Island for sale!

The 40 year lease on Herm Island in the Channel Islands is for sale. Knight Frank and Martel Maides have been appointed by the leaseholders of Herm Island to handle the sale at a guide price of £15 million.

Herm Island is 3 miles from the coast of Guernsey and measures just a mile and a half long and half a mile wide. The decision to sell will bring to an end the longest tenancy in the history of Herm Island, dating back to 1949 when the late Major Peter Wood took on the lease. Since then the island, whose freehold is owned by the States of Guernsey was left virtually derelict following the Occupation, has been completely transformed.

The island, which saw its first settlers in the Neolithic age, was part of the Duchy of Normandy prior to the William the Conqueror's invasion of England in 1066. For nearly three centuries, from the mid 1400s, it was a sporting reserve for Governors of Guernsey, and stocked with pheasants, partridges, swans and rabbits for the wealthy gentlemen who sailed over to hunt, shoot and fish. In more recent times, previous tenants have included Scottish author and nationalist Sir Compton Mackenzie, a Prussian prince, Trappist Monks, and 20th century British automobile pioneer Lord Perry, who was the first chairman of the Ford Motor Company in the UK.

Between 1940 and 1945 the Channel Islands were occupied by forces of Nazi Germany, and by the end of the war Herm Island was left derelict.

Today Herm Island is a popular destination for tourists during the summer months, when thousands of visitors make the short ferry journey across from the larger Channel Island, attracted by the unspoilt natural beauty and sandy beaches. Millions of pounds have been invested in upgrading and improving Herm's infrastructure and facilities. The current managers, Major Wood's daughter Pennie and husband Adrian Heyworth, took over as tenants in 1980, and have continued the refurbishment and development begun by her parents. This has included the installation of electricity, water supply and a sewerage system, and also the creation of many of the roads, paths, beach cafes and facilities used by the thousands of visitors to the island each year.

The family has also created award-winning gardens and woodlands, and restored large areas of farmland.

Facilities on the island now include self-catering cottages, a campsite, staff quarters and housing for 150 people. The White House Hotel and the Mermaid Tavern have also been extensively renovated and extended over the years. Herm Island is the perfect place to stay for a truly relaxing island holiday and is ideal for families and anyone wanting to "get away from it all".

Rupert Sweeting, Knight Frank comments, "Herm is one of the most beautiful spots in Europe, it has long white beaches, undulating countryside, a safe harbour, wonderful woods... the list goes on. And of course it has the tax advantages of the Chanel Islands.”

It is probably best described by both Peter Wood who said, "If I was asked to design the perfect island, and place it anywhere in the world, Herm would be the island and this is where I would put it." And Lt. Gen Sir Philip Neame, the Lt. Governor of the Bailiwick of Guernsey from 1945 - 1953, "This is the nearest approach to Fairyland I have ever or shall ever see." Neame is the only person to have been awarded the Victoria Cross and an Olympic gold medal.

Richard Fox, Director Martel Maides comments; "the new owners will no doubt want to continue the sympathetic stewardship of the island as guardians of this very special place. Herm is unlike any other place in the British Isles. It is of course an opportunity to effectively own your own island, but with the considerable attraction of an income from the thriving business."

Pennie Heyworth comments, "We have been fortunate to enjoy Herm, as our family home, for 28 years. Since 1949 our family, together with our island residents, have transformed what was a derelict island into the thriving and successful tourist haven that it is today. We look forward to enjoying visiting Herm with our children and (hopefully!) grandchildren without the responsibility of running the island!”

For further information, visit Knightfrank.com.