UK-based luxury hotel operator Von Essen is understood to have put down an offer for the Herm island in the English Channel.

The mile-and-a-half long and half-a-mile wide island was put on the market by specialist estate agents Knight Frank and Martel Maides on behalf of its owners earlier this year. Its 40-year lease is currently up for sale for £15m.

The island boasts a 40-room country house hotel, called The White House, which is famous for not having any televisions, clocks or telephones. Other guest accommodation includes more than 20 self-catering cottages, an 80-pitch campsite and eco-friendly log cabins.

Cars are also banned from the island, which has 50 residents and is located 70 miles from the south coast of England.

It is understood that Von Essen is looking to establish the island as a luxury resort by upgrading the hotel and building a health spa on the site.