A Long History…
Origins: Count Luigi Corti and the Creation of Villa Lugano (1855–1872)
Excavation on Vane Hill , 1850’s
The history of Vane Tower begins with Count Luigi Corti (1823–1888), a prominent Italian diplomat from the Marquises of San Stefano Belbo. During his service in England as Attache to the Sardinian Legation (1849–1864), Corti commissioned a villa in Torquay inspired by the elegant lakeside residences of northern Italy. Completed in 1855, the property became known as Villa Lugano, reflecting its architectural connection to Lake Lugano.
When Count Corti left England in 1864 to take up new diplomatic posts—ultimately serving as Italy’s Minister to the United States (1870) and later as Ambassador to England (1886)—Villa Lugano was offered for rent. Corti died in 1888, leaving a significant English estate valued at over £55,000.
By 1872, the original villa had been expanded into two substantial semi-detached homes:
Pinecliff
Villa Lugano
Both were intentionally designed to be converted back into a single residence if desired. Pinecliff retained the property’s distinctive tower, which remains a defining feature of Vane Tower today.
Early residents included Mr. and Mrs. John Petherick at Villa Lugano and Charles Paton Henderson JP—later associated with the Manchester Ship Canal Company—at Pinecliff.
The Transformation into Vane Tower (Early 1900s)
View of Princess Gardens and Vane Hill
In the early 1900s, Pinecliff was remodelled into a grand, unified residence and received its new name: Vane Tower.
The property was purchased in 1906 by the Blacker family, whose tenure brought cultural and political activity to Vane Tower. Their time here saw notable events and distinguished visitors, including:
1907 – A small fire swiftly extinguished in the drawing room.
1910 – A dramatic lightning strike to the building.
1910 – Col. and The Hon. Mrs. Burn resided during his Unionist campaign for Torquay.
1912 – Visits from George Bernard Shaw and maestro Sir Basil Cameron.
May 1912 – Sudden death of Sir Lewis William Molesworth Bt while staying at Vane Tower.
1918 – Mrs. J. Greg used the newly installed telephone line (Torquay 401) for the Women’s Party Campaign, linked to the Suffragette movement.
After the Blacker family departed in 1922, contents of the house were auctioned in May 1923.
Vane Tower Hotel and the Interwar Years (1920s–1950s)
By 1929, Caleb Gaskill Evans and his wife were in residence.
Further auctions in 1932 preceded the building’s next major chapter: its transformation into a hotel.
In 1932, Vane Tower was acquired by the Friendship Holiday Association (FHA), founded by Henry G. White to provide enriching and socially connected holidays. The property soon appeared on postcards throughout the 1930s, highlighting its views over Torbay.
During this period:
World War II – Vane Tower served as a strategic Home Guard look-out post thanks to its elevated position.
1947 – The 20-bedroom Vane Tower Hotel opened, set within over an acre of landscaped grounds and offering popular honeymoon suites with sweeping coastal views.
1948 – The Torquay Aero Club was founded here by resident secretary J. W. Wrobel.
The hotel continued until April 1952, when it closed and its furnishings were auctioned shortly afterwards.
Division, Listing, and Restoration (1950s–Present)
In the 1950s, the property reverted to two residences—Vane Tower and Villa Lugano—before being further divided in the 1960s into three homes:
Vane Towers
Little Madeira
Villa Lugano
The architectural and historical importance of the building was officially recognised when it was awarded Grade II listed status in 1975.
A dramatic moment came during the Great Storm of 1987, when powerful winds tore away a section of the roof, collapsing a chimney through the interior. Garry Phare led the rebuilding of the roof, chimney, and internal structure, preserving the integrity of this remarkable coastal landmark.
Today, Vane Tower stands as one of Torquay’s most distinctive historic buildings—an elegant blend of Italianate inspiration, Victorian craftsmanship, and over 150 years of colourful history overlooking the English Riviera.