A historic island off the coast of Plymouth has gone up for sale, just five years after being bought for £6m.
Named after explorer Francis Drake, Drake’s Island is just 6.5 acres wide and lies 600 metres off the coast of Plymouth.
The small fortified island has planning permission for a 43-bedroom hotel and is currently for sale with a property marketer. Carter JonasAli Rani, a partner at the firm, says it offers an “extraordinary opportunity for potential buyers” while the island’s “heritage and beauty” make it “well suited for a first-class development”.
The current owner of the island is Morgan Philips, a local businessman from Plymouth. He had plans to build two hotels, a museum and a wellness centre on Drake Island, but is now looking for someone to “take over and make these dreams a reality more quickly.”
Mr Philips says: “I look forward to passing the baton to someone who is passionate about the island’s surroundings and can harness its potential.”
Drake Island (above), 550 metres off the coast of Plymouth, is up for sale. Planning permission is already in the works for a 43-bedroom hotel
The current owner of Drake Island is Morgan Philips, a local businessman from Plymouth. He had plans to build two hotels, a museum and a wellness centre on the island, but is now looking for someone to “take over and make these dreams a reality more quickly.”
Drake Island has a rich history and was used as a prison by King Charles II in the 17th century and by the military in the 20th century. Then, in the 1960s, the island became an adventure centre and young JFK Jr. learned to sail there in Plymouth Sound.
After decades of closure, Mr Philips reopened the island to the public and visitors now have the chance to explore Drake’s story on a two-hour guided tour.
Drake Island Website He says visitors will “see Plymouth and Cornwall from a whole new perspective by climbing to the highest part of the island – the perfect photo opportunity!”
The island’s team also offers a unique “spiritual experience” where tourists can “hear stories of the island’s famous past inhabitants, recent sightings and unexplained occurrences” with a certified “spiritual guide.”
The island’s website’s “future plans” section reveals a proposal for a “small, cozy hotel” in the former Governor’s quarters, with the site adding that it would be “more economical than ostentatious.”
Carter Jonas says: ‘The island has over 30,000 square feet of unused accommodation, much of which highlights its historical significance.
‘Drake Island is earmarked for heritage-led regeneration, with plans for a new hotel and associated visitor facilities, as well as research and development relating to the marine and natural environment. The island benefits from existing planning permission for redevelopment for hotel use, including conversion of historic buildings, refurbishment of the jetty and infrastructure works.’
Drake Island, named after explorer Francis Drake, is just 6.5 acres wide. This is a view of the island from Mount Edgcumbe Folly (foreground), across from Plymouth in Cornwall.
