Tides of opulence

Burgh Island Hotel offers guests a rare glimpse into a bygone era, where Art Deco symmetry is a counterpoint to the natural beauty of the Devon coast. Words By Jamie Crocker

There are few places in Britain where time appears to holds its breath, where the ebb and flow of the waters dictates the day, and where history is not just preserved but actively lived. Burgh Island Hotel is one such place. Perched on its tidal island, this Art Deco retreat has played host to royalty, writers and revelry for nearly a century. Owner and co-managing director Giles Fuchs shares his insights into the island’s past, its enduring appeal and the delicate balance of maintaining tradition while incorporating expectations of modern luxury.

The tidal nature of Burgh Island creates a natural rhythm to life here. How does becoming an island and then reconnecting to the mainland influence the guest experience and the hotel’s operations?

Burgh Island’s tidal nature establishes a unique rhythm that defines both the guest experience and the hotel’s operations. When the tide rises, the island becomes completely cut off from the mainland, creating a sense of seclusion and exclusivity for guests, allowing them to truly disconnect from the outside world and immerse themselves in the island’s atmosphere.

However, this daily transformation also presents logistic challenges for the hotel. We have long relied on our sea tractor, providing both a practical solution and a memorable experience for guests.

The sea tractor has become an iconic symbol of Burgh Island. Could you share its history and any memorable stories connected to this unique mode of transport?

The Burgh Island sea tractor, Trundle, was designed in 1969 by Robert Jackson CBE and paid for with a case of champagne, and this one-of-a-kind hydraulic marvel has been ferrying guests across the waves since the 1970s.

Recently restored to her former glory, Trundle ensures that every arrival feels like stepping into a story, just as it did for past visitors like Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill. When the tide is in, she glides across the water, offering guests a truly unique way to reach the island.

Agatha Christie drew significant inspiration from Burgh Island, writing two novels connected to this place. How does the hotel honour and preserve this literary legacy, and do guests still seek out these connections?

Agatha Christie’s deep connection to Burgh Island remains an integral part of its identity. The island served as inspiration for two of her most famous novels, And Then There Were None and Evil Under the Sun. In recognition of this literary legacy, we have carefully preserved Christie’s former writing retreat, which is now the Beach House suite. Guests can stay in this beautifully restored accommodation, immersing themselves in the same setting that fuelled Christie’s imagination.

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We also host special events and experiences that pay tribute to her work, including themed evenings and murder mystery weekend. We recently had Dr Mark Aldridge, one of the most renowned Christie historians, visit us at Burgh last December to give a talk. Many visitors specifically seek out Burgh Island for its Christie connections, eager to walk in the footsteps of one of literature’s greatest mystery writers. This has also attracted broadcast media features such as David Suchet’s Poirot, a Lucy Worsley documentary, and most recently BBC’s Towards Zero. Additionally, we are planning to host a literacy programme that invites renowned authors to speak about their latest novels. These sessions will offer attendees a unique opportunity to gain insights into the creative process, themes, and inspirations behind their work.

The hotel has maintained its Art Deco character through various renovations. What have been the greatest challenges in preserving these historical features while meeting modern luxury expectations?

Since acquiring the hotel in 2017, my vision has always been to honour the rich Art Deco heritage of this iconic retreat while ensuring it meets the expectations of modern guests. This is no easy task, given the hotel’s exposed coastal location, where the elements constantly test the integrity of the building.

Securing a £5.4 million refinancing package with Metro Bank has been a crucial step in this journey. This funding has allowed us to restore the hotel’s stunning Art Deco interiors, safeguard period antiques, and ensure our original Crittall windows remain intact. In addition, we are making significant structural improvements, including a new front roof, new water treatment works, and reinforced sea defences to protect the island from ongoing coastal erosion. With these investments, we are not just maintaining the hotel – we are securing its future for generations to come.

The Pilchard Inn dates to 1336, making it significantly older than the hotel. How has its role transitioned from serving fishermen and smugglers to becoming an integral part of the island’s hospitality?

