Southsea Model Village is seeking new owners for £82,000 after the current family decided to sell following the death of their beloved father Ian Wilson, who helped run the attraction.
The Wilson family, who have operated the beloved Portsmouth attraction for the past decade, announced their decision to sell “with a heavy heart” on the model village’s Facebook page. The 1:12 scale village, which first opened in 1956, features 40 miniature buildings including houses, forts and castles.
Family’s emotional decision
In their statement, the family explained how the loss of Ian Wilson had changed everything for them. “As a family, we have treasured the experience of owning and running this unique venue for the last 10 years but since passing of beloved dad Ian, things have felt different,” they said.
The family expressed their hope that this “truly special piece of local history” would continue under new family ownership. “It has always been our aspiration for the village to stay within a family, and now we believe it’s time to hand over this remarkable opportunity to someone new,” they added.
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What’s included in the sale
The £82,000 asking price includes a 19-year lease and comes complete with an on-site café and the current team of dedicated volunteers. The attraction is located at Lumps Fort on Eastney Esplanade and sits within beautifully maintained gardens spanning a third of an acre.
The model village boasts several unique features including a 100-foot-long rifleman’s tunnel, scale models of Portsmouth landmarks such as the Guildhall and Spinnaker Tower, a 10,000-gallon waterfall and stream, and an electric garden railway.
Recent challenges overcome
The village has faced difficulties in recent years, experiencing vandalism in both 2021 and 2023 when rail tracks were uprooted, trees pulled from the ground, and windows shattered. However, following successful fundraising initiatives, repairs were completed and additional CCTV security was installed.
Current admission prices are £4 for adults and £3 for children, with family tickets available for £12. The attraction remains a popular destination for families visiting Southsea seafront, located just seconds from the beach and close to the canoe lake and rose gardens.
