It was originally known as Westcove Hotel, and housed guests mostly accessing the area initially through the harbour. Westcove harbour and many small harbours were known for transport of contraband (typically French brandy and wool) to avoid extortionate English taxes. Tobervilla was a place of commerce and the lounge was originally a small shop and bar counter that sold provisions by weight. It is evident from the architecture that it was built in three stages; first the main front of the building; then there was an extension towards the countryside; followed by a rear extension at a much later date.

By residents who are now in their 80s we were fortunate to gain some history of the previous hotel. It was owned by the Flaherty Sisters, and half a century ago they owned and ran all the premier business establishments in the area; being the Black Shop Castlecove, the Blind Piper in Caherdaniel and Tobervilla (formally Westcove Hotel).