Meeting in Newtownards we made our way down the scenic shores of Strangford Lough to the grand entrance of their estate. Driving down the long winding driveway we got our first glimpse of the immense grandeur of the house and Georgian outbuildings. We were greeted by Lord and Lady Dunleath who gave us a short insight into the history of their home and all the alterations that had been made over the years.
They told us how expensive it had been to heat (£60k per year) but had overcome the expense by installing a digester at their nearby farm cancelling out the huge cost supplying them with hot air and electricity.
We entered the impressive entrance hall with its grand furniture and decorative marble floor with hunting trophies mounted on the surrounding walls.
From there into the stairway with its high glazed ceiling domes.
They then led us room by room, the sunlit breakfast room with its fantastic views, library with its priceless leather bound books and comfortable period settees.
After the gentlemen's games room the Bay room was next with its Danish influenced modern furniture and magnificent award winning floor rug.
The tour was finished in the huge domed roof conservatory with its fine array of house plants.
We thanked our hosts and drove to nearby Greyabbey for lunch in the Wildfowler.
A great day was had.
