Before the Bulldozers: Inside Castletown’s Crumbling Golf Links Hotel

These pictures show just how badly things had gone wrong at the former Castletown Golf Links Hotel, and why the bulldozers have finally moved in.

The hotel shut its doors back in 2017, long after its glory days, but nearly 20 years on the building had become so derelict it was declared a danger to public safety.

Supplied by CCJ Group managing director Derek Clarkson, the images reveal a grim scene inside: collapsed ceilings, debris everywhere, smashed windows, graffiti-covered walls and holes punched clean through plasterwork.

Graffiti on the wall of the hotel kitchen

There’s also clear evidence of unwanted guests, with Golf Links owner Philip Vermeulen revealing intruders even used fire extinguishers to wreck the staircases. Subtle.

Demolition started last week and is expected to take around 12 weeks, with an emergency road closure now in place on Fort Island Road to keep both construction traffic, and curious night-time explorers, at bay.

CCJ says the building is being taken down in a controlled, section-by-section manner to prevent wind-blown debris and deal safely with materials, including asbestos, which surveys have so far only found in the soffits.

And in a proper plot twist, this isn’t the end of the story.

Mr Vermeulen has confirmed plans for a future five-star hotel on the site, potentially with around 35 rooms, a bay-view restaurant, a golfers’ pro shop, and even wedding facilities.

You can read more about that HERE.