9 February 2009. Planning approval in principal
has been granted to demolish the complex and
replace it with 68 new apartments.
At the same time planners have also given
permission for a new hotel in Ramsey.
For a long time the hotel has attracted
visitors from all over the world,
initially as a place of luxury but more
recently as a place of historical interest.
Originally the building started life as a seven
Bedroomed Mansion ,`Beachmount` in 1876.
It was purpose built for a retired sea captain
Aaron Williams from Liverpool.
It remained a family home until Captain Williams
death in 1894.
The hotel was first developed from a
country house in the 1890s.
It was originally named the Ramsey Hydro which
first opened its doors in 1897
and was the first in the Isle of Man with brine
baths.
In the early days it provided the perfect venue
for wealthy families to holiday.
The Hydro flourished and in the 1920s
it was taken over by the Clague family
who continued to maintain high standards.
This was the dining room at the Ramsey Hydro.
The affluent period of Manx history around the
1880s saw the building of several new hotels,
the Ramsey Hydro was one of them.
 |
| The smoking Room |
The smoking room was generally used by gentlemen
after dinner.
In later years this room was converted into a
small dining room.
 |
| The Grand Corridor-later named The sun Lounge |
 |
| The dining Room |
The Grand Corridor at the Ramsey Hydro
was the perfect place for visitors to relax and
enjoy afternoon tea. It led from the rear entrance
of the hotel to the front of the building and
looked out on the countryside and over
the Manx hills.
The hotel was famous for its high quality brine
baths which were believed to have healing
properties.
It’s thought the brine was pumped in from
the Point of Ayre.
In the 1960s, a businessman called John Marsland
headed a consortium which bought the Ramsey Hydro.
With the help of financial aid from the Isle of Man
Government the sight was redeveloped and the
hotel was re-launched as the Grand Island.
The hotel refurbishment was undertaken by local
contractors. A Newspaper report from the time
mentions the outstanding interior features,
particularly the colour scheme which was said
to reflect the hues found in the Manx countryside.
The hotel was a favourite venue of Governor,
Sir Ronald Garvey.
He hailed the hotel as a fine example which
other parts of the Island would do well to copy.
In 1988, the Michelin and Egon Ronay guides named it
the best hotel in the Island.
In October 1972 the annex of the hotel was
destroyed by a fire.
The building was normally used to house staff
but thankfully the hotel was closed for renovation
at the time and no one was injured.
In July 1975 plans were revealed to convert
the hotel into an international college.
A Swiss organisation wanted to buy the property
and rename it “The Maharishi International College”
to teach transcendental meditation techniques.
It never happened.
In 1984, the business was purchased by
John Parkin who completely renovated what was by
then a semi-derelict site, refurbishing all the
bedrooms, public areas, restaurant and bars
and in 1987 opening Club Henley, a health and
leisure centre.
 |
| Workers after the extension from Beachmount 1894 |
The Grand Island has changed hands several times
since then and is currently owned and operated
by millionaire Andreas resident Trevor Hemmings’
company, Seymar Developments Ltd.
