FORT RICHMOND GUERNSEY

Transcription

1 FORT RICHMOND GUERNSEY

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3 A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY HISTORIC FORT RICHMOND IS A FORMER COASTAL FORT THAT HAS NOT BEEN OFFERED FOR SALE SINCE ITS CONSTRUCTION SOME 160 YEARS AGO. This iconic local landmark ranks amongst only a handful with such a rich history. It offers an exciting opportunity for a new owner to shape the next chapter in the ongoing story that is Fort Richmond. The expansive and tranquil setting amounting to some 2 acres (8,000m 2 ) will provide the buyer with many of the attributes that define island living, from the dramatic coastal views to the peace and serenity that come with such a private location. Fort Richmond is a haven away from commercial activity, located between the important conservation area of Lihou Island to the west, with its abundance of bird and marine life, and the wide, sandy Vazon Bay to the east. Transforming this property into one of the island s most fabulous homes is likely to be a challenging project, yet will doubtlessly be extremely rewarding.

4 HISTORY OF FORT RICHMOND FORT RICHMOND LIES ON THE WEST COAST OF GUERNSEY ON A PROMINENT ELEVATED HEADLAND KNOWN AS MONT AU NOUVEL. THE BUILDING STANDS SOME 150 METRES FROM THE SHORE WITH 360-DEGREE VIEWS OF THE SCENIC COASTLINE AND RURAL ISLAND COUNTRYSIDE, THE WHOLE SITE AMOUNTING TO APPROXIMATELY 2 ACRES. Fort Richmond was built in 1855 as a defensible barracks and remained in military hands until the early 20th century. The specific design of Fort Richmond s gun battery is the only known example of its type on the island. During World War II the German occupying forces transformed Guernsey into one of the strongest fortresses of the Atlantic approaches when the Mont au Nouvel headland was once again a significant coastal defence. The site s rich military history has been meticulously researched and detailed and we are able to provide much of this on request from the Conservation Statement commissioned in The property s substantial granite walls are relieved by subtle mouldings and ornamental detailing in the crenellated parapet, a design that is more Georgian than Victorian in appearance. Grey granite quoins add to the striking detail. The interior of the fort was designed for military accommodation purposes with a central corridor on two levels. In recent years some superficial partitions and suspended ceilings have been added but overall the character of the original spaces is legible and many original features contribute to its historic significance. The importance of the site was recognised in 1983 when the property was registered as a Protected Building. However, it has since been identified as surplus to requirements by the States of Guernsey and is therefore available for sale. A scheme for conversion to a private residence has been designed and granted planning permission. The floor plans provided illustrate the proposed room layout and the suggested addition of a panoramic third floor of accommodation. The fort has also been approved for inscription as a private residence on the Open Market Register (once renovated) and as such is available to newcomers to Guernsey. A map c1859 pinpoints Richmond Fort & Barracks as a notable building. Printed courtesy of the Priaulx Library, Guernsey. An excerpt from an original tender document to construct Fort Richmond c1855.

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7 1. Current entrance to the original Officer Room, north and west elevations. 2. This German World War II shelter is a vivid reminder of Guernsey s recent history....to THAT NOOK OF ANCIENT NORMAN SOIL WHERE DWELLS THE NOBLE LITTLE RACE OF THE SEA, TO THE ISLE OF GUERNSEY, SEVERE YET GENTLE The Cook House on the ground floor still has its original fireplace and stack, but the hearth and fire surround are later additions. The hearth is formed from half of one of the granite traversing rings of the 19th-century guns, while the fire surround is constructed of Fletton bricks. It is likely that the traversing ring was salvaged from the battery s northern gun placement. 4. The original Soldiers Staircase still exists, with its iron handrail and granite steps. 5. On the first floor of the barracks, the original soldiers sleeping quarters were sub-divided into bedrooms and living areas. Most recently this area has been used as a bar. 6. This room on the ground floor was originally divided into sleeping quarters for 11 soldiers and one non-commissioned officer, a coal store and a cook house. The sleeping area still has a suspended wooden floor that is in a weakened state but the stone flag floor in the coal store, cook house and passage survives. Victor Hugo s dedication in his book Toilers of the Sea, 1866 The red line shows the approximate boundaries.

