WWII German Bunker converted into modern Channel Islands home

Tuesday, 15 October 2024 14:40

One of the Channel Islands' wartime coastal defences has been turned into a three bedroom 'one-of-a-kind home'.

Built in 1942, the reinforced concrete personnel shelter that overlooks Guernsey's Rocquaine Bay, once housed up to 12 soldiers and supported coastal defences against anticipated Allied attacks.

Property developers BDL acquired the bunker in 2018.

With help from A7 Architecture, the concrete fortress has been converted into a glass-fronted three-bedroom home, with a rooftop terrace and open-plan design.

Director of BDL Developments Brad Ogier says they had the necessary permissions to work on the historical site, which involved removing 144 tonnes of two-metre thick reinforced concrete walls and floor.

"You don’t approach a project like this intending to erase its past.

"We wanted to retain the bunker’s story while ensuring it felt comfortable and homely.

"Features like the hinges from the steel-armoured gas door and ventilation ducts have been thoughtfully preserved – they provide great talking points.

"It’s been a true labour of love spanning five years, but I think we’ve managed to combine luxury with original WWII features in an interesting way."

The sale price is currently unknown.