The Sunday Times reported the news of Herm leaseholders the Heyworths’ decision to sell up. (0581590)

INTEREST has been strong in the lease for Herm. Adrian and Pennie Heyworth told the 50 residents on Friday that they were selling up.

Since then, estate agents have been busy dealing with enquiries for the lease, which has a guide price of £15m. Local agent Martel Maides has received 20 expressions of interest, most of which are from the Channel Islands.

There has been local speculation that the owners of nearby Brecqhou might be interested in the island. However, a spokesman for Sir David Barclay said yesterday that he had not even considered Herm and did not think it helpful to make any comment.

About half a dozen of the enquiries have come from the UK and a few from Europe. One potential UK-based purchaser has even flown over the island in their private helicopter. ‘I think the early interest is encouraging, but the eventual buyer could well be someone who has not yet declared an interest,’ said Martel Maides director Nick Renny.