1867 – Ormiston House, Belfast, Ireland

Built in 1867 for James Combe a Scottish born iron founder and linen manufacturer by Scottish architect David Bryce, one of his few Irish works.

Ormiston House was purchased around 1880 by shipbuilder Sir Edward J. Harland founder of Harland & Wolff. The house was later sold around 1887 to the chairman of H&W, Lord Pirrie and some surrounding roads bear the Pirrie name. After his death it reverted to ownership by the shipyard before being sold to Campbell College in 1928. Later in the mid 1970s used as government offices and much neglected over time. A good portion of the gardens was sold off for housing. It was later purchased in the 21st century and sensitively restored.

Designed in his favoured Scottish-Baronial style for mansion houses, it is based around a central three-storey tower-house with two-storey wings on each side. It has the expected stylistic features of the style, crow-stepped gables, a bartizan turret and gargoyles.

In David Bryce’s obituary, The Builder, May 27, 1876, it was stated “He has designed buildings of almost every description, and in the most various phases of architecture; but it was in the adaptation of the Scottish Baronial style to modern wants that he was most at home. He may, indeed, be said to have revived the style, and in many of the most picturesque spots in Scotland examples of his handiwork appear. Whatever differences of opinion may exist as to the propriety of using such a style for a modern dwelling, it cannot be denied that it harmonises wonderfully with the Highland scenery, and common sense was not ignored by Mr. Bryce for the sake of style; for the residences designed by him are models of comfort within. Mr. Bryce did not, however, confine himself to this style whilst designing a mansion house; for, upon occasion, he used the Elizabethan, Jacobean, Palladian, and Renaissance styles, all with considerable freedom of treatment.”

Share!

More!