Crumbling WWII station hidden in woods hits market for over $2 million

By Adam Dutton

A crumbling World War II power station hidden deep in woodland for 80 years has hit the market for £2 million.

The derelict brick structure, built to power RAF Honiley in Warwickshire, was designed with 13ins-thick walls to withstand Nazi bombs.

Eight decades on, it’s still standing proud – despite being left to rot since the RAF moved out.

Now the atmospheric relic, tucked away in 55 acres of Frogmore Woods near Kenilworth, is being touted as the ultimate real‑life Bond villain lair – complete with planning permission for a sleek, luxury mansion straight out of Skyfall.

In an unusual twist, the site is a brownfield plot inside a protected green belt, making its redevelopment potential exceptionally rare.

Estate agents Moveli said the sale represents a “once-in-a-lifetime Grand Designs opportunity”.

Estate agent Edd Holt said: “It’s total seclusion with serious connectivity.

“You could live almost off grid, surrounded by 55 acres of private woodland, yet still be within easy reach of Birmingham and London.

“That kind of balance is incredibly rare, and that’s what makes this such a special opportunity.

“In 14 years of estate agency, this is one of the most unique opportunities I’ve had the privilege of selling.

“Planning consent for a contemporary home in 55 acres of private Green Belt woodland is exceptionally rare.

“It’s rare to see a former RAF support building from the 1940s still standing, let alone with the opportunity to give it a new purpose.

“Sites like this connect directly back to the generation that flew from RAF Honiley, and that history deserves recognition.

“The property is owned by a private local family who originally intended to develop it themselves.

“Having secured planning and completed the necessary surveys, they have decided not to proceed.”

For military buffs, the historic power station offers a fascinating insight into Britain’s war machine.

Edd added: “The building dates back to the early 1940s and formed part of the wider RAF Honiley complex during the Second World War.

“RAF Honiley operated as a fighter and training station, with aircraft such as Spitfires, Hurricanes and later Mosquitos flying from the base.

“The structure on site functioned as auxiliary infrastructure and was built to be blast-resistant, which explains the unusually substantial brickwork.

“The James Bond-style hideaway description simply reflects the feel of the opportunity.

“A former wartime structure set within 55 acres of private woodland, offering complete seclusion yet strong transport links nearby, has a certain cinematic quality.

“It feels more like a hidden retreat than a conventional building plot.”