Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Agatha Christie hotel scraps sale plans after securing funding for refurbishment

The property was previously listed for £15 million

Natalie Wilson
Monday 16 September 2024 20:46 BST
Comments
Burgh Island hotel was built in 1929
Burgh Island hotel was built in 1929 (Burgh Island)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An iconic Devon hotel said to have inspired two Agatha Christie novels has scrapped multi-million sale plans after securing funding for refurbishment.

The Burgh Island hotel, a Grade II-isted property which served as inspiration for Evil Under the Sun and And Then There Were None, has been taken off the market after refinancing £5.4 million in loans and receiving additional funding from Metro Bank.

Burgh Island is believed to have hosted gmany high-profile guests, including Christie, Noel Coward and Winston Churchill, since it was built in 1929.

The novelist lived in the beach house – her ‘writer’s retreat’ – on the island in the 1930s.

The Palm Court Bar is described as “a temple of Art Deco”
The Palm Court Bar is described as “a temple of Art Deco” (Burgh Island)

The private tidal island off the coast of south Devon has been placed on the market for £15 million, and a potential buyer pulled out of a sale on the day of the exchange.

Now, refurbishment plans include enhancing the collection of art deco antiques, new water treatment works, a new roof and the reinforcement of sea defences to prevent cliff erosion.

The Art Deco hotel is joined on the island by two restaurants – The Nettlefold and The Ballroom – and also features a tennis court, pool and The Pilchard Inn.

In 2023, the hotel spent £3 million on renovations to staff rooms on the island and the mainland.

Murder mystery, dance and conservation shark tagging events are also offered to guests visiting the upmarket hotel.

The Burgh Hotel sits on a tidal island 18 miles from Plymouth
The Burgh Hotel sits on a tidal island 18 miles from Plymouth (Burgh Island)

Rates for a one-night stay in Burgh Island’s 25 rooms start from around £400 or groups can hire the entire island for weddings or parties from £23,000.

Owner Giles Fuchs confirmed his commitment to refurbish hotel infrastructure after withdrawing it from the market.

“I am delighted to announce that I will be continuing as the owner of Burgh Island. The refinancing agreed with Metro Bank will facilitate further investments in the hotel and enhance its infrastructure, services and beauty while maintaining its art deco authenticity and commitment to sustainability,” he said.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in