Prehen House is one of the North West’s most historic buildings. Situated next to the famous woods, it commands stunning views of Derry, the river Foyle and the hills beyond.
Prehen is intimately linked with the history of Derry. Records reveal that it was inhabited by 1640; in 1738 the Knox family began their great association with Prehen when Andrew Knox, the MP for Donegal married Honoria Tomkins, the Prehen heiress.
In Victorian times the colourful Colonel George Knox was one of Derry’s most eminent figures. But with World War I looming his grandson Baron George Carl Otto Louis von Scheffler Knox was put under house arrest. Soon after the 3,641 acre estate was seized as ‘enemy property’.
Happily, the house was brought back into another branch of the Knox family and today the North West has a wonderful heirloom forever linked with the history of the City.
Click here for Murder Mystery events at Prehen House.
Directions from Town:
Take the Victoria Road towards Strabane, follow the signs into Prehen after the Everglades Hotel, then follow Prehen Park leading to the house.
Opening times:
The house is open for tours between the hours of 2-5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the normal tourist season (March-October), and at all other times by telephone appointment only.