The Officers Mess

Built between 1860 and 1868, Golden Hill Fort was one of the Palmerston defences constructed to guard England's coast. The Officers Mess occupies a Grade I listed section of this hexagonal Victorian fortress, retaining original architectural features—brick barrel-vaulted ceilings with LED mood lighting, solid oak floors—alongside modern comforts. The setting offers views across the Solent and English Channel.

Five bedrooms and four bathrooms accommodate up to ten guests across two floors. The ground floor holds two living spaces (one with a 65-inch smart TV, the other with a separate TV and DVD player), a kitchen with two electric ovens and full appliances, a utility room with washer and tumble dryer, and a separate toilet. Upstairs are five bedrooms: a four-poster super kingsize with dressing area and ensuite, a zip-and-link super kingsize with ensuite (convertible to two singles on request), a kingsize with ensuite, a double, and two singles sharing a family bathroom. Each ensuite has a heated towel rail and shower; the family bathroom includes a bath. Wifi, heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are all included.

A rooftop garden with barbecue overlooks the fort, and there is a private courtyard with parking for two cars. The property is non-smoking and suits larger groups or families seeking a substantial base on the Isle of Wight coast.