The Maxwell family first acquired Monreith in the 15th century, and built Myrton Castle on the estate. William Maxwell of Monreith was created a baronet of Nova Scotia in 1681. Magdalene Blair, wife of the third baronet, made tapestries of the gardens in the mid 17th century, which remain in the house.[2] Sir William Maxwell, 4th Baronet, inherited the estate in 1771 and commissioned the present Monreith House from Alexander Stevens (1739–1796) in 1791.[1] Sir William also laid out the grounds of the house as they largely remain today.[2] In 1821, the porch was added to designs by Sir Robert Smirke.[1]
Sir Herbert Maxwell (1845–1937) succeeded as 7th Baronet in 1877. He sat as Member of Parliament for Wigtownshire from 1880 to 1906, and was admitted to the Privy Council in 1897. He also served as Lord Lieutenant of Wigtown until 1935. In 1911, he published a book on Scottish gardens, and developed a substantial plant collection at Monreith.[2] Following his death and the Second World War, the house was rented and the gardens declined. His grandson was Gavin Maxwell author of Ring of Bright Water, who was born at The House of Elrig on the estate. Gavin's older brother, Sir Aymer Maxwell, the 8th Baronet, owned the house and estate at this point, although was forced to sell the Maxwells' farming interests to a consortium of local businessmen in the 1950s, only retaining ownership of the house and its grounds.
Sir Aymer's nephew, the 9th Baronet Sir Michael (1943-2021) ;[3] inherited the estate in 1987 following his uncle's death and carried out restoration work to the house, including the creation of holiday accommodation.[2] In March 2011, Monreith House was the subject of a Channel 4 television documentary presented by hotelier Ruth Watson as part of her Country House Rescue series.[4]
