Derelict hotel to get new lease of life thanks to developer

A former hotel in a North Devon beauty spot is to be given a new lease of life.

The Lee Bay Hotel in Ilfracombe is being given a new lease of life by independent property developer, Acorn Property Group.

The plan is to restore the derelict building and transform it into new homes.

Proposals for the site, nestled in a coastal setting overlooking Lee Bay Beach and a gateway to many coastal footpaths, also include land The National Trust acquired from the developer for £1, which will increase access for visitors and include a new parking area.

The former hotel  has been standing empty for 16 years and had fallen into disrepair. It is set to be developed into 16 one-, two-, three-bedroom stylish apartments and duplexes along with four four-bedroom detached houses.

Over the years, the building – that started out its life as a Manor House – has seen a number of unsympathetic conversions and extensions that turned it into a blight on the picturesque coastal town.

However, plans by the developer will see these newer extensions demolished and replaced, sympathetically designed to be in keeping with the surrounding landscape.

The main building will be restored back to the glory days of the Arts and Crafts architectural era and converted into 16 stylish apartments, whilst four detached houses will be built into the landscape in the extensive grounds.

The houses will all feature ‘green roofs’ with a mixture of local materials, including slate, timber and stone and have been designed with minimal visual impact on the landscape.

Proposals for the south side of the site will give easy access to a network of coastal footpaths nearby and convenient visitor facilities.

Stuart Brereton, regional managing director for Cornwall and Devon for Acorn Property Group, said: “We are delighted to be able to restore this historical building and well-known landmark in Ilfracombe, set along the stunning Devon Coastline overlooking Lee Bay Beach. The apartments and houses are carefully designed to marry the old with the new and to deliver inspiring living spaces.

“We also wanted to preserve this iconic landscape with a scheme that has minimal visual impact, whilst opening up the south side of the site so that everyone can enjoy the scenic views and the wonderful footpaths this part of Devon has to offer. The setting is truly the best that coastal living has to offer. “

Rob Joules, general manager for the National Trust in North Devon said: “The National Trust are looking forward to opening up access to this area for visitors with improved facilities to one of the most breath-taking parts of North Devon. Following the development of the site, we hope that the facilities will be enjoyed by all.”