A six-acre island off the coast of Plymouth Harbour has recently gone on the market and, as well as offering a unique development opportunity, comes with a few unexpected guests.
Drake’s Island is named after Sir Francis Drake, who sailed from it when he set off to circumnavigate the globe in 1577. The island is steeped in military history and has protected Britain from French and Spanish invasion for over 400 years, evidenced by the fortifications, underground tunnels, barracks, ammunition stores and cannons that scatter its 6.4 acres. It’s also been a religious site, a refuge and even a prison in the past.
While the island might be completely surrounded by water, it’s relatively accessible, and is 600 yards from Plymouth Harbour, a short swim for a strong swimmer, or a 10-minute boat ride. Once on the island, visitors access it via a jetty which has stairs that ascend to the elevated fortified area or, for those wanting more relaxing and less military history, apath that connects to a small private beach on the northern side.
What’s more, according to the current owner, Morgan Phillips, who bought the island for £6m in 2019, the ghosts of 15 military men still haunt the island. “If you believe the mediums who come out here...they're all British squaddies,” he told MKFM. “They are here to protect us. That's what they did when they were alive and that's what they're still doing... I've seen enough to say stuff happens here that I can't explain. But all of it is really nice.”
As well as two-hour ghost tours, the island has been used as a film location, for adventure days and even as a backdrop to theatre productions. It generated an income of around £590,000 in 2023 but there’s scope for its new owner to take things even further as it also has planning permission, granted in 2020, for a 43-bedroom hotel.
The ghosts are here to protect us
A brochure from property consultant Carter Jonas stated: “The plans are centred around our committed desire to regenerate Drake's Island and inject a new lease of life into the existing historic buildings. The beauty and heritage of the resort lends itself to a best-in-class development to take full advantage of its outstanding position.”
Phillips had planned to do the renovations himself and, 18 months ago, unveiled ambitious plans for two hotels, a museum, heritage centre and wellness facilities on the island, along with marine and environmental plans that would benefit the local area. It’s not uncommon to spot a seal napping on the rocks nearby.
Unfortunately, these exciting ideas didn’t come to fruition and Phillips has placed the freehold of the island on the market. “I purchased this historic island in 2019 with ambitious plans. However, as so many of us know, conditions have altered over the past five years, and due to recent changes, I am seeking someone to take over and bring these dreams to life more quickly than I could. This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of history and create something truly special that honours the island’s heritage and significance locally and beyond,” says Phillips.
This is an incredible opportunity to create history
“Being the steward of this amazing landscape has been one of the great joys of my life. I'm pleased to have worked with local authorities and stakeholders to implement plans to revitalise Drake’s Island and breathe new life into its historic buildings. I hope to pass on the baton to someone passionate about the island’s surroundings and can realise its potential, and I would cherish the prospect of seeing these ambitions realised.”
Ali Rana, Partner, Head of National Investment at Carter Jonas added: “The heritage and beauty of Drake's Island make itwell-suited for a best-in-class development that can fully employ its outstanding position and rejuvenate a treasured and much-loved landmark.”
As Drake’s Island offers such a unique opportunity, there is no fixed guide price. However, renovation costs are estimated to be between £22m-25m so, whoever buys the haunted isle, will need deep pockets.
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2024-07-26T11:27:22Z dg43tfdfdgfd