Nineteenth-century Welsh fort-set island up for sale now
In the picturesque waters off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales, lies Thorne Island – a private island that has undergone a remarkable transformation. British tech entrepreneur Mike Conner, the founder of Appsbroker (now Qodea), purchased the 19th-century fort on Thorne Island for £500,000 ($670,000) in 2017 and invested more than £2 million (approximately $2.7 million) into its renovation.
The initial state of the fort was far from ideal. It was a derelict shell, waterlogged, windowless, and without utilities. The granite walls were saturated with historic moisture, causing flooding, and sandblasting to reveal the original stone took six months. Despite these challenges, Conner and his team persevered, turning the fort into a modern, self-sufficient luxury retreat while preserving its historic character.
Logistics were no easy feat. It took 350 helicopter trips over two days just to transport materials like topsoil, heat pumps, and building supplies to the island. Builders lived on-site in the fort’s original barracks for four years during the reconstruction.
The renovated Thorne Island now boasts a helipad, a covered rooftop bar with a games room, and a sea-view office. Originally designed to house 100 men, the restored property can today sleep up to 20 people in its five plush bedrooms.
To ensure the island's self-sufficiency, a substantial investment of £300,000 ($400,000) was made on renewable energy for Thorne Island, including solar panels, battery storage, and a biodigester for wastewater. This eco-friendly approach has made the island fully self-sufficient.
Mike Conner believes the renovated Thorne Island could be a perfect venue for luxury retreats and celebrations or for someone who wants to get away from it all. With its unique history, modern amenities, and stunning location, Thorne Island offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
The fort on Thorne Island has been used as a hotel and family home since it was first sold in 1932. Now, after Conner's significant restoration efforts, it stands once again as a testament to the power of preservation and the allure of luxury. Thorne Island, with its rich history and contemporary charm, is now up for sale, with offers in excess of £3 million ($4 million).
References:
- The Telegraph
- The Guardian
- Wales Online
- BBC News
- The Times
The business venture of Mike Conner, the founder of Qodea, led to a significant commercial project on Thorne Island. He invested in renovating the derelict fort, transforming it into a modern, self-sufficient luxury retreat, complete with real-estate amenities like a helipad, rooftop bar, and sea-view office. The fort's restoration was funded, in part, by investments in renewable energy, making it fully self-sustaining financially and environmentally. Now, this unique real-estate property is available for purchase, promising a one-of-a-kind experience to its future owners.
