’s ample room for overnight guests too, as the fort currently has five bedrooms. However, bedroom two, formerly the soldiers’ barracks, is a long and spacious room that can accommodate many people.
The property also features a large kitchen diner and family area, a spacious lounge and dining room, and numerous shower rooms and cloakrooms. There are plenty of storage rooms, a mezzanine level, a workshop, and a boiler room as well.
The fort is listed, so no walls can be removed, but there are numerous rooms and spaces that can be tailored to suit the new owner’s desires – fewer bedrooms and more reception space, or perhaps a massive gym once the equipment has been brought in, a huge banqueting hall – the possibilities are endless.
Mike adds that there’s another unique aspect to living at Thorne Island, besides its history, structure and location – it offers absolute silence from man-made noise and disruption, surrounded by breath-taking 360-degree views and plenty of opportunities for exploration on land and sea.
Following the years of graft and the many obstacles that Mike faced – challenges unique to this extraordinary renovation – a fresh owner can now relish the island without enduring the strain of such an epic undertaking; though routine maintenance checks against the elements will be essential to preserve his remarkable efforts.
Spanning from 2017 to 2025, Mike has accomplished something genuinely extraordinary, though he occasionally overlooks this feat, reflecting: “The trouble is, with something this big, you never really stand back and see what you’ve achieved, so it’s nice to see how far we’ve come when I watch the original YouTube video back.”
The estate agent marketing the island and fortress explains that the £3m property boasts a commanding position at the gateway to one of Britain’s most expansive natural harbours, presenting itself as a striking and genuinely one-of-a-kind residence.
The island holds registration as a Hotel and Premises (VOA Business Rates), meaning the estate agent highlights the property’s versatility for everything from private living to commercial enterprises.
Available for offers exceeding £3m, those interested in Thorne Island can contact Strutt and Parker on 07826 672139.