Devon’s iconic Burgh Island has been sold
Deborah Clark and Tony Orchard got married at Burgh Island and bought it five months later. Now 17 years it has been sold for an undisclosed sum to a London private equity firm. Devon’s iconic Burgh Island has been sold
The stunning holiday spot and art deco hotel was once frequented by Agatha Christie and Edward and Mrs Simpson.
Devon’s iconic Burgh Island has been sold
It was put on the market by Exeter hoteliers Deborah Clark and Tony Orchard. The couple have owned the island for 17 years. Which is since they got married there, fell in love with it and bought it shortly afterwards.
It has been bought for an undisclosed sum by London based private equity hospitality investors Bluehone Capital and Marechale Capital. This is a joint venture called “Project Archie”.
Deborah Clark, owner of Southernhay House Hotel in Exeter, has just sold Burgh Island
Deborah Clark, owner of Southernhay House Hotel in Exeter, has just sold Burgh Island
The purchase has been made with major active investment from a family who own a UK real estate & serviced office operator and a small group of passionate individual investors.
Ms Clark, who with her husband owns Southernhay House Hotel in Exeter, said it was not an easy decision.
She said: “Businesses and buildings are like people, they need to keep evolving and adapting. We took the decision that we could either stay with Burgh for another 10 years and see this beautiful project into the next phase of its history. Or sell responsibly. We chose to hand over the legacy of Burgh Island to a new custodian.”
The couple were married at Burgh Island in May 2001 and loved the place so much they bought it in October the same year. Since then they have turned the hotel and into a glamorous example of the English seaside at its best.
The private 26 acre tidal Island just off Bigbury was once frequented by the likes of Agatha Christie, Noel Coward, Lord Mountbatten and Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.
It has always attracted literary, social and media stars.
The magical island opposite Bigbury can only be accessed by the unique Sea Tractor when the tide is in.
Ms Clark said they wanted to pass the island, the business and its staff into the right hands. Now, the couple plan to devote their time to Southernhay House, the boutique townhouse, restaurant and bar they formulated, designed and opened in the centre of Devon in 2011.
Mr Orchard said: “Southernhay House is a different proposition.
“At Burgh Island our desire was to restore the elegance and glamour of the 1930’s. Working with the all-important historic narrative and defining architecture of the place. It has been a fabulous story and we’re so proud of our achievements and our loyal staff. It’s been a significant journey, for us and for the key people we’ve worked with during our ownership. Our passion is to create business in beautiful buildings, making them pay for their upkeep and flourish. In Southernhay House, we see a contemporary hub in a building that has been a social centre since the early 19th century.”
