Radio Tower: Jersey's historic former WWII German gun tower now available for booking

At the rugged southwestern tip of Jersey, one of the Channel Islands nestled between England and France, you'll find the iconic Radio Tower.

Originally constructed under the orders of Nazi forces who occupied Jersey during WWII, this stark concrete tower has been thoughtfully transformed into a unique vacation rental.

Joanna Hepworth, heritage venues manager at Jersey Heritage, explains, 'It’s a way of honoring that chapter of history while also giving it new life in a more positive context,' as she tells Dinogo Travel.

Guests can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the island’s dramatic coastline and the striking white silhouette of the Corbère lighthouse in the distance.

Hepworth shares, 'One of the main reasons to stay here is the unparalleled view – it’s truly one of the best in the British Isles, absolutely breathtaking.'

A Complex History

The Channel Islands, while not officially part of the United Kingdom, are crown dependencies, meaning the UK holds a level of responsibility for them but they are not independent states.

Nestled in the isolated beauty of the English Channel, the Channel Islands boast a unique atmosphere and a rich, independent history.

During World War II, German forces occupied Jersey, as well as nearby Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark. The island still bears the marks of this dark chapter, with structures like Radio Tower serving as reminders.

The military fortifications built on the Channel Islands during WWII were constructed by enslaved workers from other occupied territories. Around 16,000 forced laborers were brought in and subjected to brutal conditions in these often lethal labor camps.

The grim history tied to the tower may be unsettling for some visitors.

Hepworth explains, 'Jersey is home to countless military fortifications from World War II – there are hundreds across the island, so it's impossible to ignore this part of our history.'

Constructed in 1941 after the United States entered the war, Radio Tower, originally named MP2, stands at 60 feet tall with six-foot-thick concrete walls. Its design was cleverly modeled on an 18th-century Jersey granite round tower to conceal its true military purpose.

Each level of the tower housed its own artillery battery, strategically positioned to make the Channel Islands nearly impossible to attack.

After the war, Radio Tower was repurposed by the States of Jersey Harbours and Airport Committee to monitor passing vessels. As technology advanced, the tower’s original function became obsolete.

Jersey Heritage recognized the potential of the property as a one-of-a-kind rental opportunity.

Following a thoughtful restoration, Radio Tower is now part of a collection of 14 unique historic properties offered for rent by Jersey Heritage across the island.

'The goal was to find a way to make these buildings accessible to people, rather than letting them sit empty and unused,' explains Hepworth.

The revenue from renting out these historic homes as vacation properties helps fund the restoration and maintenance of other heritage sites across Jersey.

'Some of the properties are more simple, like our coastal towers – essentially stone huts that offer a truly unique experience,' Hepworth adds.

'We offer nine self-catering properties across the island, each a historic gem – from a 14th-century farmhouse on a traditional Jersey farm to 16th and 17th-century forts representing different historical periods,' says Hepworth.

Meticulous Restoration

Restoring iconic and unique properties like Radio Tower is no simple task.

'It’s a truly unique space inside… and there are a lot of stairs to navigate to reach the top,' says Hepworth.

Experienced architects and contractors, familiar with working on unconventional structures, played a key role in ensuring the project’s success.

'The restoration has been done with great care, though it may not appeal to everyone, as the interior still retains its concrete form,' Hepworth notes. The numerous staircases also mean the tower is not accessible for all.

The building’s rounded walls house three double bedrooms, each with an en suite, plus a kitchen. For comfort, central heating ensures a cozy atmosphere even during stormy weather outside.

Hepworth adds that part of the appeal lies in the striking contrast between the formidable structure and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

'You’re surrounded by this imposing, cold, concrete structure, yet when you step inside and gaze out at the sea, listening to the wind and birds, it’s absolutely breathtaking,' says Hepworth.

Explore Jersey

While Jersey may not attract as much attention as some of its neighboring islands, it certainly offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for visitors.

'Jersey boasts absolutely breathtaking beaches and miles of stunning coastline, all nestled within the National Conservation Area,' says Hepworth.

She also highlights the island's rising status as a must-visit culinary destination.

'There’s an abundance of exceptional seafood, along with locally-produced delights like Jersey Royals [potatoes] and milk from our famous Jersey cows – not to mention the incredible restaurants,' Hepworth adds.