Tucked beneath a hillside close to the Norwegian city of Tromso, Olavsvern Naval Base appears to be the perfect hideaway for a crook hell-bent on world domination – or someone simply looking for what would be one of the most impressive holiday homes on the planet.
The 105m Norwegian Krone (£11.3m) price tag might narrow down the list of potential suitors somewhat but, considering NATO invested £320m and 30 years (it was built between 1964 and 1994) into the secret project only to render it surplus to requirements less than 20 years later, it seems something of a steal. Especially when one takes into account the 13,500 square metres of commercial buildings located above ground (perfect for the storage of the ultimate Bond-themed car collection, perhaps?), as well as the on-site mountain resort.
Truly built for purpose, the facility carved into the coastal mountains has its own fuel depot, underground tunnel network and emergency power supply; though the new owner will need deep pockets, as the electricity bill alone apparently comes to over £1m a year. Also, no submarines are included in the sale, so any dreams of reprising the role of Captain Troy Tempest will require substantial further investment.
Photos: The Norwegian Defence Estates Agency