History of the Estate

Our Origins

1648: Dunskey, then known as the Portree Estate, was acquired by the Rev. James Blair, the newly appointed Minister for Portpatrick.

Late 17th Century: Dunskey Castle was stripped of dressed stone and timber. This was stored at Killantringan and then incorporated into the new Dunskey House.

History of the Estate

Our Origins

1770: Jean Blair of Dunskey marries James Hunter, with her husband assuming the Blair surname.

1777: James Hunter Blair embarks on a major programme of improvements, virtually rebuilding Portpatrick and the harbour.

History of the Estate

Our Origins

1814: Map prepared for James H. Blair shows Dunskey House, Walled Garden, Slip Garden, and nursery grounds and drives.

1854: Installation of the first telegraph link to Ireland. The cable comes ashore at the foot of Dunskey Glen where two hexagonal huts were built to accommodate the equipment and the telegraph men.

History of the Estate

Our Origins

1890’s: Mackenzie & Moncur Glasshouses installed.

1900: Estate bought by Charles Lindsay Orr Ewing and his wife Lady Augusta Boyle, niece of Abbot David Hunter Blair.

History of the Estate

Our Origins

1901: Current Dunskey House built to a design by James Kennedy Hunter at a cost of £30,000.

1903: Charles Orr Ewing dies in the almost complete new house. Ownership of the estate passes to Edward Orr Ewing, his oldest son.

History of the Estate

Our Origins

1904: Mass planting of Rhododendrons along with other exotic trees and shrubs through pleasure grounds and along drives.

1914: Outbreak of war signals the end of the golden age of British gardens and Dunskey is no exception. The Walled Garden remains in fruit and vegetable production well into the 1960’s.

History of the Estate

Our Origins

1930: Edward Orr Ewing dies of septicaemia after a rugby accident. David Orr Ewing, a naval captain, inherits the property. On his return to Dunskey, David found the estate in a poor state of repair. Saddled by inheritance tax debts, he was forced to sell much of the land including the hunting lodge, Knockinaam.

History of the Estate

Our Origins

1964: David Orr Ewing dies and Dunskey is inherited by his first son Edward Orr Ewing.

1997: Work begins on rejuvenating the garden, which is closed to the public during repairs.

History of the Estate

Our Origins

2001: The Walled Garden re-opens to the public.

2003: The maze is planted.

2015: Alastair and Anne Orr Ewing arrive at Dunskey.

2017: Dunskey Estate becomes a private venue.