ONE TOP UK hotel chain wants to buy Herm, it was confirmed yesterday.
An article published in The Times said von Essen was on the brink of taking over the lease – but Adrian Heyworth said nothing had been confirmed.
Negotiations were continuing over the sale of the island, which has been on the market since May, when it was announced that current leaseholders Adrian and Pennie Heyworth were selling up. Sources close to the reported negotiations said that ‘we have some very nice people coming forward’ and added: ‘You can read into that what you like.’
The article claimed that von Essen hotels, which runs some of Britain’s most exclusive hotels, had submitted the asking price of £15m. for the island and that ‘contracts are set to be exchanged with the family’.
The Heyworths said they were ‘very shocked and sorry’ that the article had appeared in The Times, which stated that new owners had been found – and that the information had not been released by them.
Mr Heyworth said the company was one of several interested parties who had made an offer for the island.
He said all negotiations were subject to secrecy clauses, which meant they could not comment.
‘We would, however, like to assure our residents and the people of Guernsey that we are working closely with Treasury and Resources to ensure that we find the right tenant for Herm – and it will not be necessarily the highest bidder,’ he said.
It is understood that Andrew Davis, owner of von Essen, fell in love with Herm after visiting by helicopter.
The Times claimed that he ‘was planning to upgrade the White House, add a luxury spa and then run it as part of von Essen’s luxury family hotels brand’.
He is also demanding the right to unrestricted helicopter landings to ensure his ‘super-rich customers’ can get to Herm which, said The Times, may upset some of the locals.
Whoever buys Herm will also have to undergo a stringent interview process, beginning with the Heyworths themselves. They can then put forward suitable buyers to Treasury and Resources and finally, if they approve, to the Lt-Governor, Sir Fabian Malbon.
The deal is subject to agreement with the States of Guernsey, which retains the freehold for the island – which has 40 years of the current 99-year lease remaining.
A spokesman for the Treasury and Resources Department, which will handle final negotiations over the assignment of the lease, said:
‘As previously advised, we will consider any proposal for assignment of the lease formally made to us through Mr Heyworth’s agents.
‘The department has no further comment at this time,’ he said.
Article posted on 9th July, 2008 - 2.29pm
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18 Article Comments
It’s mine all mine!!!
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS…..HERM!!!
Can anyone in the States, or elsewhere, confirm that, if the lease to Herm was sold to a luxury hotel chain:
a) Visitors from Guernsey, incuding boaters, would continue to have unrestricted access to the Island and its amenities.
b) Infrastructure, such as Herm school, would continue to be maintained.
c) The States would refuse permissions for large scale property construction on the island
d) The States would refuse permission for the development of a golf course (which is a standard addition to most luxury hotel developments these days).
CD
They will not confirm as this is what will happen.
It only goes to show that John Gollop may be right. The States ought to buy it and keep it for Guernsey to enjoy. Viewing PRIME land for an investment will only lead to unwanted development and an increasing unease amongst locals at the direction the States is being forced to take.
When the sale lease for Herm was first put to the press, I remember the letting agents talking of strict vetting of any intended buyers and that the most likely suitable takers would be a small family business that would be hands on similar to the way Adrian and Pennie and parents before them have run the island up until now. Can I really believe that in such a short period of time talk has progressed from this to ‘ one of the top hotel chains.. which runs some of Britain’s most exclusive hotels’ being in for serious consideration? Some small family business! No doubt we will encounter von Essen digging out latrines on the top campsite -not
Wake up Guernsey! The reality is the Woods and Heyworths have done a wonderful job in Herm with incredibly few resources. The primary reason they are selling is Herm now needs someone with extremely deep pockets and associated resources to maintain and develop the island as a quality destination. That does not mean tacky gifts and candy floss.
Anyone who has been fortunate enough to enjoy this paradise on the “cheap” in recent years will be in for a major shock. This is a sad fact of modern economics. Islands are expensive commodities.
My family have been regular visitors to Herm over the last 25 years. Whilst realising that the island has to be run as a going concern, it would be a great shame if the ethos and atmosphere
built up by the Wood family was to be destroyed.
Surely there is someone out there with the money and the right attitude? We really hope that the States of Guernsey think carefully before granting the lease to someone who it seems has only visited briefly by helicopter!
let the states take note when allocating herms lease, big money always wants more than it appears at the time. just take note of sark. it does’nt matter if you have’nt bought the actual land,if you have the tenancy you control the land.
