Devonshire ezine Spring 19

Maintaining the sea tractor has many
challenges as it operates in a tough
environment with given its age, spare
parts often needing to be custom
made but recognising its significance,
its unique craftsmanship, and its
central place in the history of Burgh
Island and its iconic hotel - a humble
homage is paid to its glorious past
and vibrant future.
Iconic sea tractor celebrates
50 th anniversary
Unique motor transport is a key
point of access for hotel guests
and has ferried some of the most
renowned political, artistic and
literary figures to the island for
the last five decades.
Iconic Burgh Island hotel not only
celebrates its 90 th anniversary this
year but also the 50 th anniversary
of its unique sea tractor, which has
transported guests, including some of
the world’s most renowned political,
artistic and literary figures to the
island for the last five decades.
The sea tractor is the main point
of access to the island at high tide,
serving almost as a time-machine
for passengers from the mainland to
travel back into the 1920s art deco
style luxury retreat. Noteworthy
passengers include celebrities and
politicians such as The Beatles,
Agatha Christie, and also some of
today’s most celebrated musicians
and film stars.
exchange for a case of champagne,
the current sea tractor is the third
generation to serve Burgh Island. All
have been built on the same principles
and the present-day sea tractor is
also consistent with modern safety
standards.
Maintaining the sea
tractor has many
challenges
The sea tractor was not the first
choice of the hotels’ previous owners
who considered a cable car, as well
as an underground train and even
terrapins (the ex-army landing crafts).
To mark its 90 th anniversary the hotel
is undergoing a multi-million-pound
major refurbishment that will stay
faithful to its art deco heritage but
will deliver new standards of modern
contemporary luxury. The renovation
will include upgrading of all the
public areas, as well as the gardens.
Addition of further bedrooms and a
Spa is planned for 2020. The highly
skilled team of craftsmen and trades
working on the project are all local
from the surrounding areas of South
Devon, providing a major boost for
the local economy.
Duncan Gray, Managing Director of
Burgh Island commented: “When we
bought the hotel last year, we knew it was
really important to preserve the things that
make visiting the island unique. Nothing
fits that category more than the sea tractor,
which is such a fundamental part of the
island’s history and heritage. It is a link
back to the hotel’s glamorous past as well
as being an essential part of its future.
We hope for many generations to come it
will continue to provide a singular form
of transport to one of the world’s most
sought-after and iconic destinations.”
see photo overleaf...
Originally built in 1969, by engineering
pioneer Robert Jackson CBE in
PEOPLE HOME DESIGN LIFESTYLE HISTORY
CONTENTS 137