Tregarthen’s Hotel on the Isles of Scilly has a reputation and history that is unrivalled in the region. And now that the hotel is up for sale with specialist property adviser Christie + Co, a new buyer can etch his or her name into the property’s unique history book.
The 33-bedroom Tregarthen’s Hotel is set in a stunning location, overlooking the azure waters of St Mary’s Harbour. It was established in 1848 by Captain Frank Tregarthen, who first ran the steam packet ‘Little Western’ delivering mail, provisions and visitors between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly. He began to bring visitors with him to the island of St Mary’s to stay at his house, which soon became the first hotel on the islands.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial freehold site on the islands: in addition to its 33 bedrooms, the hotel benefits from a 100-cover restaurant, a residents’ lounge bar (80), an ‘ocean view’ conservatory (20), and a staff accommodation block which comprises a further 15 bedrooms. Adjacent are three 2-storey cottages that are not fully utilised and could generate further valuable letting income.
History of all shades
Since its establishment, Tregarthen’s Hotel has played a special role in establishing the Isles of Scilly as a sought-after destination for visitors from the mainland and beyond. Throughout its 165 years, the hotel has played host to many esteemed — and occasionally dark — historical figures.
Alfred Lord Tennyson is said to have penned his epic narrative poem about fisherman turned merchant sailor ‘Enoch Arden’ during a stay, while Prince Charles has visited the hotel on two occasions for meetings with the Duchy Tenants Association, and HM The Queen visited the hotel in June 2011.
On a more sinister note, in around 1903 the hotel hosted the infamous killer Dr Crippen and his unfortunate wife Cora (aka the would-be music hall performer Belle Elmore).
Superb opportunity
Jonathan Lane (third generation Chairman) says: “The shareholders no longer live on the island and now have considerably less involvement with the business. The hotel has traded successfully for many years, continues to do so and represents a superb opportunity for a new owner to take the business forward and capitalise on its potential.”
The freehold of Tregarthen’s Hotel is available at a guide price of £1.75 million.