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Our History

The history and charm of The Abbey Sands Hotel

History

Villas, Halls & Hotels

The Abbey Sands Hotel originally started life as two Victorian Villas, The Glenfinnan and The Roslin Hall. Due to the expansion of the Great Western Railway and the turn of the century tourist boom in Torquay, they began trading as hotels around 110 years ago. Eventually, they were then joined together to create The Roslyn Hall Hotel, and then a few years later it was changed to the Grosvenor Hotel and bought by Mr Richardson.

Heritage

The English Riviera

Between Torre Abbey and Waldon Hill, on land which slopes gently towards the sea, are four main streets: Chestnut Avenue, Belgrave, Croft, and Scarborough Roads. These were laid out between the 1850s and 1860s; the first two within what was at the time part of the landscaped grounds of Torre Abbey. Many hotels were subsequently greatly enlarged or conjoined, and much of this part of the area is given over entirely to the holiday and conference trade.

Wall Art

Banksy Connection

In 2010, an 8ft high mural of a young boy drawing a robot appeared overnight at the Abbey Sands Hotel. Well-known street artist Banksy – whose art has been snapped up by celebrities including the late George Michael, Damien Hirst and U2’s Bono – validates the piece on his own website.

PRESENT DAY

Richardson Hotels

The Richardson Hotel Group is a collection of four very individual hotels, situated in the most stunning locations on the South Devon and Cornwall coasts. All offer striking period architecture, breath-taking views and award-winning dining.