Regarded as one of the finest examples of Art Deco design in Europe, Devon’s Burgh Island Hotel has recently hit the market with Knight Frank at a guide price of £15 million.
As well as inspiring two Agatha Christie novels, Evil Under the Sun and And Then There Were None, the property is rumoured to have hosted a meeting between Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower before D-Day and even playing host to Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor and the Beatles.
Accessible by foot or car at low tide, or by a unique sea tractor at high tide (as seen in the ITV adaptation of Evil Under the Sun, starring David Suchet, which was filmed at the island), the property features 25 rooms, spa facilities, helipad and tennis court. Originally built in 1929, the property was restored in the 1990s.
It is rare for a hotel of such character and heritage to come to the open market,’ says Knight Frank’s Matthew Smith, partner in the hotel agency team.
‘Burgh Island Hotel is a spectacular example of Art Deco architecture, it’s steeped in amazing history and provides guests with a sophisticated and distinctive experience.
In recent years, the buildings have received considerable investment and operates as a thriving business that generated in excess of £6 million turnover in its most recent financial year.’
Also included in the sale is the almost 700-year-old Pilchard Inn pub, which is arguably one of the most charming coastal pubs in the South West. Pop into any local art gallery and you’re sure to find an homage to this beach-fronted, private island local that is steeped in history and charm.
Situated opposite Bigbury-on-Sea, Burgh Island has its own ‘natural micro-environment’ with a variety of sea birds, dolphins and porpoises often spotted from its rocky crags. The sandy tidal beach is perfect for sea swims, paddle boarding and neighbouring Bantham is one of the best surfing beaches along this stretch of coast. The South West Coast Path also runs adjacent to the island.
Although the island feels remote once you’re there, access to Totnes train station (which runs direct to London Paddington) is about a 45 minute drive away. Exeter Airport is also accessible, as are good road networks with the M5 and A38 linking to Cornwall, Bristol and beyond.
Burgh Island is steeped in English history, has inspired the pages of literature and occupies one of the most unique and beautiful positions along the country’s coastline. It’s not often such a remarkable opportunity comes to market, and it’s one that we will watch on with interest and — let’s be honest — pangs of jealously.
Burgh Island is currently on the market via Knight Frank with a guide price of £15 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
If the Volvo ES90 is the answer, what is the question?Volvo's latest luxury saloon car impresses in unexciting ways, with an unwavering commitment to safety and comfort.
-
Five classic country houses for sale, from an equestrian home to a manor with a wisteria-draped pool, as seen in Country LifeOur pick of some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life this week includes a house with a beautiful outdoor pool,
-
Five classic country houses for sale, from an equestrian home to a manor with a wisteria-draped pool, as seen in Country LifeOur pick of some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life this week includes a house with a beautiful outdoor pool,
-
A £15m Kensington penthouse with a Mediterranean-style ‘garden in the sky’Arranged over the fifth and sixth floors of a Victorian mansion block, the immaculate apartment has views that stretch as far as Battersea Power Station.
-
A magnificent, sprawling farmhouse that blends the 16th, 20th and 21st centuries, with double-height music room, a superb pool and a 'Spitfire barn'.Willards Farm is an incredible home on the Surrey/West Sussex border that offers a 21st take on the ideals of Sir Edwin Lutyens. Penny Churchill reports.
-
'We’re still using the garden gates from Far from the Madding Crowd': How homes of all shapes and sizes can become stars of the screenRenting your house out for filming can be fun, occasionally alarming, a good revenue stream and might even increase its value.
-
The quirky, cosy and characterful cottage that was once home to Spike Milligan and where Paul McCartney is a neighbourThis very wonky living room is somehow only the third most interesting thing about The Cottage in Hog Hill
-
A glorious 17th century home in one of the most exclusive waterside villages in BritainOrchard House was lucky not to have been sunk beneath the surface of Rutland Water when it was created in the 1970s — but it did, and today this wonderful spot is looking better than ever.
-
A honey-coloured, 300-year-old rectory where every period-house headache has already been solved for youThe Old Rectory is a charming family home that's just undergone an extensive renovation.
-
The sleepy village hall that's been transformed into a breathtaking homeThe Village Hall in Shotley Bridge is a masterful conversion of a much-loved village amenity.
