A Martello Tower in Dymchurch will be auctioned off next month - and its new owners may have the chance for it to be converted into a home.
But there's a slight catch.
Martello Tower 25 was built in 1806 as part of a chain of 103 towers to defend against invading Napoleonic forces.
Today, it stands in the middle of the public Dymchurch Martello Car Park, which would effectively be your front and back garden.
Panoramic sea views
Auctioneers Clive Emson said the iconic building may be suitable for conversion into a home, provided the buyer is able to obtain suitable planning permission.
And it would make an impressive home indeed - with panoramic sea views from the roof top and its own parking space in the car park.
The tower is being offered with a freehold guide price of £70-75,000.
Auctioneer Kevin Gilbert said: “This is one of those very quirky lots that doesn’t come onto the market very often.
“It’s been boarded up for many years but now has the potential to become a residential home, as long as all necessary consents are obtainable.
'Well built'
“These are iconic buildings, designed to protect the country from invasion in the early 19th century.
“Clearly they are well built as they wouldn’t have survived for so long. It’ll be interesting to see who bids for this tower.”
Martello towers were built across the coast from Aldeburgh in Suffolk and Kent to Seaford in Sussex during the 19th century.
They stand up to 40 feet high and typically had a garrison of one officer and 15–25 men.
Their round structure and thick walls of solid masonry made them resistant to cannon fire, while their height made them an ideal platform for a single heavy artillery piece. And they could fire in a 360 degree circle.
The tower will be auctioned off at The Clive Emson Conference Centre, Kent County Showground, Maidstone, at 11am on Monday December 11.
