An early 9.00am start for this tour of Dunluce House at Brighton. Sarah and Grant bought Dunluce House six years ago. They continue to work hard to retain the original splendour of this lovely baronial style home, at the same time enjoying it with their family and animals. The house was built in 1912 by the Reverend Alexander McCully, Rector of St Judes's Church. Originally it stood on twelve and a half acres of land extending down to the sea and with a coachhouse and stables. Since that time it has had seven owners and the land has been subdivided several times. It was designed to look like a wing of Dunluce Castle, complete with castellated round corner tower, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Apart from the usual bedrooms, dining and kitchen areas - the latter now completely modernised - Sarah has a designated Christmas room ready for Christmas 2010. Several pieces of furniture were bought at the same time as the house including the beautiful dining table that has lived with the last three owners. A lovely Art Nouveau light fitting complements the dining room as well. A map of the surrounding land and papers relating to the sale in 1922 can be seen in the front foyer. Aspects that I found particularly splendid are the landing areas at the top of each stairway. One on the second level was Rev. McCully's study and it has a large window that looks out toward Kingston Beach and the coast. I could just imagine sitting in these alcoves in a comfortable chair with a good book and a glass of wine. The large verandahs on two levels facing the sea would also be special during summer. A study has been made in another small circular alcove, part of the tower, on the ground floor. A small balcony leads off the nursery with another spectacular view to the hills beyond.
One of the McCully girls was 'Kitty' who taught swimming at Brighton beach. She was awarded a Grand Diploma from the Royal Life Saving Association in 1919 for saving a swimmer. Kitty married Primrose Whyte a pastoralist. Ironically, while visiting her parents in 1926 she became the state's first shark victim when swimming at Brighton. Kitty was a very popular person in the area and a fountain was erected in her honour. This is now on the Brighton jetty. Kitty's sister later married Primrose Whyte and moved to the country to care for Kitty's children.
Above the front door and over the fireplace in the dining room is the McCully family crest. The motto is Strength and Courage - Grant says this should also say Money and Patience. A fairytale family home.
