La Grande Mare sold
LA GRANDE Mare Hotel has been sold to a company connected with a local billionaire Stephen Lansdown.
The sale of the four-star hotel went through on New Year’s Eve, with Pula Investments Ltd taking over from the Vermeulen family.
The company forms part of the family office of Stephen and Margaret Lansdown.
The price has not been disclosed.
Mr Lansdown said he was pleased with the purchase. ‘I’ve been a member of the hotel’s golf club for a number of years and have been aware that the Vermeulen family were considering all options for the hotel’s future,’ he said. ‘It struck me that this could be a great opportunity to invest in something on my doorstep and really build on the solid foundations that they have laid over the last 40 years.
‘The Vermeulen family have worked hard particularly to strengthen the growing reputation of the golf course over the last 23 years and I look forward to bringing my group’s expertise to explore how we can secure La Grande Mare’s reputation as a world-class golf club and resort.’
In last year’s Sunday Times rich list Mr Lansdown was listed as co-founder of financial services company Hargreaves Lansdown and had an estimated value of £1.72bn.
He is also a founder of Bristol Sport and majority shareholder of Bristol Rugby, Bristol Flyers basketball club, and Bristol City Football Club.
Chris Vermeulen and his brother, Simon, have retired from the hotel business. ‘We are delighted that the Lansdown family has taken up the baton of taking La Grande Mare forward,’ Chris Vermeulen said.
‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff, members and clients for the wonderful support they have afforded us over the many years of trading.’
Under the new ownership, Sacha Cauwels-Wigan has been appointed resort general manager with immediate effect. She has a degree in international hotel management and an executive management career which spans more than 20 years.
‘I am extremely excited to have moved to Guernsey and to have the opportunity to further develop La Grande Mare and bring the team together to deliver service-centric and people-focused hospitality in fantastic surroundings,’ she said.
‘As a keen golfer I can’t wait to take on the challenge that is La Grande Mare golf course and I dare say the pro-shop will do well in selling me golf balls as on my first round I managed to lose a good few in the many water hazards around.’
She has led golf and leisure resorts in Europe, Africa and Middle East, including The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and The Dubai Golf and Racing Club.
