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Spitbank Fort is featured in my DI Andy Horton marine mystery crime novels , and is mentioned in the new DI Horton, A Killing Coast , due for publication in early 2012. I've been keeping an eye on developments at the Fort and am thrilled to see that plans to convert the Grade II Spitbank Fort into an upmarket venue are well under way - in time for a book launch?  Of course, and what a splendid and unique venue it would make. Spitbank Fort was bought by millionaire founder of bed retailer Dreams, Mike Clare ( he'll get an invite to my book launch).  He bought the fort in 2009 for £1 million and his company, Amazing Retreats , has spent £2.5 million and two years working on it. Amazing Retreats specialises in providing spectacular venues, such as castles and mansions, for conferences and occasions and is converting Spitbank, working with specialist architects and English Heritage. You can see photographs of the work on Amazing Retreats web site . Spi...

I've just read on the Isle of Wight County Press web site that SPITBANK Fort in the Solent - yes Inspector Andy Horton's patch - could be transformed into a conference centre and luxury retreat.The new owner is bedding tycoon Mike Clare, who plans to spend £1.5 million refurbishing the fort into a luxury retreat with en suite bedrooms, and a function room for business and corporate use. What a great location for a murder mystery novel and I can just see Andy Horton and Superintendent Uckfield on board with Sergeant Cantelli solving a murder. I quote from the article in the County Press: "Mike Clare is founder of bed retailer Dreams, says ACAS, the body which brings warring sides together in industrial disputes, is interested in holding conferences there.The previous owners, a trio of investors, had been trying to turn it into a casino, clubbing venue, and hotel at the time it was sold to Mr Clare’s company, Clarenco. Those plans are now dead in the water."  My Go...