Hillsborough Castle, County Down, Northern Ireland

Technically a ‘big house’, Hillsborough has an outsized legacy. Now the official home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hillsborough’s history can be traced back to Moyses Hill, who came to Ireland in the 1600s with the army hoping to secure his fortune. He snapped up 5,000 acres, incrementally adding more until the whole of Hillsborough belonged to the family.

Soon, the Hills were the area’s predominant landowners, and in the 18th century, Wills Hill became the first Marquess of Downshire, hosting members of high society, including Benjamin Franklin, and restoring the fort in the fashionable Gothic style.

In 1925, Hillsborough was sold to the British Government for £24,000. After Partition in 1921, governors were appointed to represent the monarch in Northern Ireland, and Hillsborough became their official residence. In 1972, with the establishment of Direct Rule from London, the governors were replaced by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Best known of these was Mo Mowlam, who played a vital role in establishing peace in Northern Ireland and many talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, were held here. Mowlam loved the place so much that some of her ashes are scattered in the gardens. She would be delighted to know that Historic Royal Palaces have transformed the elegant state rooms, as well as the gardens, which are open for all to explore.

STAY

The Regency

Make the short journey to Belfast for a stately stay in one of five fully serviced luxury apartments in the Queen’s Quarter, with beautiful bedrooms, period flourishes, and a very pretty courtyard. theregencybelfast.com