The owner of a historic Martello tower says the site should open as a holiday let by the end of the year.

Martello Tower No.25 in Dymchurch has long been in disrepair, and was put on the market for £250,000 in 2021.

Permission had been gained two years earlier to convert the landmark building, which dates back to the Napoleonic Wars, into a holiday home.

The scheme, put forward by Dealtry Investments Ltd, never got off the ground but now owner Gary Mayatt says he hopes to bring the site back to life.

“It was a bit of an impulse buy because I was interested in the tower's history and restoring it,” he said.

“I used to holiday in the area as a child, so it brought back memories for me.

“I have to say it has been a challenge and money pit. I hope it will be complete by the end of the year.”

The tower, located in the Dymchurch Beach car park, offers views over the English Channel. It was built between 1805 and 1809.

The granted plans for the holiday let, which were approved by Folkestone and Hythe District Council, include dividing the tower into four storeys connected with a new spiral staircase.

According to planning documents, the ground floor will consist of a lobby, storage, and a cinema room to use the lack of natural lighting.

However, the existing stairwell will be retained for occasional access to the top level.

A skylight at the top of the new staircase is set to provide natural light for the whole building, with four double bedrooms across the first and second floors, each with their own en suite.

Two new windows are also due to be installed on the second floor.

The third-floor plans feature an open-plan kitchen, diner, and a small external terrace "providing undisturbed views out to sea".

External alterations include added glazed panels and window openings and provision for three on-site parking spaces.

The tower is one of 27 Martellos erected along the Kent coast - and 74 in total along the south coast - to protect the British Empire from overseas invasions.

The forts, each about 40 feet tall, were designed to hold 15 to 25 men.

Although their effectiveness was never tested in combat against a Napoleonic invasion, they proved useful tools in catching smugglers in subsequent years.

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Many are now abandoned and derelict, while others have been restored and converted.

Another tower in Dymchurch, Martello No.24, is owned by English Heritage and is open to visitors between 12pm and 4pm on Saturdays.