The History of Torr Home
The Charity was founded in 1860, as The Devonport and Western Counties Association for Promoting the General Welfare of the Blind, and was initially based in a large house in Fore Street, Stonehouse. Following legacies and fundraising, this property was purchased in 1868, and was able to accommodate about a dozen residents.
A Miss Berryman left a £4000 legacy, so, in 1878, the charity built its own premises at 56-57 St Aubyn Street, Devonport, which enabled them to accommodate 20 residents, with room for 15 more. In 1922 Manor Lodge, in Stoke, was acquired, which originally was able to accommodate 24 residents, and later the building of a new wing increased this to 60. This property is now the Astor Hall, in Devonport Road, Stoke.
The charity moved to its current location in 1929.
Torr Home is situated in a beautiful 19th century country mansion in the highest part of the City of Plymouth. It is a grand setting for a Residential and Nursing Home, having extensive grounds of three acres, and enjoys panoramic views over the City of Plymouth, Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor and out to sea over Plymouth Sound as far as the Eddystone Lighthouse.
The property had been built as a grand country mansion, for the Bayly family, in 1882, employing approximately 10 servants. Originally, the property occupied the triangle of Tavistock Road, Mannamead Road, and Torr Lane. The house had a lodge, on Tavistock Road, which was connected by telephone to the main house. This is believed to have been the first telephone installation in the country, by Alexander Graham Bell, and the actual apparatus was presented to the Plymouth Museum. Being such a prominent landmark, the house was used as a navigation aid by ships coming in to Plymouth.
Following the death of Robert Bayly's widow in 1921, the property, comprising 47 acres in total, was sold to the Torr and Venn Garden Estates Ltd., and 7 years later, the house and much of the land was purchased by the charity, as its new base.
Shortly after acquisition, a 2 story annex was constructed to the East side of the main house, which provided accommodation for an extra 24 residents.
The home has been in continuous occupation ever since, with one exception.
During the second world war, the residents were evacuated to Taunton. At the time, the surrounding area was still largely rural. With its proximity to Plymouth city centre and docks, and commanding views, the home made an ideal vantage point. A communications centre was installed in one of the outbuildings, and observers operated from the roof.
The Charity became incorporated during 2006 and today operates under Torr Home, whilst still retaining the original charity number of 202210. With the passage of time Torr Home has evolved into one of the premier residential and nursing homes in Plymouth and the South West. The Charity still specialises in caring for people having visual impairment but has expanded activities to cater for all persons over sixty years of age.
Full nursing status was acquired during 2008 providing an important new additional service to the residential, convalescence, respite and daycare services already offered by the Charity.
During 2008/2009, Torr Home undertook a sympathetic development of some redundant buildings in the grounds, to provide a complex of 18 retirement apartments.
If you require further details, or would like to come and see Torr Home for yourself, please contact us.