Springhill House: A Pretty 17th Century Plantation House

Ireland is filled with historical treasures from castles, houses, and museums, and its landscape is special. Located in County Derry/Londonderry, you’ll discover the beautiful 17th-century plantation house known as Springhill. The House is one of the National Trust’s most reminiscent properties.

The National Trust has owned Springhill House since 1957. It has a fascinating history. One of Ireland’s most documented ghosts, known simply as Olivia, is said to reside here. The Spirit of Olivia has been said to capture every visitor’s heart inside the house.

The stunning house’s portraits, furniture, and decorations are enchanted with their charm. They reveal the many generations of the Lenox-Conynghams family that have lived at Springhill House since 1680.

History of Springhill House

House Features

The house was built in the late 16th century and was initially surrounded by a defensive bawn. In 1765, two single-storey wings were added to the house, and the front entrance was improved to the current arrangement of seven windows across its width.

In every way possible, Springhill House has beautiful white walls, a grey slate roof, and narrow windows that blend effortlessly into the surrounding landscape.

The Conyngham Family

The family arrived in Northern Ireland in 1611 after coming from Ayrshire in Scotland. The House was first built for William Conyngham, who was a member of the plantation family after they were granted land. Over time, the house was passed down through generations, each adding their bit of history and style to the home. When George Butler Conyngham passed the house on to his son, Col. William of the 7th Dragoon Guards, he added two wings, one on each side. One was to be used as a nursery and the other as a ballroom.

When Col. William passed away, he was not married, so the estate was passed on to his brother, Davide Conyngham. He also died young without any children, meaning the estate was passed on to his sister Ann. She was married to Clotworthy Lenox of Derry, the grandson of the Mayor of Derry, James Lenox.

When George Lenox inherited the house, he adopted the name Lenox-Conyngham. His family lived in Springhill House until 1957. It is believed that his second wife, Olivia, is the ghost that still haunts the house.

Mina Lowry of Rockdale in Cookstown was the last member of the family to live in the home. She was married to William Arbuthnot Lenox- Conyngham who died in 1938. She chose to reside at Springhill even after her husband’s death before the National Trust took over in 1956.

When the National Trust took ownership of Springhill House, it underwent a major restoration to reflect its original appearance.

Architectural Splendor

The architectural style of Springhill House is a harmonious blend of Jacobean and Georgian influences, reflecting the prevailing tastes of the 17th and 18th centuries. The exterior exudes timeless elegance with its symmetrical facade, mullioned windows, and distinctive chimney stacks. Beautifully appointed rooms greet visitors, adorned with period furnishings, exquisite artwork, and intricate woodwork.

The Great Hall stands as the house’s centrepiece, its high ceilings and grand fireplace evoking a sense of opulence and grandeur. From the Drawing Room with its delicate plasterwork ceiling to the Dining Room adorned with family portraits, every corner of Springhill House exudes a sense of history and refinement. Guided tours allow visitors to explore these magnificent interiors, providing insights into the lives of the families who once called this estate home.

Lush Gardens and Grounds

Surrounding Springhill House are sprawling gardens and meticulously landscaped grounds, adding to its allure and beauty. The walled garden, originally designed in the 18th century, boasts a stunning array of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, reflecting the horticultural interests of the Conyngham family. Visitors can stroll along winding pathways, taking in the sights and scents of the vibrant blooms and lush foliage.

Beyond the walled garden lies the picturesque woodland, where ancient trees stand sentinel amidst carpeted forest floors. A leisurely walk through the woods offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, allowing visitors to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Preservation and Legacy

In 1957, Springhill House was entrusted to the care of the National Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy. Today, the estate stands as a living testament to the rich cultural heritage of Northern Ireland, offering visitors a window into the past and a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Through ongoing conservation efforts and educational programs, the National Trust continues to safeguard the legacy of Springhill House, ensuring that its beauty and history endure for centuries to come.

