BDL Developers and A7 Architecture have completed a unique and ambitious project: the transformation of a WWII German personnel bunker into a modern three-bedroom home.
Once part of Guernsey’s wartime defences, Bunker Six Eighty One, located on the west coast, now stands as a testament to patience, persistence and thoughtful heritage preservation.
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. Today, this concrete relic has been converted into a three-bedroom home, and as far as we know, it holds the unique distinction of being the only fully converted personnel bunker on British soil.
Property Developers BDL acquired the bunker in 2018 and teamed up with A7 Architecture. After securing the necessary permissions they started to undertake this ambitious project.
The house transformation required some meticulous planning and precision. Over 5 months, 144 tonnes of 2 metre thick reinforced concrete was carefully 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 striking 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”.
“It’s been a true labour of love spanning five years.” Brad continued. “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!”
