Built prior to 1790, “Airlie” is a rambling, wide-spread building of cottage type, on a rolling elevation at the end of Myrtle street. It attracts attention through its unusual simplicity of exterior. Its architecture is entirely different from other ante-bellum homes in the community.

This great departure from the usual style is due to the age of Airlie. Its original building date is ahead of all the available history of Natchez.

Additions have been made, from time to time, until today Airlie stands twelve rooms broad, reaching a row of venerable cedars with their swaying moss which sweeps the eaves of this old home of the Ayres P. Merrill family.

The central portion is built on old Spanish style, with beams and timbers held together by wooden pegs; later additions show that these were made by somewhat improved methods.

Airlie is often referred to as “the old Buckner home”. It was occupied by the Buckner family at the time of its first recorded history and during the War Between the States when conflicts at Airlie left blood stains on its floors and walls which are clearly visible today.

This house was for a time used as a hospital for Northern soldiers.

When Airlie passed from the Buckner family it became the property of another family of distinction, that of Ayres P. Merrill, whose descendants occupy Airlie today, with its treasure of rosewood and mahogany antiques.