La Grande Mare sold to local billionaire resident

Thursday 03 January 2019

A billionaire who made his fortune in financial services before investing in other industries has bought La Grande Mare Hotel and Golf Club for an as-yet undisclosed fee.

Stephen Lansdown and his wife Maggie announced the purchase to staff at the hotel and golf club yesterday, having agreed a deal with the Vermeulen family, who previously owned the premises for 40 years.

Pictured: La Grande Mare is located along the Vazon coast road, and has its own health club, hotel and 18-hole golf course. 

While the Vermeulen brothers, Simon and Chris, were hands on in their ownership of the resort, Mr Lansdown has appointed Sacha Cauwels-Wigan to be the General Manager of the entire site. That is believed to be a new role which Mr Lansdown has created immediately on taking over his new business. 

In an email sent to club members yesterday and leaked to Express, Mr Lansdown said: "I have been a member of La Grande Mare for eight years during which time I've watched it grow. I am delighted to continue the good work and look forward to expanding the facilities in the years ahead." 

Pictured: La Grande Mare occupies a prime position on Guernsey's west coast. 

Last week, Express approached Chris Vermeulen, one of the two Vermeulen brothers who ran the hotel and golf club, to ask about the potential sale to Mr Lansdown going through court. He denied it was the case and said he had no comment to make at that time. 

However, in the email sent to golf club members yesterday, the Vermeulen family said they wanted to thank all of the members of the club for their "support and loyalty" over the years, and they wish the Pula family - Mr Lansdown and his wife Maggie - "every success for the future". 

Pictured: Stephen Lansdown is Chairman of Bristol City Football Club. 

Stephen Lansdown was born and educated in the UK, but made his money when he sold his shares in Hargreaves Lansdown, the financial services company which he had formed. He moved to Guernsey in 2010 and as of September 2015, his net worth was reported to be $1.88bn.

Mr Lansdown also founded Bristol Sport, and so is a majority shareholder for Bristol Rugby and Bristol City FC.

In 2017, he was awarded a CBE for his services to Bristol and business. 

Pictured top: the entrance to the La Grande Mare hotel.