Sarah & Gavin Mackie, estate owners and directors of Larchfield Estate, set out to realise their sustainable storage vision in 2022. With a team in place to run and oversee the self-catering cottages, weddings and corporate events and grappling with the challenges of Covid, Gavin and Sarah realised the perils of having all their eggs in the hospitality arena. Looking to other revenue streams, Sarah was introduced to the self-storage concept.
After a quick trip to FEDESSA’s (Federation of European Self Storage Associations) annual conference in Vilamoura, Portugal to meet suppliers and operators – they embarked on their carbon negative storage offering.
Think Storage reimagines the storage experience by blending sustainability, serenity, and security – all set within the tranquil surroundings of a working country estate. More than just a storage solution, it represents a vision for revitalising rural buildings and giving them a new lease of life.
From Estate to Enterprise: Repurposing Heritage for the Future
Situated on the historic Larchfield Estate near Lisburn, Think Storage Ltd embodies an environmentally responsible approach to development. The facility reuses existing agricultural infrastructure, sympathetically converting barns and outbuildings into secure, modern storage units. This approach avoids carbon-intensive new builds, preserving the character of the estate while significantly reducing environmental impact.
“Too often, rural structures fall into disrepair or are flattened for redevelopment,” says Sarah Mackie, Director at Think Storage Ltd. “We believe in restoring rather than replacing, and giving buildings a meaningful, sustainable future.”
Think Storages launches in May 2025 next to the Stunning Larchfield Estate
A Carbon-Negative Self-Storage Solution
Given the efforts that have gone into making Larchfield Estate a carbon negative venue (Larchfield Estate sequesters more carbon than is produced) it was important to the husband and wife duo that the new self-storage facility also met these standards. A company was then duly selected for their sustainable credentials and, after a delay with planning, installation of 95 state-of-the-art inbuilt storage units of varying sizes started in February 2025.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
Internal units of varying sizes are available to rent online at the new storage facility - Think Storage
- Use of repurposed and reclaimed building materials
- A small herd of alpacas and miniature donkeys cared for under ethical farming principles
- Green energy sourcing (LED Solar Panels, LED and motion sensor lights, Low energy consumption
- Habitat protection around the storage zones
Safe, Secure and Serene
Think Storage offers customers not only physical space but also peace of mind. Units are designed for personal and business use, supported by advanced security systems and 24/7 monitored CCTV. The rural setting ensures a calm, accessible alternative to industrial storage facilities and yards.
Think Storage reimagines the storage experience by blending sustainability, serenity, and security – all set within the tranquil surroundings of a working country estate. More than just a storage solution, it represents a vision for revitalising rural buildings and giving them a new lease of life.
"With many of us increasingly fighting for space in our homes, perhaps through lack of a garage, or needing the spare room reclaimed, we invite people to think differently about their space – at home, at work, and in nature,” continues Sarah. “This is self-storage for people who care about where and how they store.”
Available Now – With Opening Offers
To mark the launch of Think Storage an opening offer of 15% discount for the first 6 months (or part of) is available to new customers. Units range in size from 13 sq ft to 200 sq ft and are suitable for individuals, families, and businesses seeking a more thoughtful approach to storage.
For more information, visit www.think-storage.co.uk or follow @think_storage_ltd on Instagram and Facebook.