History of Commonwood Manor, Looe

Commonwood Manor was built by an Italian/French merchant and musician in the style of an Italian villa with large airy rooms, most of which overlook a wonderful terrace with ten French doors maximizing the light which floods the ground floor and river-facing bedrooms.

Originally built around 1890 as a Victorian family home this beautiful house has reverted to its original name of Commonwood Manor. It was the first house in Cornwall to be constructed wholly of concrete – because the owner didn’t like fire!

The house, carved into the hillside overlooking the East Looe River, was designed to maximise the effect of its location and the ever-changing scenery. The façade of French windows invites the famous Cornish sunshine to reach deep into the heart of the house all day long and provide the clearest views over the river valley and beyond. A drive was formed for the horse drawn carriages and the immediate outlook around the house was then terraced into gardens.

Commonwood’s most illustrious owner was F. Lyde Caunter who lived here until 1955. A fine musician himself, famous aficionados of his day such as Arthur Rubenstein also stayed and played here. We continue the tradition with musical evenings around the grand piano in the hall and live events both inside and out.

F. Lyde Caunter was also a passionate golfer and his regular house guest, Harry Vardon, a former British Open Champion, designed and laid out the local Looe golf course whilst in residence. Today, we continue the association with Looe Golf Club with our golfing weekends.