8 AN HISTORIC SITE WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS

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10 PROPOSED GROUND FLOOR WC/ Shower Office Utility Room Shower Plant Room Wine Cellar Sauna Plant Room Bedroom 1 Plant Room Bedroom 2 En-Suite PROPOSED FIRST FLOOR En-Suite En-Suite En-Suite Bedroom 3 Dressing Room Bedroom 4 Entrance Boot Room Entrance Hall Bridge Stairs Bedroom Master Bedroom Suite Plant Room Sitting Room En-Suite Dressing Room En-Suite

11 PROPOSED SECOND FLOOR Living Room Dining Room Kitchen ELEVATIONS East Elevation West Elevation North Elevation South Elevation

12 GUERNSEY S LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE ENGLISH AND FRENCH INFLUENCES BLEND INTO GUERNSEY S VIBRANT JOIE DE VIVRE WITH THE ISLAND LYING 70 MILES FROM THE ENGLISH SOUTH COAST AND ONLY 25 MILES WEST OF THE FRENCH NORMANDY COAST. It is an island of natural charm and beauty with a mild climate and sandy beaches set within wonderful coastal scenery. The historic town of St Peter Port combines quaint cobbled streets with bustling commerce interspersed with a diversity of restaurants. Boating enthusiasts enjoy excellent facilities around the busy harbour and its two marinas. Concert halls regularly offer a choice of entertaining and thought-provoking events whilst varied clubs and associations thrive within the socially active community. Annual public festivals and a wide range of competitive sports are particularly well supported throughout the island. Guernsey s much envied political stability is highly significant and the island prospers as a well regarded and carefully regulated White List international offshore financial centre providing genuine low-tax advantages, including a 20% flat rate of income tax, no death duties, inheritance or capital gains tax and no VAT. Guernsey also has a notably low crime rate together with excellent medical and educational facilities, whilst city air routes and fast car ferries provide direct and daily links to England, Jersey and France. Frequent flights to Guernsey are available from London Gatwick, Stansted, London City, Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Manchester, Southampton, Dinard and East Midlands as well as some major continental European airports. High speed regular direct ferry services to Guernsey run from Jersey, Poole and St Malo.

13 England English Channel Guernsey Normandy France FREQUENT FLIGHTS TO GUERNSEY ARE AVAILABLE FROM MAJOR UK AND SOME CONTINENTAL EUROPEAN AIRPORTS. THE ISLAND IS ALSO SERVED BY A HIGH SPEED FERRY SERVICE FROM THE UK AND FRANCE. 70 MILES FROM THE ENGLISH SOUTH COAST AND ONLY 25 MILES WEST OF NORMANDY. Images courtesy of VisitGuernsey.

14 IMPORTANT NOTICES COOPER BROUARD Cooper Brouard and its representatives and clients give notice that they have no authority to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property. These particulars and any other information, verbal or in writing, given or implied, do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact. Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs, images and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulation or other consents and Cooper Brouard has not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise. Cooper Brouard Limited ( Cooper Brouard ) is a Guernsey registered company with registered number Registered office: The Old Post, Grande Rue, St Martin, Guernsey GY4 6RR Registered number under the Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, Viewings are strictly by prior appointment and viewers must be accompanied by the owners agents. CHESTERTONS Chesterton Global Ltd trading as Chestertons for themselves and for the vendor of this property whose agents they are, give notice that (i) these particulars do not constitute any part of an offer or contract,(ii) all statements contained within these particulars are made without responsibility on the part of Chestertons or the vendor, (iii) whilst made in good faith, none of the statements contained within these particulars are to be relied upon as a statement or representation of fact, (iv) any intending purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of the statements contained within these particulars, (v) the vendor does not make or give either Chestertons or any person in their employment any authority to make or give representation or warranty whatsoever in relation to this property. Wide angle lenses may be used. Copyright Chestertons Chesterton Global Ltd Registered Office 3rd Floor, Connaught House, 1-3 Mount Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 3NB Registered Company Number ALL ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO Ross Le Marquand ross@cooperbrouard.com Tel: +44 (0) Karen Crawford karen@cooperbrouard.com Tel: +44 (0) Matthew Jackson matthew.jackson@chestertons.com Tel: +44 (0) Brian Fleming brian.fleming@chestertons.com Tel: +44 (0)

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