Historic Drake's Island with network of secret tunnels on sale for £6m

Located just off the coast of Plymouth, this mysterious military estate protected Britain from invasion in the 16th century

Steeped in history and intrigue, Drake’s Island in the Plymouth Sound offers a completely unique real estate opportunity.

Now on the market for a cool £6m, the six-acre Devon estate, which is still home to old military barracks, Napoleonic buildings, a network of underground tunnels and an MoD radio mast, is ripe for renovation.

A historic landmark

The enclave takes its name from Sir Francis Drake, the Elizabethan privateer who set sail from its shores in 1577 to circumnavigate the globe.

During the 16th century, the fortress island played a crucial role in protecting Britain from invasion, fending off threats from French and Spanish explorers.

Since then, Drake’s Island has taken on many guises, from a prison to a refuge and even a religious centre.

Most recently, the island was used as an adventure training facility, though it has lain pretty much deserted since the business's closure in 1989.

Luxury development plans

Following its abandonment, the island was surrendered to the Crown Estate who sold it to Cheshire-born businessman Dan McCauley in the mid-1990s for a reported £384,000.

McCauley planned to open it as a luxury hotel and spa but faced a lengthy process to get planning permission for the £10m complex, which was only granted in 2017.

The approved plans map out intentions to link the old barracks buildings with the Grade II-listed Island House to create a hotel.

The timing is good for those prepared to move fast as this area is expected to see a soar in visitor numbers from 2020 onwards, which will mark 400 years since the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from Plymouth to America in 1620.

Luxury development plans: Historic Drake Island on sale for £6m
An artist's impression of the luxury complex. Credit: JLL

However, the redevelopment is not without its hurdles. At present there is no power on the island and contractors would have to commute by boat.

Drake's Island is being marketed by JLL, who were last year asked by Rotolok, McCauley’s company, to find partners to help see his vision through to completion.

John Kinsey, the lead director at JLL, said: “With the added attraction of planning permission for a luxury hotel and spa, this is a unique opportunity to lead one of the south-west’s most exciting and unusual developments.

"But of course, that’s only one permitted approach. Now being sold freehold, it means the future is wide open for this historic island.”