Holiday With History: White House Cottage and The White House
Roscarrock Hill, spring 1983, with White House Cottage and White House centre-left of frame, above Halwyn
Before the collapse of the original building in the 1970s, White House Cottage on Roscarrock Hill was believed to be the oldest cottage in Port Isaac, dating back to the late 1500s. It’s oldest recorded inhabitants were the Trevan family; John Archer Trevan, his wife and their ten children. A professional family within the community, John Trevan was a Customs Officer, whilst three of this children practiced as doctors and one son became an author, publishing a historical memoir about the parish of St Endellion in the 1800s. The original manuscript was purchased by the local history group and has been reprinted - you can now buy the ‘Summary Memoirs of the Parish of St Endellion prior to 1834’ locally in the village.
View of Port Isaac from the patio of White House Cottage
White House Cottage is positioned on Roscarrock Hill, overlooking the harbour and horizon. Partly built of Cornish cob (thick walls made of locally available materials such as straw, sand, and slate, bound with subsoil and sometimes lime), when the walls collapsed whilst undergoing renovations in the ‘70s, it had to be rebuilt 18 inches taller than the original height in order to meet building regulations. However, old photographs show us how the cottage looked in its original, Cornish cottage style. The White House Cottage has undergone more renovations more recently, including replacing the old conservatory with an in-keeping extension that now houses a dining area.
Roscarrock Hill is a steep lane on the south side of Port Isaac, named after a well-known family who lived in the local manor of Roscarrock. Affluent in society, many members of the family were members of parliament or sheriffs in Cornwall throughout the 1400s and 1500s. Nicholas Roscarrock, son of Port Isaac dwelling Richard Roscarrock, was arrested in his 30s for his Catholic beliefs and activism, and was taken to the Tower of London where he survived torture on the rack. You can still find the Cornishman’s name carved on the wall of the upper-storey room in London’s Well Tower.
High tide in Port Isaac harbour
The Trevans who lived in White House Cottage were a well known family in the Port Isaac. John’s brother Frederick, the village doctor, lived in a house on Dolphin Street, now called Trevan House, and in 1834 moved to the adjacent property, now called Vesta Cottage. Here you can find a plaque engraved ‘A Trevan 1812’ above the door.
The White House, Roscarrock Hill, Port Isaac
Port Isaac is a village steeped in history. Bursting with characterful cottages, winding streets and traditional features, there’s a story to be found around every corner. Many of the villagers remember the names and tales of the residents from days gone by, and can tell you interesting anecdotes about their lives, too.
Take a holiday with history this year, and enjoy a stay at The White House or White House Cottage.