HISTORY
The rich history of The Savoy is bursting with character and stories. From being a wartime rehabilitation centre through to a resort for family holidays, this site holds a wealth of happy memories for those who have stayed.
The early years
The Savoy's varied history has been traced back almost 100 years. Once a single cottage occupied the site which was surrounded by beautiful grounds. The original name of the cottage was 'The Maltings'. In keeping with its name at one time it is thought to have been a distillery. A star of stage and music hall, Ada Reeve bought 'The Maltings' in 1912 and re-named it Malta Cottage.
A respite facility
In later years, Ada Reeve offered her home as a 'rehabilitation centre' for those who were wounded at Gallipoli during the First World War.
Malta Cottage was also used as a convalescent home during the Second World War and was known as HMS Manatee.
After the war, Malta Cottage was let and eventually sold to the Earl of Edgcumber. In the 1950s, The Savoy holiday camp was developed in the grounds of the estate. Malta Cottage remained central to the site and gradually grew to encompass a number of uses including sports and entertainment facilities.
Explore the Island family holidays
Maurice Lickens who had previously visited The Savoy on family holidays decided to buy The Savoy in 1967. Mr Lickens and his family owned the site for over twenty years. The Savoy is now managed by his daughter Ann and her husband Phil.
The Lickens' aim was to create a family holiday village that provided a variety of sports and leisure activities and comfortable holiday villas, in a country club atmosphere.
