1898 – Cairndhu House, Larne, Co. Antrim

An existing house, called Cairncastle, was extended in 1897-98 by Samuel P. Close for John Stewart-Clarke as a summer residence. Close had also designed the previous house. In the process it became a large multi-gabled house of asymmetrical plan and irregular outline – gables and gablets everywhere. What makes it unique is the fret-work treatment of its timber verandas and balconies which gave it a flavour of the orient.

Purchased by Sir Thomas and Lady Edith Dixon in 1918, Edith was a sister of John Stewart-Clarke, and extended again in much the same style. In 1947, the Dixons donated the house and land to the Northern Ireland Hospitals Authority. Closed in 1986, the building is now in private ownership, and has deteriorated after years of disuse. Now derelict and fast becoming ruinous.