History
HISTORY
Bargany came into the Hamilton family in 1631, and the present day Dalrymple-Hamilton family are the latest custodians of this very special place.
A generational family home, with working farmland and lush gardens, Bargany's close ties to the local community in Girvan are the legacy of this stewardship — a legacy that is carried forward by Hew and Lucinda Dalrymple-Hamilton now, in the 21st Century.
It's safe to say that Bargany has undergone numerous changes and iterations over the years — a much loved family-run farm and estate — and the opportunity to share the estate, its accommodations, gardens and facilities with the community and visitors is one that the family are happy to take.
SINCE 1631
Celebrating Tradition and Welcoming the New
1631 • The Hamilton Family at Bargany
Sir John Hamilton of Lettrick — who was married to Jean Campbell, daughter of the Bishop of Brechin — was granted both the Castle of Kinclevin in Perthshire and later the lands of Bargany. The Hamilton family took residence here in 1631.
The house that stands today was built in 1681, with the bridge in front later built in the 18th century (around 1776).
1774 • Development of the Gardens Begins
The original plans for the Gardens at Bargany were by Thomas White and George Robertson, and over the years that followed there were a succession of gardeners associated with this place — up to W. S. Gilpin in the 1820s.
Gilpin's work is what has endured here — with the pond formed by joining several smaller ponds together and the parkland organised during that same decade. There were grander plans (developed by Thomas White's son) to extend the Gardens to Dailly, but these were never brought to fruition.
In the Walled Garden, a Pineapple House was added by John Hay around 1818. Sadly, this is no longer standing — but the base and building can still be seen.
1920 • Fire Clay Brickworks at Bargany
In early 1920, The South Ayrshire Collieries Ltd (Glasgow) embarked upon the development of a brickworks at Bargany, in close proximity to their coal pits near Dailly. With the high demand for building materials and the abundance of fire clay available, the decision to construct kilns, stores and workshops for producing fire clay bricks was made.
The expected output of this facility was 20,000-30,000 bricks per week, and this project was seen as a revival of the previously thriving brickmaking industry in the Girvan area. You can still find Bargany bricks in buildings across the region.
2012 • Largest Bargany Salmon Ever Caught
In October 2012, angler Terry Mallin caught the largest fish ever recorded on the Bargany beat of the River Girvan — a Scottish salmon weighing 29lbs.
Fishing at Bargany has been a cherished pastime for generations, and this is a record that many anglers will be keen to surpass.
2021 • Herefords Return to Bargany Estate
With a long history of association with Bargany's farmland and conspicuous by their absence here since the mid-1990s, the Dalrymple-Hamilton family were thrilled to bring Hereford cattle back to the Estate in 2021.
Learn more about our farm-reared beef and lamb on the Produce page.
1631 • The Hamilton Family at Bargany
Sir John Hamilton of Lettrick — who was married to Jean Campbell, daughter of the Bishop of Brechin — was granted both the Castle of Kinclevin in Perthshire and later the lands of Bargany. The Hamilton family took residence here in 1631.
The house that stands today was built in 1681, with the bridge in front later built in the 18th century (around 1776).
1774 • Development of the Gardens Begins
The original plans for the Gardens at Bargany were by Thomas White and George Robertson, and over the years that followed there were a succession of gardeners associated with this place — up to W. S. Gilpin in the 1820s.
Gilpin's work is what has endured here — with the pond formed by joining several smaller ponds together and the parkland organised during that same decade. There were grander plans (developed by Thomas White's son) to extend the Gardens to Dailly, but these were never brought to fruition.
In the Walled Garden, a Pineapple House was added by John Hay around 1818. Sadly, this is no longer standing — but the base and building can still be seen.
1920 • Fire Clay Brickworks at Bargany
In early 1920, The South Ayrshire Collieries Ltd (Glasgow) embarked upon the development of a brickworks at Bargany, in close proximity to their coal pits near Dailly. With the high demand for building materials and the abundance of fire clay available, the decision to construct kilns, stores and workshops for producing fire clay bricks was made.
The expected output of this facility was 20,000-30,000 bricks per week, and this project was seen as a revival of the previously thriving brickmaking industry in the Girvan area. You can still find Bargany bricks in buildings across the region.
2012 • Largest Bargany Salmon Ever Caught
In October 2012, angler Terry Mallin caught the largest fish ever recorded on the Bargany beat of the River Girvan — a Scottish salmon weighing 29lbs.
Fishing at Bargany has been a cherished pastime for generations, and this is a record that many anglers will be keen to surpass.
2021 • Herefords Return to Bargany Estate
With a long history of association with Bargany's farmland and conspicuous by their absence here since the mid-1990s, the Dalrymple-Hamilton family were thrilled to bring Hereford cattle back to the Estate in 2021.
Learn more about our farm-reared beef and lamb on the Produce page.
Gardens
Exclusive, cherished and well kept, Bargany’s gardens are the perfect venue for special events in picturesque settings.
The Farm
The scenic beauty of Bargany is matched by its industry — home to a variety of livestock and arable farms, alongside new initiatives in vertical farming technology.
The Area
With coastal views out to the iconic Ailsa Craig, beautiful beaches and a warm welcome — this stretch of Ayrshire shoreline is just waiting to be explored...
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