Ormiston House East Belfast

Ormiston House is situated in the heart of East Belfast and whilst it has been hidden from the pubic for over 10 years due to the behaviour of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission and NI Executive, it is hoped that house now sold, may once again be on view to passersby.

The history of Ormiston House is significant as it was the former home to both Edward J Harland founder of Titanic shipbuilders Harland & Wolff and Lord Pirrie chairman of H&W and former Lord Mayor of Belfast.

Built in 1867 for James Combe a Scottish iron founder and linen manufacturer the detail and architectural significance of the property cannot be understated. The gables, turrets, gargoyles and Christian stonework show a very different era in Belfast history and shows the beliefs of the society of the day and that's written in stone!

Ormiston House which is practically invisible from the ring road due to the NI Assembly Commission's corrugated fences and razor wire defences can best be seen in Autumn and has its main entrance at the gate lodge on Hawthornden Road. It is hoped that the full glory of Ormiston House will once again be on show when the new owner re-developers the property and removed the NI Assembly's barricades!

Enjoy these unique Belfast photos of Ormiston House and compare them to the house when it is restored.