Former island military estate on sale for £2.95m

A huge estate, part of which was built in 1850 to store and supply armaments to British military fortifications in the Channel Islands, is up for sale with a £2.95m price tag.

The sale of the walled Arsenal Estate in Alderney, which includes a number of buildings plus squash court and bowling alley, has been described as a "rare opportunity" on the listing.

There are now 10 apartments within the former armament store near Braye Harbour, while initial planning consent allows for 38 dwellings to "increase the supply of housing" in Alderney.

The site, which has been in private ownership for 60 years, is a registered heritage asset in the Longis Common Conservation Area, Rock property firm said.

The site has preliminary planning permission for 38 dwellings and a buyer would be able to apply for full planing consent, the listing says.

It adds: "The vision will deliver on the States of Alderney objective to increase the supply of new housing whilst regenerating an important heritage asset."

Prospective plans include two new two-storey blocks with one and two-bed flats, plus 14 houses on the former Ronez Tarmac Site.

The total current annual rental income from the estate is £188,500, the property firm adds.

Buildings called Mount Hale House, Block D, Albert Chambers and a row of garages are arranged around a large central courtyard - "the main hub of the estate".

The estate also features Victoria House, the Guard House, Arches and the former Ronez tarmac plant.

A block called Albert Chambers houses 10 apartments in a two storey stone built Victorian property "constructed in around 1850 to store armaments."

It now features a large bowling alley and an archive store "both of which can be converted to provide additional apartments," cites the firm.

A block called Victoria House was converted into 16 apartments in 1978, with all the apartments sold off "on long leases".

Meanwhile, Mount Hale House is a two-storey building divided into two large apartments.

Block D is listed as a former Victorian coal store, which has protected status and is currently used as a workshop, with a number of garages on site let on monthly leases.

The Arches - a row of vaulted arches - are used as 17 garages and stores, while the South Guard House, a converted gate house, is now a home for a long-term employee who "keeps a watchful vigil on the site".

The listing also outlines a vision for a new marina for Alderney - which could be built "immediately in front of The Arsenal".

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