Phantassie is a farm near East Linton which was very much involved in the Agricultural Improvement movement. It had been the birthplace of John Rennie in 1761, and had seen such innovations as a wind-powered threshing machine in 1799. At this time, it was owned by Julia Mitchell-Innes, daughter of Sir Thomas Dick Lauder.
The Moncrieffs remained at Phantassie after William's death. Elizabeth worked her way up to housekeeper, before retiring on a pension some time in the 1880s. John became the farm steward, and Mary Ann and Elizabeth became lady's maids.
John married Jemima Andison in 1880. At the time of the 1881 Census, they were living in the Phantassie Farm Steward's Cottage with 5 fellow servants. However, they soon filled it with their own family, giving birth to William (1881), Andrew (1883), twins Elizabeth and Mary (1885), John (1887), James (1890). Then they moved to Dunbar, where John became a farm manager.
Mary Ann married local builder John Hardie in 1875. They moved to Leith where John became a Timber Merchant, and they had Elizabeth (1878) and Mary (1882). Then they moved to North Berwick, where John became an Architect, and they had Julia (1885), Margaret (1888), Minnie (1890). Elizabeth (senior) lived with them until her death at the age of 91 in 1915 (having been a widow for over 60 years).