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A Second World War German personnel bunker has been transformed into a modern home during a five year project.
Built in 1942, the reinforced concrete personnel shelter at ‘Wn. Grüne Düne’ (Resistance Nest Green Dunes) overlooking Rocquaine Bay once housed up to 12 soldiers and supported coastal defences against anticipated Allied attacks.
It is now believed to be the only fully converted personnel bunker on British soil.
Property Developers BDL bought the bunker in 2018 and teamed up with A7 Architecture.
Over five months, 144 tonnes of two metre thick reinforced concrete was removed to carve out the living spaces.
Sections of the original 80-year-old concrete - embedded with stones from the local beach – have been repurposed into a sculpture in the driveway.
“You don’t approach a project like this intending to erase its past,” said Brad Ogier, Director of BDL Developments.
“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.”
He said it had been a true labour of love.
“But I think we’ve managed to combine luxury with original WWII features in an interesting way. And as far as we know, it’s the only fully converted personnel bunker in the British Isles.”
André Rolfe-Bisson, Director & Founder of A7, also highlighted the unique nature of the project.
“We’ve converted wartime bunkers into hobby spaces before, but nothing on this scale. The challenge of transforming a redundant structure in such a desirable location was incredibly exciting. It’s a unique home – straight out of a James Bond villain’s lair.”
Bunker Six Eighty One is now on the market.
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