The Sea Marge was built in 1908 as a country retreat by Sir Edgar Speyer, a German banker. He used his wealth to satisfy tastes in interior design which were eclectic even by the standards of the day. Hand-painted delft tiles adorned walls, Adam fireplaces were installed and a fine minstrels’ galley constructed.
Unfortunately Sir Edward did not long enjoy his investment. As a friend of the Kaiser, he became the object of much suspicion with the onset of World War 1. There were even rumours that the Sea Marge was used as a vantage point for signalling to German submarines. He was stripped of his knighthood and British citizenship and eventually deported.
His fine house stood abandoned and empty until 1935 when it began a flourishing period as a hotel, numbering Winston Churchill among its regular guests. From 1955 to 1990 the benefits of sea air led to the Sea Marge operating as a nursing home. It was then privately purchased but the new owner could not maintain the house and it deteriorated through neglect, theft and vandalism.
Fortunately, the Sea Marge was rescued by the Mackenzie family, lovingly restored and reopened as a hotel in 1996. A stolen fireplace was tracked down to Northampton and returned to pride of place in the reception.
Most of the minstrels’ gallery had been destroyed but one surviving panel was used as the inspiration for the stunning replica that we see today.
Fortunately, the Sea Marge was rescued by the Mackenzie family, lovingly restored and reopened as a hotel in 1996. A stolen fireplace was tracked down to Northampton and returned to pride of place in the reception.
Most of the minstrels’ gallery had been destroyed but one surviving panel was used as the inspiration for the stunning replica that we see today.
GALLERY
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