The Pilchard Inn has played many roles throughout its long history, originally serving local fishermen and smugglers. Today, it continues to be an essential part of the island’s hospitality, offering guests a taste of its storied past. Unlike the glamorous Art Deco hotel, the inn embodies a more rugged, historic charm, with its weathered stone walls and wooden beams preserving the atmosphere of centuries gone by.

Our favourite story is that of the smuggler Tom Crocker, who used the inn as a refuge to store contraband goods. His ghost is said to wander the island, causing mischief and looking for his lost treasure, and we celebrate this every year on Tom Crocker Day, inviting the local South Hams community for a day of family-friendly festivities in support of charity.

Burgh Island has hosted numerous luminaries throughout its history – from Noël Coward to the Beatles. Are there any lesser-known stories about famous guests that reveal something special about the island’s character?

Throughout its history, Burgh Island has been a retreat for royalty, writers, and celebrities seeking privacy and inspiration. Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson found refuge here during their controversial romance, Winston Churchill is said to have met with President Eisenhower on the island before the D-Day landings, and John Lennon famously left his guitar at the hotel when the Beatles played in Plymouth!

The South Devon coastline has a distinctive beauty that changes dramatically with the seasons. How does the island’s relationship with the elements, from summer sunshine to winter storms, shape life at the hotel?

The South Devon coastline plays an essential role in shaping life on Burgh Island, being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. During the summer months, the island is bathed in golden light, with guests enjoying sunlit terraces, beachside walks, and al-fresco dining. However, winter transforms the island into a dramatically different setting, where powerful Atlantic storms crash against the cliffs, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. You can tell where Agatha got her inspiration from!

Local sourcing appears important to your culinary philosophy. Could you elaborate on your relationships with Devon producers and fishermen, and how the surrounding landscape influences your menus?

Burgh Island Hotel takes great pride in our commitment to sourcing 80% of our produce locally, working closely with Devon’s farmers and fishermen to bring the freshest ingredients to its kitchens. From the Grand Ballroom to the Nettlefold and to the Pilchard, our menus feature seasonal produce, with seafood sourced directly from nearby waters and meat and dairy products supplied by trusted local farms. This dedication to regional ingredients not only ensures exceptional quality but also supports the local economy and promotes sustainable dining. The coastal setting naturally influences the culinary offerings, with dishes that highlight fresh fish, shellfish, and traditional British flavours, all enhanced by the surrounding landscape.

The black-tie dinner tradition continues at Burgh Island. In an era of increasingly casual hospitality, what value do you see in maintaining these more formal traditions?

The black-tie dinner tradition at Burgh Island is more than a dress code and is an invitation to step into a bygone era of timeless elegance and refined glamour. In an age where casual hospitality has become the norm, the Grand Ballroom remains a sanctuary of Art Deco sophistication, where guests are encouraged to don their finest evening attire and revel in the splendour of the 1930s. Surrounded by original Art Deco murals and furnishings with live jazz accompanying dinner in the ballroom, the experience is nothing short of enchanting.

Could you give some detail as to what sort of things guests are likely to expect in terms of accommodation and cuisine?

Guests at Burgh Island Hotel can expect a blend of historical charm and modern comfort in their accommodation. The hotel features a range of Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites, each named after a notable past guest. Luxurious suites offer incredible sea views, while the Beach House provides a secluded retreat. The rooms do not contain any electronic devices, with TVs and radios only available on request, allowing guests to truly escape from modern life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island. During the hotel’s initial refurbishment in 2019, after I bought the island, we collaborated closely with Simon Kirby, one of the world’s leading Art Deco specialists who described the hotel as an “Art Deco masterpiece”, along with interior designer Sam Kopsch, to ensure all updates remained faithful to the hotel’s distinctive architectural heritage. Simon Kirby’s expertise helped preserve the authentic glamour and eternal modernity that define the hotel’s unique character.

The dining experience is equally exceptional, with black-tie dinners in the Grand Ballroom, refined coastal cuisine at the Nettlefold Restaurant, champagne afternoon tea and cocktails at the Palm Court Lounge, and rustic pub fare at the historic Pilchard Inn. While the formality of the occasion differs across each of our eateries, the hotel’s culinary offerings aim to celebrate the best of British, influenced by the island’s dramatic coastal setting.

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