Thursday, September 2, 2010
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HistoryThe Villa Marina started as an Estate. The land was acquired by George Steuart, who shortly after the purchase died in 1806. Some of the land was sold off and on the rest a house was built by the late Steuart's son for his mother. Upon Mrs Steuart's death the house become a school and then a governor residence. The latter in 1861 indicated the starting move from the capital then in Castletown to Douglas, as accommodation in Castletown was unavailable for the new Lieutenant Governor Pigott.In 1868 the Estate was bought by Henry Bloom Noble for £7,000. Upon his death in 1903 the Estate was offered for sale as a tourist site to Douglas Corporation in his will. In 1910, the Villa Marina Estate, then known as Marina Lodge, was purchased by Douglas Corporation from Noble's Trustees for £60,000. The Villa Marina Royal Hall and Gardens were opened in the the summer of 1913. Extensions to the Villa Marina were made in 1931. These included the Colonnade, Veranda, Public Conveniences and Arcade. In 1973, the Reading Room was converted into a Conference Hall. A new bandstand was erected at the Villa Marina in 1996. In 2001, the Villa Marina underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment, which was completed early in 2004. LocationThe Villa Marina is located along Harris Promenade overlooking Douglas Bay.By Vehicle: Travel to Douglas and then along the sea front to Harris Promenade. By Bus: Douglas can be reached by most main bus routes: 1's, 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, and 6's, as well as many others minor routes. On the island most routes leads to/from Douglas. By Railway: By Electric Railway, take the trams heading to Douglas. Then walk along the Promenade to Harris Promenade and the Villa Marina. (Note: It is a long walk, there are always buses and in the summer a regular service by the Horse Drawn Trams.) By Steam Railway, take the train to Douglas and then walk along the Promenade to Harris Promenade and the Villa Marina. Visiting the Villa MarinaThe Gardens are open to the public all year round. In the summer outside concerts are held on the grounds. The Villa Marina main complex was rebuilt and opened to the public again in April 2004. A range of facilities are available in the new complex, as well as the Royal Hall for concerts. Check listings for events held there.Royal Hall With sound, stage and lighting technology, this 1500 seat venue is perfect for concerts, shows and events. There is a spacious dance floor. Broadway Cinema State of the art cinema entertaining all the family with a range of new and old favourites. Promenade Suite Often rented room for meetings, events and local interest shows. Dragon's Castle Dedicated soft play area over many levels for children. Refreshment counter as well as seperate party room available. Colonnade Gardens Popular raised walkway, which links to the Villa Marina Gardens. Take in the wonderful sea views as well as the refreshing sea air.
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