'I will only sell to someone with the staff and hotel's best interests at heart'
The current 'custodian' of Burgh Island Hotel says there's been a lot of enquiries after placing the business on the market
Last updated 15th May 2023
Greatest Hits Radio has learnt there were 80 enquiries to buy Devon's Burgh Island Hotel on the first day it was placed on the market.
It's on sale for roughly £15 million with the current owner - or custodian as he calls it - saying 'it's not about the money' and he only plans to sell to someone who understands the 'essence of the island and hotel'.
Giles Fuchs paid £8.4 million in 2018 and has since secured £10 worth of planning permissions to improve the restaurant, bar, create 12 new suites and has transformed the staff accommodation.
Mr Fuchs has supported local campaign group Bigbury Net Zero |newtab) and last year staged a climate conference at the hotel |newtab)
The Grade II-listed white art deco hotel is known as being the basis for two Agatha Christie novels - and she not only stayed there but her 'beach house' remains to this day.
It is rumoured that President Eisenhower and Winston Churchill met at the hotel before D-Day and other super famous guests have included Royalty and The Beatles.
In an open letter to residents, Mr Fuchs wrote: "I signed up to Burgh as just an investor but she is a demanding mistress and I’ve ended up working on burgh business much more than I ever anticipated. I’ve loved it of course but I need to give my other businesses some of my love.
"Burgh is in great shape with turnover increased from £2.4m to £6.3m last year. And we have obtained a very necessary planning to make sure she is sustainable for another 100 years.
Giles spoke to us ahead of hosting last year's Climate Change event on the island
"But at 58 I haven’t got the time to spend the next years doing the development let alone the energy. I shall do my best to make sure that the buyer is suitable and looks after the staff and the community."
There's full listing details here if you wish to make an offer for the property - which must be in excess of £15 million,.