Our History
Celebrating our 30th anniversary this year!
There has been a hotel in the cove since 1925. Sea View Guest House was the original name, with just eleven rooms. The building that was to become the guesthouse at one time housed a Cinema in Devonport, part of the Plymouth Naval base. It was transported to the Aerodrome near to Rew during World War II, where it became an unofficial officers mess. The building was then purchased from the navy and transported to the current location of Soar Mill Cove.
Keith & Norma Makepeace purchased it in 1978 completely refurbishing the building, although on the morning of New Years Eve they woke to find snow falling which lasted for five days. Keith and Keith Stephen spent much of that week sledging on baking trays denting them in the process. Over the years Norma, Keith and team, have completely rebuilt in order to revive the long single storey building maximising the view and gardens.
By their first Easter all rooms were full to capacity, and with most wonderful weather 100 people paid to park in the car park. Keith cooked breakfasts & main courses for seven years. Norma made all the desserts, pastries, scones & bread, for 17 years.
Keith Stephen began to help out at the age of 9 mowing the lawns and washing up. The first summer he worked on the car park, selling tickets, and earning 2p on every one. Caroline, Keith Stephen's sister worked her first season at the age of 19. Norma showed Keith Stephen that kitchen life would be full of adventure and so the budding chef set out for a catering college focusing on basic management skills. After gaining his diploma, Keith dovetailed into the hotel team as Head Waiter for 2yrs and became Head Chef at the age of 22.
30 years on, the accolades continue to roll in, with AA 4 stars, and 2 Dining Rosettes for the very best seaside food.
Note: The original mill, after which the cove is named, was 30 yards back from the steps to the beach.