» Island elegance
Catherine Huckerby enjoys the Art Deco elegance of Burgh Island Hotel, favoured getaway of Agatha Christie
Most people have read an Agatha Christie book or at least heard of the famous author, but there’s something rather special about visiting a private island and staying at the infamous Burgh Island Hotel in South Devon, where she was inspired to write two books (Evil Under The Sun, and And Then There Were None). All the rich and famous stayed there in the 1930s, Noel Coward and Mr and Mrs Simpson to name but a few.
If famous dead people don’t impress you? Take in the spectacular scenery, cliff walks, tennis court and billiard room, croquet lawn and the original 1930s rock pool where they keep the lobsters.
After under an hour’s flight from Gatwick to Plymouth, we hired a car at the airport and set off on our little adventure. At Bigbury-On-Sea we were met by a sea tractor, a peculiar contraption with its wheels six feet under water. Our friendly driver, a wealth of local knowledge, told us there are three private houses and an old 14th century inn on the island. There is also thought to be an old monastery buried underneath the hotel. We stopped at the old inn and ate a healthy lunch of fresh local oysters and sampled the local beer.
The present owners have lovingly restored this unique English Art Deco hotel, built in 1929, creating a glamorous ambience of a bygone era. Wafting through the airy, peacock-domed palm court bar, we stepped onto the terrace to admire the stunning sea views over a G&T. With little or no mobile reception and no TV in the rooms, there was no excuse but to switch off and relax.
We weren’t disappointed when we checked into our room; every room boasts a sea view and most have balconies and sitting rooms, all individually decorated in Art Deco style.
A dinner and dance takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when you can dance the night away to the sounds of the house band. A strict black tie dress code ensures that everybody feels special. We’d done our homework and had hired our eveningwear at the local Moss Bross in Plymouth.
In the dining room, we savoured the delicate flavours of artichoke and truffle, duckling breast and beef and wild mushroom, finishing with a delicious crème brûlée and millefeuille. A bottle of wine or two later we were soon in the mood to dance, if a little clumsily, to the 1930s band.
WHERE TO STAY
Burgh Island Hotel, Bigbury-On-Sea, South Devon, T07 4BG, 01548 810514, www.burghisland.com, double room including breakfast and dinner from £280.
WHERE TO EAT
Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island, evening meals by reservation on Fridays and Saturdays.
DON’T MISS
• Burgh Island dinner and dance held every Wednesday and Saturday nights, with one of their house bands. Look out for their annual ball and seasonal house parties too.
