Five historic homes in South Belfast are on track for listed status, thanks to support from City Hall and the Belfast City Council Planning Committee.
South Belfast: Five impressive houses in the Malone area are getting closer to listed status. City Hall has backed the proposal, which is exciting news for the community.
During a recent Belfast City Council Planning Committee meeting, members supported listing five specific homes. These include Ardleevan at 180 and 178 Upper Malone Road, 17 Notting Hill, and two houses on Malone Hill Park.
Being a listed building means a property is recognized for its special architectural or historic interest. The Stormont Department of Communities oversees this process, but the council reviews proposals first.
Currently, a second survey of Northern Ireland’s buildings is happening. This aims to update the original list from 1974. The Belfast survey was supposed to finish in 2017 but is still ongoing.
The two Ardleevan houses are early 20th-century Arts and Crafts style homes. They were designed by Blackwood and Jury Architects and sit on a private road off Upper Malone Road.
Originally, the villa was one large home but was split into two between 1963 and 1988. The expansive grounds offer beautiful views of the gardens and Lagan Valley.
One of the Ardleevan houses had some changes made, including a two-story extension replacing the original motor house. The proposed listing for these homes is B2.
17 Notting Hill is an Italianate villa built in 1861 by architect James Mc Nea. It’s a well-preserved example of mid-19th-century architecture in Malone.
This house is part of a group of six built by William Magill Collins. The council report highlights its style, reflecting the prosperity of the growing middle class in Belfast.
2 Malone Hill Park is a unique Arts and Crafts style villa built in 1932. It features a steeply sloping roof and is set on a large corner lot with mature landscaping.
The original owner had Dutch ties, which may explain the house’s distinctive design. Its proposed listing is B2.
6 Malone Hill Park, designed by architect Thomas William Henry, is another notable home. Built between 1927 and 1928, it showcases the Arts and Crafts style and is proposed for a B1 listing.
In Northern Ireland, listed buildings fall into four categories. Grade A buildings are of national importance, while Grade B+ buildings are special but may have some detracting features.
Grade B1 and B2 buildings are of local importance and can show some alterations. Each category helps preserve the unique architectural heritage of the area.
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