The Great White Palace

by Tony Porter

In 1986 Tony Porter and his wife, Beatrice bought Burgh Island off the Devon coast, with its near-derelict art deco hotel. Up to their necks in debt and with a mammoth task ahead of them, they gradually restored it to its former glory.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

Paperback

First published May 1, 2002

Reviews

[Insomniac Library (Drew) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about an island in Devon where I spent almost every summer holiday. I know the island and the beach so well, I’m not sure I would have liked this as much if I hadn’t visited this place personally.
The story told here is interesting, some amazing people have stayed at the hotel and the journey the owners went on to realise their dream is impressive, however...

Someone who hasn’t been here might not enjoy the book as much, also the owner Tony who wrote the book is oh so posh so sometimes it can feel like a very privileged thing to read. For instance, they had to sell their yacht to afford the island...
Still an interesting read though.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine gifted my husband and I with this book while we were staying with her and her husband at Burgh Island Hotel last month. The hotel, sometimes known as the "Temple of Art Deco", is stunningly authentic and mesmerizing and makes it so easy to imagine what life in the late 1920s and the 1930s must have been like. Entrenched in history, the story of this unique place is told beautifully by Tony Porter who along with his wife B, breathed life back into this sparkling gem of a hotel. It truly was a labor of love for them, and all of their ups and down are portrayed here with sensitivity and humor. I really enjoyed reading about this lovely place and am very much looking forward to another stay! Three and a half stars out of five.

[ST Nesbitt Ham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been to Burgh Island his year as a treat from a family member who then passed this book to me , i initially thought it was going to be about Agatha Christie stay there . How wrong was I ! It was about the journey for Tony Porter and his Wife B and their story from buying the property and then the troubles selling it after many years , lots of little sorties about the trails and tribulations . Having been to the island I could relate to a lot of what he talked about the hotel and its amazing grounds . There is nowhere quite like it . My only regret was not riding the sea tractor ! A must read for anyone how has stayed at the hotel .

[Debbie Bridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went to this hotel for the 1st time last year, when Debbie and Tony had just sold the hotel. Was told by someone in the Pilchard pub that this book existed, but had to buy it from a little shop on the road back - missed shop and to turn round, but glad I did.

It’s a great story about perseverance and risking to do what you love! Suits the back drop of my experience of this place. Felt very fortunate to experience it just like Tony and B made it. Not sure what it will be like now, as I believe they plan to build a new wing, but I hope not!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable and fascinating account of a couples passion and determination to rescue and restore the iconic hotel on Burgh Island in Devon. Originally a stylish Art Deco 'palace' in the 1930's & 40's, by the 1980's the building had fallen into disrepair until Tony Porter and his wife B fell in love with it and set about restoring it to its former glory. I have read reviews from people who knew the island well and felt that if you didn't know the place it would not be such a good read - well I have never been there but really enjoyed this account.

[Karen Gresty · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read about the history and renovation of the lovely Art Deco hotel on Burgh Island in Devon. We’ve stayed there recently and it was really interesting to have some backroom insight into how it came to be a hotel. The only thing I found a bit odd was how the author had to remark on the appearance of all the women he met, especially if they were young or “lovely ladies”. It got a bit creepy in the end and I half-expected him to refer to women as ‘fillies’…

[Gail Darwent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining history of an iconic hotel

[Ley Holloway]

Fascinating insight into a unique hotel and it's equally unique owners.

[Not Quite A Bookshop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this piece of non fiction and now even more desperate to visit the island ❤️

[Ali Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know this area so well so the book was a joy to read all the history of the hotel. It was
Like having a conversation with the author and so easy to read.

[Mrs S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about such an iconic place, would love to visit one day..

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about the couple who rebuilt Burgh Islan to its former glory. All the more for having spent so much time seeing and visiting the island as a child and adult.

Although I'm sure he didn't mean too but at times he comes over a little smug, then again maybe that just my envy showing through.

[Kevin Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reading. Having a great affinity with Devon and the South Hams in particular I was interested in the history of the island and of course the iconic hotel. The book is a straightforward narrative that covers all the bases in those respects and I enjoyed it very much.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't finish it. Not for me. Would probably enjoy it more if I had been to Lundy. Very good book for those who want to know more about the owners story.