Built / Designed For: Sir Edward Charles Workman Macnaghten, 2nd Bt.

House & Family History: In the 1780s what is today the Dundarave Estate belonged to Sir William Dunkin of Clogher. Circa 1800 he sold the Estate to his brother-in-law, Francis Workman Macnaghten, who built the castellated Bushmills House on the site and was created, in 1836, the 1st Macnaghten Baronet (of Bushmills House in Co. Antrim). The 1st Baronet made a fortune in India and became a judge of the Supreme Court of Madras and Calcutta. In 1843, his son, Sir Edward Charles Workman Macnaghten, 2nd Bt., MP (1790-1876) succeeded to the Estate. Like his father, he also made a fortune in India and retired at the very young age of 24 to his Irish estate. Sir Edward decided to replace Bushmills House with a much grander house, one that he considered suitable for his position in society. He commissioned Charles Lanyon to build the current Italianate style house, erected in 1846, and based on Barry's Reform Club in London. The two-story house is ornamented in a pinkish sandstone and is noted for its magnificent Central Hall, which rises very high and is surrounded by a broad gallery with Corinthian columns that carry a lantern. The grandest room is the Ballroom, which features an elaborate plasterwork ceiling. Dundarave is believed to be the largest house in Northern Ireland that is still a private residence. In 2014 Dundarave House, together with 550 acres, was listed for sale at a guide price of £5 million.

House Replaced By: The early 19th century castellated Bushmills House was demolished in 1846 to make way for the current house.

Comments: Dundarave was described by the late Sir Charles Brett as "by far the grandest 19th century house in north Antrim."

Garden & Outbuildings: The main entrance gate, the Bushmills Gate, is in a cruciform mini-palazzo style of circa 1848. There is also a rear lodge of circa 1850 in a much simpler style. In the mid-to-late 19th century the Dundarave Estate ran to 7,134 acres and included the village of Bushmills.

House Listed: Unknown

Park Listed: Unknown

Current Seat / Home of: Sir Malcolm Macnaghten, 12th Bt.; Macnaghten family here since 1800.

Past Seat / Home of: Sir William Dunkin, late 18th century.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No