There are relatively few records or maps on Larchfield as the previous owners burnt everything before leaving. This is just some of the information and interesting snippets that we have pulled together over the last 40 years...

The Land was bought from the O’Neill’s in 1660 (circa 1500 acres).

House built by the Mussenden’s (who were merchants and bankers in Belfast) in the 1750’s.

Note: (Mussenden Temple – built by the Earl Bishop in memory of his cousin Mrs Mussenden from Larchfield who died at the age of 22).

1750 – Original part of the current house built on the site of an old farm house.

1772 a mob of 300 Hearts of Steel assembled to burn the house down, but were with some difficulty dissuaded.

1820-1850 – The wall around the estate is thought to have been built during the famine. For example we know the pillars of one of the entrance gates was built in 1827.

c1858 – House redesigned by Charles Lanyon – changed the front of the house to face south with new driveways. It's believed the Fish Pond lake was dug by hand at this time.

In 1868/9 William Mussenden sold the house (valued at about £100) to Ogilvie B Graham – 1^st of a family of hereditary directors of the York Street Flax Spinning Company, who extended the house and its value to c £145. Amongst other changes the gate lodges were added at this time and an extra storey added to the main house.

1873 – Victorian wing added.

House owned by Col Ogilvie Graham until 1968 when Mr Leslie Mackie bought the Estate (approx 300 acres) at auction.

Some of the best parkland trees had to be bought back from a timber merchant as they had been sold prior to auction.

Over the years Mr Mackie bought back some of the land that was part of the original Estate and some that adjoined it – Larchfield Estate now compromises 600 acres, of which 275 are within the walls.

The Walled Gardens were converted from grass paddocks back to their former glory by Mrs Ann Mackie (the centre area with the Urns and hedging was all just grass in 2000!).

The current owners (Gavin and Sarah Mackie) were married here in June 2007, and moved back to take on the Estate from Gavin’s parents. The estate was opened up for Weddings and Events around this time.

The stable building will be available from mid 2011 onwards for hire for smaller functions – this used to be a grain store and drier but was burnt out in a fire in the 1980’s. As part of its renovation it has been re-roofed and converted to the estate office and conference room.

The stained glass windows in the stable yard were made by Clokey’s of Belfast – a grandfather of Gavin Mackie.

The Fish Pond – where the bride and groom have access for photos was always known as such – and is referenced both in maps from 1896 and also in Gerard Brennan’s book ‘A Life of One’s Own’ In this book he also refers to Larchfield as the pink house!- Gerard Brennan was the grandson of the Ogilvy Graham’s.

The Estate is a family home and as such is closed to the general public, opening only for exclusive hire for private events. We ask that you respect this. Many thanks and have a fantastic day.