Historic Melmore House Named Northern Ireland’s House of the Year in BBC NI Series
A stunning transformation of an 1850s villa has crowned Melmore House as Northern Ireland’s House of the Year. The County Down property took the top prize in the finale of BBC Northern Ireland’s popular series, NI House of the Year 2024, hosted by style icon Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Originally built in 1855 and once home to former Chief Constable Sir Graham Shillington, Melmore House is a five-bedroom detached villa set high on the Holywood hills with expansive views over Belfast Lough. When owners Fiona and Jonathan purchased the property in 2020, they envisioned a modern home that respected the villa’s historical character while maximizing its spectacular location.
Donna Collins, the lead architect on the project and a specialist in period home restorations, led a sensitive redesign that flipped the home’s entire layout to make the most of the surrounding landscape. To maintain the property’s original charm, a team of skilled artisans experienced in period homes was brought in to oversee the intricate construction details.
Integral to the home’s authentic look, JP Corry’s specialised rainwater department supplied custom rainwater goods that contributed to Melmore House’s architectural appeal. The project incorporated 125x100mm moulded gutters, 75mm downpipes, and traditional hopper heads, all in a heritage black polyester powder-coated finish crafted by Guttercrest.
Throughout the six-part series, NI House of the Year featured an array of unique properties, from contemporary new-builds to expertly restored historical homes. Ultimately, Melmore House’s thoughtful blend of old and new, combined with its breath taking views and sensitive renovation, led the judges to crown it the top home of 2024.
