Lagafater: A History
A Traditional Edwardian Lodge with a Traditional Edwardian Story
Lagafater (Gaelic: ‘long hollow’) originally formed part of the ancient lands of the Earl of Cassillis, and passed variously through the hands of the Dalrymple Hamilton, Stewart and de la Poer Beresford families prior to the second half of the nineteenth century. At this point, the estate was united with the neighbouring farm of Dalnigap by William White Millar, before being sold to the noted Victorian industrialist, Cedric Randall Boult.
Probably incorporating an older building, the present house was built in 1846 by Robert Stewart to accommodate sporting parties on the extensive grouse moors and fishing the Main Water of Luce. After the death of Cedric Boult in 1949 Lagafater passed to his daughter Olive as his son (Sir Adrian Boult) was musically preoccupied. Upon the death of Olive in 1980, it passed to Cedric's step-great-grandson. It remains the much loved project of him and his two sons.
A Timeline
Neolithic
Cereal grains discovered in peat cores gathered at Lagafater suggest that arable farming has been taking place on the estate for around 6000 years. Neolithic people living at Lagafater would have spent their time burning woodland and heather to create open areas for arable farming. Local neolithic landmarks include the Cairnholy, Auld Wife’s Grave and Bargrennan chambered tombs.
Bronze Age
A large number of Bronze Age hut circles can be found at Lagafater. These are no longer visible from the ground, however evidence is just about visible from above. This shows the continuation of neolithic farming practices and suggest that upland moor and grassland areas were used as resources for timber, stone and other raw materials - possibly seasonal grazing of livestock.
1685
Covenanter Thomas Richard, living at Strawbracken (now Strabracken), is forced into hiding after refusing to swear an oath to the new King Charles II. He was eventually captured by Lieutenant-Colonel Buchan's soldiers, narrowly avoided execution in Stranraer and taken to Glasgow. There, he was imprisoned for a month, his ears were cropped and he was put on a ship to Jamaica. He was sold as a slave for seven years, and died shortly after his term of servitude was over.
1541
The land on which Lagafater now sits is known as the Lands of Barnvannoch and is part of gift from the Earl of Cassillis to Thomas Kennedy of Bargany.
1654
Earliest map of the area. Names include Dalnaghaip (now Dalnigap Farm) and Strabracken.
1680s
The Scottish Covenanters were a 17th-century religious and political movement that supported a Presbyterian Church of Scotland and the primacy of its leaders in religious affairs. As anti-monarchists, they were persecuted by the Stuart kings and suffered brutal punishments, including torture and execution.
One of the most famous Covenanters was Alexander Peden who was often forced to preach in secret and it is said that a remote site called ‘Nick of the Liberty’ on the top of Beneraird was a location for some of these secret preachings.
1774
Maps mention Shinnis (a small farm cottage which, until recently, formed part of the estate) and Mill John, a hill now known as Milljoan.
1725
Land leased to Robert Boyd, Minister of Portpatrick.
1775
The first mention of Lagafater on the map, although spelled as Lagifalter. The map also mentions Strabraken, Benzyraird (the hill now known as Beneraird) Shennows and Dalnigoff.
1822
Land forming part of the Ballantrae Estate (including Lagafater) is sold to John, Earl of Stair.
1840S
Lagafater is sold to Robert Stewart of Corfin for £10,500.
1846
Lagafater Lodge is built “for the accommodation of Sports Men” by Robert Stewart. Probably incorporating a smaller cottage.
1851
The Ayrshire Directory 1851 lists Alexander McClure as farmer and cattle dealer at Strabracken and Laggafatter.
1859
Lagafater is sold to Sir George de la Poer Beresford for £17,900.
1863
Upon the death of Sir George de la Poer Beresford, Lagafater is sold to William White Millar for £20,000.
1876
Dalnigap Farm gifted to Vice Admiral Sir John Dalrymple Hamilton.
1884
Lagafater Lodge features on a map for the first time.
1887
Lagafater is sold to the British Linen Company.
1892
Dalnigap Farm is bought by William White Millar.
1894
Lagafater is sold back to William White Millar, bringing Dalnigap Farm and Lagafater together into one estate.
1910
Bought by Cedric Randall Boult.
1916
Inherited by Olive Boult, Cedric’s daughter.
1980
Inherited by Sir Nicholas Spicer Bt.