LONDON ~ A former World War II fort in the North Sea, which was settled 40 years ago and declared a state with its own self-proclaimed royal family, is up for sale, The Times said.

The tiny Principality of Sealand, which began life as Roughs Tower in 1941, is a 550-square-meter steel platform perched on two concrete towers 11 kilometers off the coast of Harwich, eastern England.

It is accessible only by helicopter and boat but according to its owners, who want offers of eight digits or over, boasts uninterrupted sea views, guarantees complete privacy and is a tax haven.