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Island hideaway that became a film "star" |
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| Beach
view: Burgh island and its white hotel |
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The
hotel on Burgh Island can be seen from miles away - it's an imposing
building, all white and stuck in the middle of the island off the
South Devon coast. Now, a book about the place has just been written
by a former owner.
Review: Elaine McFadyen |
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The
Great White Palace
by Tony Porter
(Transworld isbn 0-553-81417-6)
Paperback: 317 pages
Price: 拢7.99
Islands have a magical and romantic appeal, especially so when crowned
by a glorious Art Deco hotel.
When Tony Porter and his wife Beatrice first saw Burgh Island they
instantly fell under its spell and it became their "dream" to restore
the abandoned crumbling hotel to its full 1930's Art Deco glory.
The Great White Palace tells the story of their struggle and is illustrated
with original 1930's drawings by Charles Mayo and several colour plates
of the Island and hotel.
Fact can be stranger than fiction and in this case it鈥檚 certainly
more inspiring.
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| The
Art Deco hotel |
The Porter's
commitment to Burgh Island is a tale of supreme highs and devestating
lows. Of back-breaking hard work; delinquent boilers; rogue traders;
drunken chefs; obstreperous neighbours; beaurocratic bank managers
and the constant threat of bankruptcy.
All this anguish is counterpointed by descriptions of building and
plumbing triumphs; tractor rescues; dedicated helpful staff; satisfied
guests; lasting friendships; and joyous champagne-fuelled celebratory
parties!
When I first came to Devon to live in Modbury, I also fell under the
island鈥檚 spell. Perhaps that鈥檚 why I found this history of the hotel
riveting, but Tony鈥檚 writing style also makes it a very easy read.
You feel his despair and elation - his frustrations and triumphs come
right off the page at you. His background in public relations probably
explains his writing technique.
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| The
hotel - with the sea tractor on the sand |
You care
what happens to this cast of characters, and despite facing daunting
setbacks there鈥檚 always a feeling of wit and humour.
I expect the Porters would be very tough bosses and task masters but
also feel they would be great friends and warm, fun hosts and dinner
companions!
The first part of the book describes Tony鈥檚 career at chemical giants
ICI, his role with fashion emporium "Biba", his launch of London Fashion
Week before putting all his financial eggs into one fragile basket!
At 11 o鈥檆lock on 21st November 1985 the Porters "rounded a sharp bend
in a Devon lane and looked down on our dream".
Restoring this semi-derelict hotel to its former glory and turning
it into a successful business became their mission in life till they
sold it again in 2001.
In true romantic tradition they sold it to a couple who reminded the
Porters of themselves - a couple who were just as passionate about
Art Deco and who had celebrated their marriage at the hotel just six
weeks earlier!
Personally I have been to fantastic weddings at Burgh Island Hotel.
I鈥檝e sat in the original Lloyd Loom chairs and scoffed delicious cream
teas under the restored glass dome in the Palm Court so I know and
love this deco palace.
Not surprisingly the island has been used for many TV shows. It's
the perfect setting for Agatha Christie mysteries. It was her inspiration
for Evil Under The Sun, and David Suchet as Inspector Poirot recently
filmed there.
The Great Antiques Hunt and Blind Date have been drawn to the Art
Deco treasure, and it was also GMTV's Inch Loss Island.
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| The
amazing sea tractor |
大象传媒 South
West played their own part in the restoration of the island by running
a feature on Spotlight back in the 1980s saying the island was up
for sale. Ever the PR man, Tony loved this free publicity on the 大象传媒!
Turning the pages of The Great White Palace you can hear the gulls
wheeling and smell the salty spray as you read about Jimbo the Sea
Tractor driver and local character - feel moved at his death; smile
at the drunken antics of guests; and chuckle at the Canute like efforts
of the Porters as they struggle to recreate the Mermaid Pool.
But for anyone not lucky enough to live so close to Burgh Island they
can read this book, join in the adventure and feel the utter passion
and dedication the Porters invested in realising their dream and restoring
The Great White Palace.
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大象传媒 Devon
Broadcasting House
Seymour Road
Plymouth
PL3 5BD
(+44) 01752 229201
devon.online@bbc.co.uk
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