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The History of The Nare
Today, The Nare is a renowned five-star hotel. The journey, however, wasn't always straightforward. In its nearly century-long existence, the hotel has hosted soldiers, school pupils and more than a few colourful characters. Read on to learn how The Nare grew from humble beginnings (and why a lorry once took a dip in the outdoor swimming pool…)
Humble beginnings: 1929
The Nare was built in 1929 by a group of local businessmen. It opened in 1930 as a 36-bedroom hotel with a tariff of five guineas per week. That works out to £5.25 in decimal currency, but around £700 when adjusted for inflation.
From prep school to military base: 1940
In 1940, at the beginning of the Second World War, The Nare was taken over by St Peter's Boys Prep School from Seaford, Sussex. Their tenure lasted for one summer term before the hotel was promptly requisitioned by the Army to help defend the coast from invasion.
The White House was the Commanding Officer's residence, complete with its own tennis court. Concrete battlements can still be seen in the gardens from that time.
After the war: 1945
When the hotel was derequisitioned in 1945, Mr Edward Carpenter Stringer was appointed General Manager.
Formerly the Controller of Catering at the House of Lords, Stringer brought one of the Lords' silver carving trolleys with him to The Nare. Sometimes, in summer, he would carve joints in the Dining Room himself, wearing just a long white coat thrown over his beach shorts. He was an excellent host with a personality to match, and the hotel flourished under his proprietorship.
Stringer had the garages converted into guest accommodation, giving the hotel 50 bedrooms and enough room to sleep more than 80 guests. He retired in 1963.
Big ambitions and false starts: 1963
In 1963, The Nare was taken over by a Birmingham-based company. John Stringer, the former proprietor's son, was one of the directors.
The new owners were ambitious. They redesigned the ground floor and built a new dining room, as well as the outdoor swimming pool. They also had plans for a further 24 bedrooms.
Unfortunately, their ideas exceeded even their large funds, and the company went bust. This so infuriated one local tradesman that he deliberately drove his old lorry into the new outdoor swimming pool in lieu of payment.
The Nare begins to flourish: 1990s and beyond
The hotel was awarded a four-star rating in the early 1990s and acknowledged as the highest-rated hotel in Cornwall. It has retained that accolade for more than 25 years.
Over that period, much capital has been invested. Additions and improvements have included:
- The indoor swimming pool
- The west wing of six rooms
- The lift
- The Quarterdeck Restaurant
- Beach huts
- Hot tubs
- New sewerage systems
- Coastal protection measures
The hotel laundry has also been relocated to a site five miles inland, together with a delivery depot.
Read more about the 'Econitiatives' put in place at The Nare to reduce the impact on its beautiful rural location.
Passing the torch: 2000
On Millennium Night, Mrs Burt retired as General Manager as planned. Toby Ashworth became Managing Director and completed a buyout of family shareholders in 2004.
The Nare remains firmly in the same family ownership, and Mrs Gray's succession plan was realised several years before she died in 2011. The Nare has continued to flourish with much upgrading of rooms, suites and facilities. The hotel was invited to join as a member of Pride of Britain Hotels and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, becoming more approachable for visitors from overseas.
Future plans
Throughout the whole history of the hotel, and through the tenure of several owners, The Nare has retained two essential ingredients. First, its stunning, unspoilt location. And secondly, its renowned reputation for comfort and hospitality.
Today, The Nare remains under the direction of Toby and Katie Ashworth and the ever-loyal Mrs Burt. It is their firm intention that The Nare should maintain those two essential qualities above anything else.