Airfield Farm & House - Dundrum

Airfield Farm & House - Dundrum, originally uploaded by infomatique.

Airfield Farm & House - Dundrum

In 1893, a Dublin solicitor named Trevor Overend purchased an 18th century farmhouse. The property was eventually inherited by sisters Letitia and Naomi Overend, they lived there their entire lives and enjoyed working on the farm and gardens. Prior to their death they set up the Airfield Trust, leaving this unique estate for educational and recreational purposes.

Today this farm known as Airfield is a place of escape, discovery and learning which celebrates farming and gardening through a range of exciting learning and cultural programmes.

Trevor T. L. Overend, was a successful Dublin solicitor. He was born in Portadown in 1847 but moved to Dublin in 1855 with his parents and five siblings. In 1879 he married Lily Butler and they had two surviving daughters Letitia (b. 1880) and Naomi (b. 1900). Trevor and Lily Overend first lived at 12 Ely Place, later the business premises of 'T.T.L. Overend & Co.'. In 1894 they purchased 'Airfield' in Dundrum from a member of the Jury family of Jury's Commercial & Family Hotel. Letitia and Naomi Overend grew up surrounded by a close circle of aunts, uncles and family friends. They were particularly close to their mother's sisters and grandmother, Letitia Butler, who lived in Sandymount, to their cousins, the Bartons of Donegal, and to Tommy Overend (President of the Calcutta Stock Exchange). Both girls were educated at home by a governess although Naomi did finish her education at Alexandra College. In their early years they spent their days having lessons, playing tennis of golf, visiting friends with their mother, walking with their father and enjoying various bike rides, tea parties, fancy dress, charity fêtes and the theatre. Encouraged by their parents (and a twenty year age gap!) they led quite separate and independent lives although they always remained close, enjoying a similar sense of humor and determination. They were united in their interest in the house and farm at Airfield, their, dogs, friends, and travel. In 1913, Letitia Overend started her training with St. John's Ambulance.This began a lifetime of work and friendship within the association. In 1955 she was awarded their highest honour becoming Dame Justice of the Order Of St. John and in 1961 she proudly accepted an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity College in recognition of her public services. On the farm the family's great love was the Dromartin herd of Jerseys. The animals were named after different characters in the Gilbert & Sullivan operas and were regular prize winners at the RDS Spring Show. Besides the herd, horses were kept for ploughing and transport, eggs, vegetables, and milk were sold and there was always a large population of cats and dogs.




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