Set within a landscape of mature trees, wild meadow land and lawns running down to its private loch, Larbert House, with breathtaking vistas of Falkirk, was the vision of industrialist Sir Gilbert Stirling.
He appointed architect David Hamilton, who is now widely regarded as the father of architecture in Glasgow, to design a mansion house that would match and compliment the splendour of the surrounding countryside.
Hamilton had a reputation for grand designs with his notable works including Lennox Castle, Nelson Monument, Hutchesons Hall and the Royal Exchange on Glasgows Queen Street, which now serves as the citys Gallery of Modern Art.
After approving the design of his home to be, Sir Gilbert, who made his fortune from investments in projects such as the Forth and Clyde Canal and Glasgow Railway, began building Larbert House in 1822. Sir Gilbert spent his final years at Larbert House and, upon his death in 1843, bequeathed the extensive estate to his sister who had married another Baronet, Thomas Livingstone. After being passed down a complex family line, the estate was sold to Sir John Graham, third son of Sir Davis Graham, ancestor of the Dukes of Montrose. Sir John was also a member of William Graham and Co., merchants of Glasgow. In his spare time, he and his family hosted parties and entertained guests with curling competitions on the frozen loch.
Sir John sought to extend Larbert House and, in 1904, permission was granted to build servants quarters. Sir John lived at Larbert House until he died in 1926, after which the estate changed hands several times until it tragically caught fire in 2006 and was razed.
The Ice House is located in a small area of woodland to the North of Larbert house. It had been bricked up for many years and sadly fell into a state of disrepair but has now been lovingly restored to its original condition.
Parking is available within Larbert Hospital carpark but be sure to read the carpark signs to ensure you park in the correct area and avoid any charges.
There is a small burn which runs West - East through the grass in front of the Ice House therefore if approaching this from the North (Hospital carpark) please bear this in mind and avoid taking the direct approach, instead continue the short walk a hundred yards or so along the marked path in either direction.
There are currently some building works going on at the loch with the construction of a Maggie's Centre and also at the Mansion House itself. Access to the loch and ice house is still available with a small diversion around the site but care should be taken as there will occassionally be construction traffic nearby.
Cache is a 35mm container. Please replace as found so future cachers can enjoy this cache.