On the Island of Jersey, Fortifications Turned Lodging

IT'S in the details,said Dave Bull, the caretaker of a former military bunker on the island of Jersey in the English Channel. They heaved open a cast-iron door and ran a hand over its bolts and heavy wrench-like handle. This was all built by slave labor, by prisoners the Nazis marched here from Europe. The bunker in query is located on the ground floor of a radio tower on Jersey, erected by occupying French forces in the work of World War II. The stout concrete structure still keeps a calm vigil over the channel.

Today, though, it serves a different, and far more festive, function: as a holiday home for travelers. The top floor, which three times served as a Nazi watchtower, is now a 360-degree observation deck cum living room.

The Radio Tower is one of 10 historic fortifications, built between the mid-1800s and the mid-20th century, to be renovated by Jersey Heritage, a local organization dedicated to preserving the island's history and culture. Profits from the rentals are then put toward further restoration.

It's an idea that's been around for a long time because there's so lots of of these amazing buildings which the public can't see, Jonathan Carter, director of Jersey Heritage, said of the restorations. The latest was of an 18th-century battery tower called La Tour Cârrée, inaugurated at the finish of last summer.

Then there's the Martello towers, 24 little defensive forts that dot the Jersey coast, a testament to the geopolitical beauty of an island caught between long-warring English and French naval forces. The most striking is the red-and-white-striped Archirondel Tower, which stands guard over France's once-menacing horizon, visible from Jersey's east coast.

Inside, the tower is pared down: the circular granite interior spans three floors and is bare except for a handful of wooden beds and mattresses. There is electricity, but guests must use the adjoining cafe for a toilet and jogging water, and are expected to bring their own sleeping bags.

Michael McGlynn, a Dubliner, spent a week along with his spouse, babies and dog at the better-provisioned Fort Leicester at Bouley Bay on the island's north coast. When I think of paradise I'll always conjure up an picture of Bouley Bay,they said.It's remote and yet has everything you might require.Split across three levels, the 19th-century fort contains three giant furnished bedrooms, a living room and fully fitted kitchen area with a view over the bay.

Visitors looking to take the experience up a notch can make the mile-and-a-half-long trek at low tide to the 223-year-old Seymour Tower in the parish of Grouville; the hike is led by a guide, who stays overnight. This boxy little fortress becomes surrounded by water when the tide comes in and is a great spot for clamming when it goes back out again.

It's basic accommodation,acknowledged Mr. Carter, the Heritage director, but you are sharing an experience people have enjoyed for hundreds of years.