The price is based on a 7 night stay
Low season 3 Jan to 30 March and 16 Oct to 15 Dec
Mid season 17 Apr to 30 Jun and 11 Sept to 15 Oct
High season 31 March to 16 Apr (Easter) 1 Jul to 10 Sept - and 16 Dec to 2 Jan (Christmas)
FORT LEICESTER
STAY IN YOUR VERY OWN FORT- Sleeps 8
Spread over three levels, this magnificent 19th century fort sits above the picturesque harbour of Bouley Bay and has a private garden and terrace.
Named after the Earl of Leicester, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, Fort Leicester has military history dating back to the late 16th century. The Fort sits above the picturesque harbour of Bouley Bay in Jersey’s National Park and has been restored to reflect its diverse military history.
The Fort housed single cannon when it was constructed in the 16th century, nearly 50 years after an invasion attempt on Jersey from France. Another half a century later a boulevard and battery platform was installed as part of Jersey’s northern defence plan but was deemed inadequate by the Island’s Lieutenant Governor who instructed the battery to become a fort. Numerous guns were positioned at the Fort which required the site to house around 30 of the Island’s militia up until it was rebuilt in 1836, when the Fort was considered ineffective due to the threat of steam navigation.
The property has stayed much the same since it was rebuilt, with the guardhouse converted to the main bedroom with one double bed and two single beds, and a wood burning stove. The lower level magazines have also been transformed into a cosy bunk room and a bathroom. One of Fort Leicester’s most quirky features is that it is built into the surrounding rock face and so has been built into three different levels, requiring guests to move outside from one room to another, with sections of grass between. If you’re lucky, you may see some of the resident wall lizards basking in the sun, which are unique to Jersey.
A later addition to the Fort is the searchlight housing constructed by Occupying German forces during the Second World War, which now houses a fully fitted kitchen with a lounge and diner. There is also a terraced area where a gun emplacement once stood, which is perfect for watching the local fisherman go in and out of the harbour.
With the picturesque setting and sound of the waves in the harbour, there is no need for a television or wi-fi. The Fort gives your family the perfect opportunity to explore the small beach below or take in the winding coastal paths to the nearby, equally scenic, bays.
A beach café is located in Bouley Bay which is also home to one of Jersey’s diving schools. Although nothing is too far in Jersey, due to its more secluded location we would recommend hiring a car to get around. The Fort also has one parking space at the harbour for sole use of guests.
Aerial images courtesy of Traces of War Jersey and Paul Lakeman.
FACILITIES IN DETAIL
1 double bed and 2 single beds in main bedroom, twin single bunks in lower room and double sofa bed in living area – linen & towels provided
Shower & bath
Oven & cooker
Fridge & freezer
Borehole water, which is not suitable for drinking but can be used for cooking or bathing.
Dishwasher
Microwave
Crockery & cutlery provided
Washing machine
Central heating
Wood burning stove in main bedroom
TV screen with DVD player (no TV reception)
Split level property with rooms accessed by steep staircases
Private garden and terrace with garden furniture
Parking
Dogs allowed. £10 per dog per night up to a maximum of £50 per dog per stay
Cot available on request (linen not provided)
Secluded beach location
Car recommended
No disabled access
WiFi not available
Please note
Check in and out times must be strictly adhered to. Check-in is from 3pm, and guests must vacate the property by 10am.
The number of guests may not exceed the occupancy listed for that property
We request that hirers do not have visitors from outside their household come to the property