A Scottish businessman and aristocrat, known for his flamboyant lifestyle, lavish parties, and owning the island of Mustique, a popular celebrity getaway.
Colin Tennant, 3rd Baron Glenconner, is best known for transforming the tiny island of Mustique in the Grenadines into a luxurious haven for the rich and famous. In 1958, he purchased the island for a mere £45,000, and over the years, he developed it into a exclusive retreat for celebrities and aristocrats.
Born on December 1, 1926, in Chelsea, London, Colin Tennant was the son of Christopher Grey Tennant, 2nd Baron Glenconner, and Pamela Winefred Paget. His mother was the daughter of Sir Richard Paget, 2nd Baronet. After his parents divorced in 1935, Tennant was educated at Scaitcliffe and Eton College, where he developed a reputation for being kind to plain girls with nice manners and waspish to pretty ones with nasty manners.
After completing his education at Eton, Tennant enlisted in the Irish Guards, serving during the tail end of World War II and attaining the rank of lieutenant. After the war, he attended New College, Oxford, where he gained a reputation as a charming and flamboyant young aristocrat. He worked for the family's merchanting business, C. Tennant, Sons & Co, and began to attract the attention of the gossip columns as Princess Margaret's escort.
In 1958, Tennant purchased the island of Mustique, which at the time was a small, undeveloped island with no electricity or running water. Over the years, he invested heavily in the island, building luxury villas, a airport, and a yacht marina. He attracted celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Princess Margaret, and David Bowie to the island, making it a haven for the rich and famous.
Tennant was a close friend of Princess Margaret, and his wife, Lady Anne Coke, was a lady-in-waiting to the Princess. He was known for his charm, wit, and sense of humor, and was a regular on the London social scene. He was often involved in amateur dramatics, and in 1953, he took part in a production for charity of an Edgar Wallace play, "The Frog," alongside Princess Margaret.
Tennant succeeded to the peerage in 1983, becoming the 3rd Baron Glenconner. He died on August 27, 2010, leaving behind a legacy as a visionary developer and a charming socialite. Today, the island of Mustique remains a popular destination for the rich and famous, and Tennant's legacy as a pioneer of luxury tourism in the Caribbean is cemented.
Colin Tennant, 3rd Baron Glenconner, may have lived a life of luxury and privilege, but he left behind a lasting legacy as a visionary developer and a charming socialite. His contribution to the island of Mustique has made it a haven for the rich and famous, and his story is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Tennant was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1992 for his services to tourism in the Caribbean.
Tennant's development of Mustique was driven by his vision of creating a luxurious and exclusive retreat for the rich and famous. He believed in the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the island, while also providing a high level of luxury and service to his guests. His legacy continues to inspire developers and entrepreneurs in the Caribbean region.
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