These photos were all taken on my second visit in December 2008, when I wanted to take another look at the WW2 nissen hut (see the previous post for the first explore). I walked up a different road and went in a back way this time, instead of the front drive, where I discovered this lovely little lane on site complete with two nissen huts.
The one shown above couldn't be seen from the other side because of the hut between it and the path, whereas the one below is the rear of the one that I saw on my first visit.
I was unable to discover why these were built here. However, I did find a tenuous reference to RAF Branscombe, which makes sense as RAF Branscombe was a Chain Radar Station, one of a system of linked radar stations around Britain. There was apparently another one in Beer, the next village along to the east, with Seaton to the east of that, and being on a high promitory Seaton Heights would have been a perfect site. Interestingly, there are now masts for modern day usage situated here.
Seen from the road, above, on my way to the unofficial 'back entrance', which is no longer available having been blocked up and considerably grown over.
Up the pretty lane, onto the hotel site proper and between some garages and other outbuildings to the front of the nissen hut that I saw on my first visit.
Then down to the pool and sports area. I love this gently winding path made even softer by the grass, moss and fallen leaves.
Although it was almost mid December there was still plenty of greenery and autumn foliage to be seen along with drifts of red and orange leaves on the ground.
I wasn't able to get a clear photo of it, but the building to the left of the centre, above, looks like an old WW2 building. The corrugated sides are similar to those used on many military huts of that era, especially as seen on airfields. It only just occured to me that this might be part of the hut behind the first nissen hut seen on the other side.
When I undertook my first explore in 2007 this area was quite bare, with just paving stones and gravel, but by now it had begun to grow over.
Then back up, through the buildings to the rear of the hotel, finding a broom on the way...just right for sweeping up the leaves! ;)
As for the hotel itself, since 2004 the owners have been pending approval for the site to be demolished and a new holiday home complex to be built. It has taken a long time to obtain approval, many applications being rejected due to problems with various resources, such as sewerage, and also overbuilding in a site of natural interest. It took four years from conception for it to be eventually approved in Jan 2012, but that was also rejected in February 2014 due to an objection from Natural England organisation.
http://lymebayleisure.co.uk/things-are-moving-forward/
...which I've just checked (in 2022) and the above website is no longer available. However, there still doesn't appear to be any movement, although there are still plans for the new complex according to one newspaper report.
The stunning Art Deco staircase again, and a lovely winding ramp as an alternative access to the first floor corridor at the rear (below).
When I first explored the hotel complex in 2007 and this time in 2008, the site was completely untouched by vandals; the only signs of disrepair due to natural weathering and lack of maintenance. Sadly, since then I have seen more recent photos from other explorers showing smashed windows and rubbish everywhere. I hate that sort of thing and am really grateful to have seen it during its graceful decline into decay.
Inside, on the ground floor.
Plants were climbing in through an open window area. I should imagine that there was once seating here; a bench perhaps, somewhere to enjoy the garden whilst sheltering from the elements.
There was a delightful little robin bobbing about on the stairs when I went in, which can just about be seen in the window on the lefthand photo below. Friendly little birds (to us humans at least, as they are extremely territorial and aggressive towards other robins), this one wasn't the least bit disturbed when I carefully went by on the stairs. And the view through the window on the right.
I didn't brave going right up the stairs on my first visit, but did on the second, and on this later visit the corridor felt a little spongey underfoot after long neglect. None of the rooms were open during my visits, as they were all locked, but they've since been forced open and wrecked according to other photos I've seen online.
On the first floor, long balconies provided corridor access to the accommodation rooms. At the end of the first one, above left, I turned the corner and went along the second one to the end, below, with its scary drop where the staircase has been taken away.
Looking down from the balcony at the top of the ramp, on my way back.
And from the outside, below, where the corner to the second corridor can be seen.
And this is the accommodation from the front, below.
Opposite the accommodation, on the righthand side of the driveway, I had a look around the side of the reception building.
In the photo above the sports hall can be seen in the distance on the right. And, below, I found myself back in the pool area on the other side.
When the place was alive and kicking I came here a couple of times; once to play badminton in the sports hall with some friends followed by a beer in the lounge bar, and the other time for a work-related day course. The course was held in the conference room with a view of the patio and pool. It looked quite nice then, with people dabbling in the water, but to me it's even lovelier during the sleepy slide into dereliction when the lines between buildings and nature begin to blur and become part of the landscape. That's the thing I love about abandoned places that have been left untouched.
The building overlooking the pool contains the lounge, bar and conference room.
And nearby, a lone picnic bench, wistfully waiting for someone to sit there once again. I would have loved to, but it was far too damp and I didn't want to overstay my welcome.
Finally, a fond farewell to this delightfully faded hotel. A view of the cliffs and the sea in the distance, and a last look at part of the old front gate and front drive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVBlxKBXrw0
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