Discover the history of Fowey Hall in Cornwall
Our history
Home to Cornwall’s answer to Gatsby, Fowey Hall and its surroundings have long been the inspiration for literary greats.
Fowey Hall occupies a prominent position at the top of the sleepy fishing village of Fowey. Once a flourishing trade port and Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War, Fowey has more recently become closely associated with sailing and the work of long-time resident Daphne du Maurier, author of novels such as Rebecca and Jamaica Inn.
Fowey Hall’s history is closely tied to its original owner, Charles Hanson, a local boy who left Fowey to make his fortune and returned a very wealthy man. Building the house as a showpiece of his wealth, rumour has it that the manor’s prominent location was designed to ensure that his former fiancée – a vicar’s daughter living across the estuary – could always see it.
Charles Hanson later became a nationally prominent figure, serving as the MP for Bodmin and Lord Mayor of London. Hanson had a close friendship with Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows, and Grahame often stayed in the Coach House at Fowey Hall. We know from the letters he wrote to his son that elements of Fowey Hall inspired the description of Toad Hall, particularly the interiors.
1889
Construction on Fowey Hall begins
Designed to showcase the wealth of its nouveau riche owner, Charles Hanson, Fowey Hall was built in a prime position above the coastal town of Fowey. The house wasn't finished until 1899, taking an entire decade to complete - a testament to the sheer splendour of the property.
1908
The Wind in the Willows published
Through his mother's family, Charles Hanson became close friends with Kenneth Grahame. His letters from Fowey Hall formed the basis of the classic children's novel, The Wind in the Willows, and elements of the house are believed to have inspired the description of Toad Hall.
1916
Charles Hanson becomes an influential figure then passes the house to his son, Charles Hanson
Throughout the course of his life, Charles Hanson became an influential figure. Heavily involved in the London stockbroking scene, he went on to be elected as MP for Bodmin, and eventually became Lord Mayor of London in 1917. You can still see his mayoral chain on display at Fowey Museum. In 1922, Charles Hanson died, leaving his wife, who lived on at Fowey Hall until her death two years later. The house then passed to their son, Sir Charles Hanson, who lived there for over 30 years.
1940
Fowey Hall used by American officers during WWII
During the Second World War, Fowey Hall was requisitioned for use by the US 29th Division as they prepared for the D-Day landings. Despite its size, the house wasn't big enough for everyone, so huts were built in the grounds to provide accommodations for them all.
1998
Luxury Family Hotels purchases Fowey Hall
When Luxury Family Hotels purchased Fowey Hall in 1998, we set about restoring the house to its former glory. The eight-month restoration project saw the ground floor renovated to showcase the original layout, and now, the library, morning room, drawing room, and billiard room have been returned to their original uses. As you walk through the house, it's easy to spot the original details and features that remained largely undisturbed over the course of the last century.
2023
A multi-million pound expansion establishes Fowey Hall as the Luxury Family Hotels' flagship
The Fowey Hall estate was expanded, with the addition of 24 new rooms and suites, a brand new outdoor pool and the re-modelling of the spa.
