Historic Welsh island featuring a 19th-century fort now available for purchase
Thorne Island's Historic Fort Transformed into a Modern Luxury Retreat
Thorne Island, a private island located 3 nautical miles off the coast of Pembrokeshire in west Wales, has undergone a remarkable transformation. The island's 19th-century fort, once a derelict, waterlogged, and windowless shell, has been restored into a modern, self-sufficient luxury retreat.
British tech entrepreneur Mike Conner, the founder of Qodea (formerly Appsbroker), purchased Thorne Island in 2017 for £500,000 ($670,000) and oversaw its reconstruction. The restoration cost more than £2 million (approximately $2.7 million), with an additional £300,000 ($400,000) invested in renewable energy and waste management systems.
The fort now boasts a helipad, a covered rooftop bar with a games room, and a sea-view office. Other living spaces include grand dining rooms, terraces sheltered by barrack-style walls, and five plush bedrooms that can accommodate up to 20 people.
To make the fort self-sufficient, renewable energy and biodigester systems were installed. The island is equipped with solar panels, heat pumps for central heating and hot water, and its own generator for heat and water. These systems enable the fort to operate independently without reliance on external utilities.
The renovation process was complex, involving the digging of trenches and the installation of running water and flushing toilets. The fort was also renovated to withstand salt air and storm-force winds. Mike Conner spent more than six months sandblasting the walls of the fort to reveal the original stone.
The reconstruction took four years and required 350 helicopter trips over two days to transport materials. Thorne Island's fort is now a Grade II-listed 19th-century fort with modern utilities.
Mike Conner believes the fort could be a perfect venue for luxury retreats and celebrations. However, after completing the renovation, he is now looking for a new challenge. Thorne Island has recently gone up for sale with offers in excess of £3 million ($4 million).
[1] The Telegraph [2] The Guardian [3] The Independent [4] BBC News [5] The Times
[1] Mike Conner, with investment in real-estate, transformed Thorne Island's historic fort into a commercial retreat, offering luxurious accommodations for events and celebrations.
[2] The substantial renovation of Thorne Island's 19th-century fort, involving finance in renewable energy systems and commercial-grade amenities, has been completed, with the property now for sale at £3 million ($4 million).
