| Island hideaway that became a film "star" | |
|  | | Beach view: Burgh island and its white hotel |
| | 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 |
| | | The Great White Palace
by Tony Porter
(Transworld isbn 0-553-81417-6)
Paperback: 317 pages
Price: £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’s certainly more inspiring.
 | | 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’s spell. Perhaps that’s why I found this history of the hotel riveting, but Tony’s 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.
 | | The hotel - with the sea tractor on the sand |
You care what happens to this cast of characters, and despite facing daunting setbacks there’s 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’s 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’clock 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’ve 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.
 | | The amazing sea tractor |
BBC 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 BBC!
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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