In 2010, Clare and I returned to Ireland after inheriting Huntington from my late father. Over the past decade, we have worked tirelessly to open the doors of Huntington and share its beauty with the public.
I work day and night to keep Huntington running, wearing many hats here - working as a farmer, renovating the castle, greeting guests staying in our B&B, giving castle tours and even working in our tea rooms.
While working in the same capacity as myself, Clare continues her career as a textile artist, keeping her studio here on the estate. Her work can be seen in art galleries across Ireland & England under the name Clare Ormerod, and has been showcased in numerous magazines.
On top of everything, we are most importantly, parents to three wonderful boys - Herbert, Esmonde & Freddie.
We do hope you will come explore our beautiful home & estate here at Huntington.
Lord & Lady Strathloch, and the Durdin Robertson Family
The Ancient Seat of the Esmonde Family.
Huntington Castle was built by Sir Laurence Esmonde in 1625. Formerly an experienced soldier under Queen Elizabeth I, he fought under King James I as a major-general in Ireland, ultimately becoming governor of Duncannon Fort in Wexford.
As a reward for his loyal service, he was given a peerage in Clonegal, becoming Lord Esmonde. While on an expedition, he met & married Ailish O’Flaherty (granddaughter of the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley). During this time, the castle remained mainly a garrison, protecting the Dublin-Wexford trade route along the River Derry.
It was not until 1680 that the former garrison was formally named Huntington & began to evolve into the family home it is today, with the formal gardens being laid out by Lord Esmonde’s grandson, Sir Laurence II. Upon entering the estate, you are greeted with the Lime trees leading up the Avenue, planted by Sir Laurence II in 1687.
Huntington remained relatively untouched until the 1700s, when Sir Laurence IV added a wing and the ornate ceilings in 1720. Around the 1860s the castle was once again altered by Alexander Durdin. His only child, a daughter called Helen, became heiress to the castle and the family name changed once again upon her marriage to Herbert Robertson; and so begins the current family name, Durdin Robertson. Their son, Manning Durdin Robertson, showcased his architectural style of using concrete, by adding the conservatory balcony & the greenhouse - leaving Huntington Castle into the home we know today.
Castle Tour | Gardens | Tea Rooms
Visit.
Private Hire | Weddings | Elopements
Celebrate.
Castle B&B | Self-Catering Accommodation