The story of Millom is inseparable from iron ore mining and the sea. For many years the mines, furnaces, railway and coastal trade provided work for local families. When the mines closed in 1968, the area changed profoundly. Duddon Villa, too, had fallen into disrepair by the time our family came here.

1973 Our family arrived in 1973

In 1973 our family bought Duddon Villa when it was derelict. We could see beyond the condition of the building to the home it could become. Restoring it took a great deal of work, but it gave the house a future and became a place where our family lived for more than thirty years.

Today the McMeekin family remains the owner of Duddon Villa, together with approximately 38 acres of surrounding land. We feel privileged to care for this part of the Cumbrian coastline and to pass its stories on to the people who stay here.

The McMeekins and the piers

Our family’s connection with Millom goes beyond the house. We also bought Hodbarrow Pier and Millom Pier and were involved in ship-breaking there. These sites, once associated with the movement of iron ore and other industrial cargoes, took on another working life as vessels were brought in to be dismantled and their materials recovered.

One of the most memorable arrivals was the frigate HMS Ajax, shown in our family photograph coming in towards Millom Pier to be scrapped. For us, this image captures an extraordinary moment in the area’s maritime history: a former naval ship arriving on a coast already shaped by generations of industry.

Ship-breaking was demanding industrial work, and it forms an important part of our family’s story and of the changing uses of the Millom waterfront.

c. 2006 A place to share

Around twenty years ago, we turned Duddon Villa from our family home into self-catering holiday accommodation. It gave the house another chapter, allowing other families and friends to make their own memories here. We have continued to care for the property while welcoming visitors to this special corner of Cumbria.

The view that never grows old

There is one thing that has never changed: the view. From Duddon Villa, the estuary opens out towards the mountains and fells, with light and weather constantly changing the landscape. Some of our visitors have called it the best view in the world. We certainly understand why.

The surrounding 38 acres give the house a wonderful sense of space. On clear nights, the open skies can be full of stars; on rare occasions, the Northern Lights may be visible too. Whether it is a bright summer evening, a winter sunrise or the quiet of the estuary at dusk, there is always something worth stopping to admire.

Today The next chapter of Duddon Villa

Michael McMeekin is now retired, having spent more than fifty years caring for Duddon Villa and its surrounding land. His hard work and dedication have helped preserve this historic house and its unique setting for future generations.

Today, his daughter Jenny Brumby runs Duddon Villa, continuing the family tradition of welcoming guests and ensuring the house remains a special place for families and friends to enjoy.

Although Duddon Villa has changed over the years, it remains very much a McMeekin family home at heart. We are proud of its history, our family’s connection to Millom’s industrial and maritime heritage, and the opportunity to share this beautiful part of Cumbria with others.