Herm is well-known as a jewel amongst the Channel Islands, and an extremely rare opportunity to purchase the leasehold from the current custodians has now become available.
The island, around 1.5 miles long and with over 80 acres of farmland, is a place of great beauty and natural interest, and the flora and fauna there are more associated with Mediterranean shores than those in the English Channel. The weather is also superb, making it a wonderful place to live and also a popular place to visit.
The island has a manor house, a main residential property, private hotel, self catering cottages and apartments, staff accommodation, restaurants, bars, shops, campsites, a famously beautiful harbour with moorings, a pheasant shoot, school, monastery keep, celtic chapel, power station and a fire brigade.
The centre of the residential estate sits behind granite walls on top of the island and occupies a primary vantage point with commanding views over the village by the harbour and the sea approaches. The principal house is a beautifully presented country home while the next door fortified keep has been converted into apartments. These form a family enclave which is surrounded by attractive grounds that include a swimming pool and ornamental gardens.
There is direct access onto private wooded walks, sheltered valleys and open fields which combine to provide some of the best equestrian land in the Channel Islands.
The current leaseholder has pursued a course of self-sufficiency, sustainability and organic husbandry on the island and there are seven profit centres which all contribute to a thriving and successful business. These are The White House Hotel (incorporating the Ship Inn), The Mermaid Tavern, the retail outlets, self catering, camping, beach cafés and the farm.
All aspects of the business are co-ordinated by the Island Manager and Island Accountant, from an administration office at the harbour. Accounts will be made available for inspection by potential purchasers and their advisors, and its worth noting that the tax laws are the same throughout the Channel Islands, so you wouldnt pay more than 20% on income, and would avoid death duties and capital gains.
There are currently 40 years available on the lease and the island is on the market for £15m.
For further information, please contact Knight Frank on +44 (0)20 7627 8171 or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk.
