Edendore - a magical history....

Stephen Dourass (436) offers a 'snapshot' of Polperro life linked to their former Sail Loft home.

After spending over 50 years visiting beautiful Polperro my wife Tracy and I moved to this magical place in 2015. We initially owned a let property called 'Little Laney' (the former Midland Bank) and Tracy then progressed to run her lovely Vintage Gift shop, Rosina's in Lansallos Street - we lived above the shop in Nancy's cottage, Little Laney. Tracy really wanted something bigger with a garden so our Kernow journey continued - we moved into beautiful Edendore in March 2019.

Edendore, previously called 'Lower Shute' and 'Snells Place' is positioned at the bottom end of Talland Hill - a former Sail Loft built at around the middle of the 18th Century - steeped in history like many of the older properties in our stunning village.

In more recent times Edendore was a Bed & Breakfast property owned and managed by Kitty and Ralph Penter. Having spoken to their son Adrian who lived there for many years Edendore apparently has Roman links ! It seems that Roman coins were un-earthed during renovations on the Annex passage from the 'wash house' to the main building in the 1950's. These artefacts were despatched to Truro Museum. The large garden at the rear used to have numerous greenhouses that grew produce to supply the village grocery shops - such interesting stories that really bring Edendore to life in the 21st Century ! Previous owners were many over the years and they included Maureen and Andy Copaz who brought character to Edendore with Andy running a business from 'The smallest shop in Kernow' - selling peanuts in a beautiful little shop which is now called Jasmine Art . Maureen and Andy's initials are worked into Edendore's front gate on Talland Hill, along with their cat Charlie . Andy was a real character and 'cheeky chappie' who was also the main pall bearer at the Kray Twins funeral !

From the old deeds of Edendore we have discovered that Hannah Hill Hitchens Rowett owned Edendore during the early 20th Century whilst living at the adjacent property 'The Cottage' now called 'Dolphin House'.

'The Cottage' was the main Rowett family home and before Hannah died in 1928 she appointed executors Herbert Edward Butler and her niece Caroline Rowett.

Herbert Edward Butler, a famous and recognised artist of his time lived close by in 'Orchard Cottage' at the rear of 'The Cottage'. Herbert's Great Granddaughter Sophie Stockbridge is also a member of PFHS and now resides in Italy - a lovely lady who has helped with our research.

Caroline's brother John Quiller Rowett was a very wealthy businessman of his time and actually helped finance Sir Ernest Shackleton's final expedition to the Antarctic on 'The Quest'. John Quiller Rowett also helped finance and establish The Rowett Institute in Polperro. His investments at the time included those with the Whiskey Distiller Sir John Stewart, whose business failed during the financial crash, which cost Rowett at least £100,000. According to newspaper reports Rowett also lost £15,000 from his investment in the Shackleton expedition and was greatly affected by the death of Sir Ernest Shackleton who was also a great friend going back to his school days.

As a result of all these events sadly John Quiller Rowett committed suicide and was found hanging at his residence in London.

Edendore continues to release it's secrets and we recently discovered hatchways cut out of the centre of the floors, where it seems historic 'Polperro Gaffer' sails were stood upright through from the ground floor to the top of the building to dry.

A water tanks lies within the West part of the property which used to supply fresh water from it's Rapheal stream originating from Hobb's Hill at the rear - offering washing and drinking water for villagers in the 18th century.

The house sits in a North / South direction and still houses 'boxed' seat shelves in its harbour facing windows - these boxed areas were used as 'hiding holes' for contraband and smuggled goods - an oil lamp would be lit in these windows to highlight to boats entering the harbour a request for such illegal items.

I find it amazing how a home can release such interesting life events from simple research !

I really hope this article offers another small 'snapshot' of life in historic Polperro - our village continues to give up it's secrets and I'm sure Edendore will continue to reveal many many more.....

Lord and Lady Dourass