Plans to turn a historic landmark into a holiday let could be completed early this year, months after thieves struck the site.
Property developer Gary Mayatt’s project to transform Martello Tower No.25 in Dymchurch, which has long been in disrepair, was originally to be finished by the end of 2024.
Martello Tower No.25 in Dymchurch is set to open as a holiday let in the spring
However, it suffered a major setback in September when thieves stole £30,000 worth of metal and vandalised part of the roof.
Now, Mr Mayatt, director of Dartford-based Enevate Homes, has said work has been progressing well since the break-in.
“Internals are now underway at the site,” he added.
“Following the break-in, the roof has now been replaced, and the scaffolding is down.
“We are now waiting on utility connections. We are hoping the project will be complete by spring this year.”
In September, thieves stole £30,000 worth of materials from Martello Tower No.25 in Dymchurch
Mr Mayatt unveiled the plans to revamp the former fort, dating back to the Napoleonic Wars, last year as a “passion project”.
He impulsively bought the site in May after it appeared on the market, as it reminded him of his childhood holidays in the area.
Located in the Dymchurch Beach car park, the tower, built between 1805 and 1809, offers views over the English Channel.
The granted plans for the holiday let, which Folkestone and Hythe District Council approved, include dividing the tower into four storeys connected with a spiral staircase.
An original scheme put forward by Dealtry Investments never got off the ground, but Mr Mayatt told KentOnline he hoped to bring the site back to life.
Inside Martello Tower 25 in 2018. Credit: Dunn Architects
According to planning documents, the ground floor will consist of a lobby, storage, and a cinema room to use the lack of natural lighting.
However, the existing stairwell will be retained for occasional access to the top level.
A skylight at the top of the new staircase will provide natural light for the whole building. Four double bedrooms, each with its own en suite, are located across the first and second floors.
Two new windows are also due to be installed on the second floor.
The third-floor plans feature an open-plan kitchen, diner, and a small external terrace “providing undisturbed views out to sea”.
The site sits in Dymchurch Beach car park
External alterations include added glazed panels and window openings and provision for three on-site parking spaces.
The tower is one of 27 Martellos built along the Kent coast – and 74 in total along the south coast – to protect the British Empire from overseas invasions.
The forts, each about 40 feet tall, were designed to hold 15 to 25 men.
Although their effectiveness was never tested in combat against a Napoleonic invasion, they proved useful tools in catching smugglers in subsequent years.
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Many are now abandoned and derelict, while others have been restored and converted.
Another tower in Dymchurch, Martello No.24, is owned by English Heritage and is open to visitors between 12pm and 4pm on Saturdays.