TATTERED AND TORN, the historic Sam Lord’s Castle is now a mere shell. Although the roof is reduced to rubble, the structure of the 19th century Georgian mansion still stands in defiance of stormy weather and years of neglect.
Glimmering chandeliers and antique pieces once adorned this regal estate, which was surrounded by well-manicured lawns and two gently cascading fountains. When the Castle was managed by Marriott in 1972 and transformed into a prestigious hotel, famous guests and royals could still relish their stay at the spanking white, St Philip property, built just a few feet from the sea.
However, the downward spiral of abandonment followed the closure of the hotel when the Marriott fell into debt.
A similar fate was met by subsequent investor, CLICO Holdings Ltd in 2005 when there were plans to turn the Castle into a five-star hotel.
Please read the full story in today’s Sunday Sun, or in the eNATION edition.
