Northern Ireland Wedding Venues recommends Larchfield Estate

There is something magical about the presence of a stately home.

Larchfield Estate is no exception and is simply one of the most prestigious Northern Ireland Wedding Venues. Situated centrally in Northern Ireland some 20 minutes from Belfast, this property is a magnificent example of pure opulence and is the perfect choice for your up and coming wedding.

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 – 1st 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 Ogilvy 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.

Fabulous locations at Northern Ireland Wedding Venues

Set in the heart of the rolling County Down countryside, the private walled estate of Larchfield Estate offers a countryside haven within easy reach of Lisburn and Belfast.

Sweeping drives lead to the country house which was originally built in 1750 by the Mussenden family and then remodelled in a Georgian style in the 1850s. Today the house is surrounded by mature woodland, lakes and parkland where alpacas and miniature donkeys can be seen grazing.

The extensive landscaped gardens are stunning throughout the year; with early spring blossom in the rock and pleasure gardens, followed by summer colour in the walled garden and fantastic autumn colours around lake walks.

Beside the walled garden are the traditional stone buildings of the stable yard and the courtyard where the Barn and recently converted Stables are ideal for weddings, conferences and parties of all sizes.

As with other Northern Ireland Wedding Venues, the property is a private residence. The current owners state that the building is not generally open to the public but will be very happy to arrange a suitable visit prior to your wedding in order for you to satisfy yourselves with their facilities.

One of the most Palatial Northern Ireland Wedding Venues

We thoroughly recommend you do not book any other venue until you have had the opportunity to see Larchfield Estate for yourself. There are very few Northern Ireland Wedding Venues that have the appeal and grandeur of a property such as this.