About Us
Welcome to The Whitehill House Farm – A Place Steeped in History
Nestled in the beautiful countryside of Banbridge, County Down, The Whitehill House Farm
has a story that stretches back over 200 years! Let’s take a stroll through its fascinating past...
The Early Days – 1825 to the 1900s
The earliest known record of a house on this site goes all the way back to 1825. That means
the house is celebrating its 200th birthday this year – quite the milestone!
By 1885, the place was known as Whitehill Farm House, complete with 30 acres of
farmland. It was owned by a Mr. Chambers Waugh, who had links to the nearby Seapatrick
Mill. Sadly, Mr. Waugh passed away in 1868, but his name remains part of the local story.
Over the years, the farm changed hands – first to Mr. Bell in 1912, and then to Mr. Doyle in
1920.
The Nesbitt Era Begins – 1935
The farm as we know it today truly came to life in 1935, when Mr. Robert James Nesbitt,
from Castlewellan, bought the property. He renamed it “The White House” – and the name
stuck until now!
This was a working farm with dairy and beef cattle. The Nesbitt family sold milk, butter,
eggs, and potatoes locally – a true slice of country living. The house was busy, full of
purpose, and a vital part of the community.
⚡️ Modern Conveniences Arrive
In 1948, electricity arrived at the house and farm – a big step forward!
By 1953, mains water was connected. Before that, all water had to be pumped by
hand. Just imagine the effort involved!
Growing the Land
The farm grew steadily over the decades:
1954: An extra 13 acres were added.
1973: Another 30 acres were bought by George A. Nesbitt (Robert James’s son).
Sadly in 1974, the dairy herd was lost due to a TB outbreak. But the Nesbitt’s carried
on, shifting to beef farming instead.
2018: Robert G. Nesbitt, (Robert James’s grandson) the third generation, and with
help of the next generation Mark Robert Nesbitt (Great Grandson of Robert James)
expanded the farm again with 12 more acres – bringing the total to a proud 85 acres.
2025: Expanding the herd to 80, adding modern equipment for animal care, and installing
new stalls, mats, fencing, and silage for year-round grass-fed cattle with winter shelter.
Supporting wildlife by planting wildflowers, installing bird and bat boxes, Swift bricks and
trimming hedges sustainably. Installing four bee hives and selling the honey to support a local
youth group.
Through World Wars and Wall Street
This farm has stood through history – including the Wall Street Crash of 1929, World War
II, and the many changes of modern farming.
Today, The Whitehill House Farm is more than just a working farm – it’s a living piece
of local history. Four generations of the Nesbitt family have called it home, and their story is
deeply woven into the land and community around Banbridge.
We hope you enjoy your visit – and feel the heritage in every step!