Please States of Guernsey do not sell our soul to the highest bidder. We do not want the trappings of wealth leading to exclusivity i.e. helipads, golf courses, spas etc on Herm - it will be ruined for time immemorial. This is the only part of the Bailiwick which has remained unspoilt and where one can actually get away for a few hours to experience a peaceful environment i.e. no cars, motor bikes etc. It really is an oasis of peace where quality of life is held in high esteem and which will never be replaced once it has been lost. I totally agree with the postings above and would also like to know the States’ answer to the questions posed by CD. Accountants think of profit above all else - is Treasury really the best department to be making this decision, perhaps it should be a decision made by the House or do the Heyworths have the final say? Could Guernsey plc really make a go of it? They bought Aurigny and that appears to have been a good investment on the other hand they sold Guernsey Telecoms down the river for a pittance!
It’s seems to me that people have more faith in the States than is justified, they’ll more likely to make a real hash of things than get it right!
So be warned, the people of Guernsey will want answers if the States makes a mistake this time, Herm is very important to us!
Merlin’s description of Herm is spot on. The fact that the Heyworths haven’t treated the island as a commercial ‘cash cow’ is the very reason that island is so beautifully preserved today.
The States surely has an absolute moral duty to the people of Guernsey to ensure it remains so.
Oh please not a luxury group like Von Essen, Herm will never be the same again. It is loved for its beauty and tranquility. I can think of a few wealthy locals who could earn a few brownie points if they purchased Herm and kept it as it should be.
Herm must not go to a massive hotel chain! I was brought up in Guernsey and spend most of the summers when I was a child on Herm.. My children alike have been able to enjoy Herm the way it is, the way it has always been. It works.Herm does not need to change surely that is apparent to the States of Guernsey. Herm is a treasure that has to be protected - KEEP HERM AS IT IS PLEASE
Having sent in our original comments a few weeks ago on the sale of Herm’s lease, it is now heartwarming (but not surprising) to read others’ reactions - without exception emphasising the need to keep Herm as it is. I hope Adrian and Pennie have time to read them, even though they will have known the responses to expect from their faithful regulars. The States must tread very carefully or the magic of Herm will be ruined forever. It has to be no, No, NO to a luxury hotel chain. The charm of our beloved Herm IS and has been the luxury of escape, peace, quiet, simplicity, no telephones, and natural beauty. A helipad?? … “demanding the right to unrestricted helicopter landings”? A horrendous nightmare …. this MUST NOT HAPPEN. Liz & Tony
Heaven help Herm if the States of Guernsey decide in their wisdom to buy back the unexpired portion of the lease from the Heyworths.
The fact is that beautiful islands also have to be commercially viable. Herm has only been viable because Pennie & Adrian, and their bank, have not demaned realistic returns from it.
Aurigny only continue to fly because they are subsidised by the Guernsey taxpayer.
The same taxpayers must decide if they also want to subsidise Herm?
In answer to Vincent’s question yes - I would happily pay more tax to subsidise Herm. I am not a high earner but peace and tranquility are a priceless commodity. I agree that the Heyworths have put time, effort and finances into Herm but in return they have had an idyllic life. I don’t blame them for wanting a change now but does it have to be at the expense of our one oasis of tranquility? If they are coming out of it with a £15 million bonus it is obvious that they were able to make a good living there. Surely there are enough business heads in the States to make a go of it - even if they have to pay a manager to continue to run it in a similar format?
just like the english goverment sell you down the river
i now live in the vendee france and left guernsey
because of the states do as they want to do not as we ask
i have spent many a happy hour on our boat in herm
herm is back in time where the pace of life is slow and laid back
just what a real guernseyman needs
keep your hands off herm
even the germans tried and failed
us donkeys should be left to graze as we want free
not at any price
Please don’t allow Herm to become commercialised or become exclusive! Having stayed in the hotel for the past few years, both my husband and myself feel that the pureness of the island is what every holiday should be - no tvs, telephones or any other ‘mod-cons’ to spoil the seclusion.
State of Guernsey please consider the implications of allowing Von Essen to move in, I am sure that they will promise the earth, but if they come to Herm via helicopter they are unlikely to visit Guernsey!