Historic Devon hotel inspired Agatha Christie's 1939 novel

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 13:01 · Archive

Burgh Island Hotel off Devon's coast inspired Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.

Burgh Island Hotel, an Art Deco hotel situated on its own private island off the Devon coast, inspired Agatha Christie's 1939 classic And Then There Were None. The hotel was commissioned in the 1920s by entrepreneur Archie Nettlefold, who aspired to create an opulent retreat for wealthy individuals. Its unique location and marine setting quickly made it a favourite among the rich and famous.

Agatha Christie first visited the hotel in 1938 and was captivated by its romantic seclusion. She became a frequent guest, using the tranquil environment for relaxation and novel-writing. The hotel served as inspiration for two of her novels: And Then There Were None and N or M?. The fictional Soldier Island in And Then There Were None is directly modelled after Burgh Island.

Guests accessed the hotel at low tide via a pebble path, while at high tide an amphibious vehicle known as a 'sea tractor' was used. By the mid-1930s, the hotel's reputation had soared, drawing in a varied clientele of celebrities, artists and writers. The hotel continues to attract visitors today.

Historic Devon hotel inspired Agatha Christie's 1939 novel — Image: Oxford Mail

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Inside the historic hotel that inspired Agatha Christie's 1939 mystery hotelInside the historic hotel, which inspired the Agatha Christie 1939 classic, that continues to attract visitors to this day.Oxford Mail · 26 Oct, 12:30
Inside the historic hotel that inspired Agatha Christie's 1939 mystery hotelInside the historic hotel, which inspired the Agatha Christie 1939 classic, that continues to attract visitors to this day.Oxfordshire Guardian · 26 Oct, 12:30

In this story: Burgh Island Hotel · Agatha Christie · Archie Nettlefold · Devon · And Then There Were None

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