Former Les Vardes Farm Hotel to be converted into family home

The west coast building has stood derelict for years and was sold last year. Talks are now taking place with planners to ensure that the renovation is sympathetic to the area and the building, some parts of which are listed.

The property is owned by Peter Stenner and his wife Amy, who have been visiting the island on their boat for about five years, and spotted what they saw as a renovation opportunity.

‘We were over here the year before last looking around and I thought it would be a nice project,’ he said.

‘We noticed it as being something special.’

Soon after buying the site Mr Stenner discovered that there was already a family connection – his brother stayed at the hotel while honeymooning in the island in 1985.

He said their aim was to create a home for their family, somewhere for them to live during their visits to the island, and it will also be used by their six children when they are staying here.

Mr Stenner said they were keen to ensure that any work undertaken is sympathetic.

‘I’m looking to have planners’ advice as to what is acceptable and viable,’ he said.

He has already spoken to local architects and intends to use local companies, if available, to carry out the work wherever possible.

Given the poor condition of the buildings, which suffered additional damage during last November’s Storm Ciaran, he hoped it would not take too long before work could get under way.

The project will likely take place in stages and he estimated that it could take between three and five years to complete.

The main Georgian building dates from 1792, although a stone over the door of one section marks that part’s construction in the late 19th century.

During its time as a hotel it had 11 rooms for guests, who had to share two bathrooms. It has been empty since 1986.

The site includes seven-and-a-half acres of land, running from Route de Port Grat to Route de Vaugrat, and backing onto Les Vardes quarry.

The Stenners said they were not worried about having the quarry on their doorstep – at one time, it actually belonged to the farm.

A farmer already uses the field on site and Mr Stenner said he would continue to do so.

An application has already been placed with respect to a garage near the entrance to the site for cladding to be installed and for a door in the south-west gable along with internal alterations.

‘That’s to make it more secure,’ said Mr Stenner.