As visitors wander through the historic halls and verdant gardens of Springhill House, they are transported back in time to an era of elegance, grace, and refinement. Whether exploring the intricacies of Jacobean architecture, strolling amidst the fragrant blooms of the garden, or simply soaking in the tranquil ambience of this timeless estate, one cannot help but be captivated by the allure of Springhill. It is a place where the past is preserved, and the present is enriched, a testament to history’s enduring power and the natural world’s beauty.

Springhill House Today

Today’s house represents an essential historical collection of one family’s occupation for over three hundred years. At Springhill House, you will discover the UK’s largest surviving 18th-century wallpaper scheme. The Springhill Library is incredible and offers an important collection of 17th—and 18th-century books.

The old laundry house has a fantastic costume collection featuring pieces from the 18th to 20th century. These beautiful pieces contain over 2000 items of Irish costumes and stories representing a unique time in Ireland.

Today, visitors can tour the house and admire the period furnishings and beautiful design. Springhill has stayed true to its heritage and history; not much has been changed, allowing people to step back into the time of the Conyghman Family. Many of the family portraits are still on the walls today.

The Ghost of Springhill House

It has been well documented that the famous Ghost of Olivia is within the walls of Springhill House. Olivia was the wife of George Lenox-Conyngham, who committed suicide after being severely depressed. Olivia was then left to raise her children alone at Springhill. It is believed she felt a lot of guilt over her husband’s death. Blaming herself for not being able to save him.

The Spirit of Olivia still roams the house today, and it is believed that she mainly appears in the presence of children. Olivia was noted to be quite fond of children, often choosing to appear to the youngest in the house.

Appearances have mainly been seen during the day, walking through the house or simply standing quietly on the stairs. Her spirit doesn’t seem to have any malice but comes from a place of peace, although there has been one strange story relating to a wooden cot that Olivia used for her children.

The story goes that during the Second World War, when US soldiers temporarily stayed at Springhill House, they complained of strange noises. It was a knocking noise coming from the Nursery during the night, which was where the cot was located.

The soldiers asked for the cot to be removed, and the knocking stopped. The cot was temporarily housed at the Armagh Museum. After the war had ended, it returned to the house, and again, the haunting knocking sound was heard.

Filming of Death and Nightingales 

Springhill House played a central role in the new series Death and Nightingales, which is being used as one of the Northern Ireland filming locations. This period drama stars some famous Northern Ireland actors: Jamie Dornan, Matthew Rhys, and Anne Skelly. It follows the life of Beth Winters over a 24-hour period during the 18th century in County Fermanagh.

Although the series is set in County Fermanagh, many locations were used around Northern Ireland. Springhill House appearing in show allows for an authentic setting for this period drama. It was used as the home of the Winter family’s where much on the story unfolds.

During filming at Springhill, the house was closed to the public for most of May and June 2018. Staff and volunteers had to pack away over 1,000 objects before the shooting began. Twelve places within the house were used for filming, including the live-in apartment where National Trust staff stayed. They had to move out temporarily to accommodate the production of Death and Nightingales.

The production company The Imaginarium said, “Springhill is the perfect house for Death and Nightingales. The house is lovingly preserved by The National Trust, who were very supportive as we recreated a late 19th-century gentleman’s residence”. (National Trust)

An Enchanting 17th-Century House

Springhill House is one of those special locations in Northern Ireland that you must take the time to visit. You’ll be enchanted by the stories and history that surround the house, along with its incredible designs and collections on display, which allow you to step back into a marvellous period of time. Check out the National Trust website to learn more about this incredible 17th-century house.

A Timeless Legacy

As one explores the halls and gardens of Springhill House, they are transported to a bygone era of elegance, sophistication, and charm. Here, amidst the rolling hills of County Londonderry, history comes to life in all its splendour, offering a glimpse into the past and inspiring awe and wonder in all who visit.

Whether admiring the house’s architectural beauty, wandering through the gardens, or immersing oneself in its rich history, Springhill House leaves an indelible impression on all who pass through its doors. As a symbol of resilience, heritage, and cultural identity, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of generations past and the timeless allure of Ireland’s historic estates.

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