'Our home is a self-portrait': Belfast's The Gallery scoops Northern Ireland House of the Year
An art-filled south Belfast home its owners say is “like a self-portrait” of them has won Northern Ireland’s House of the Year trophy.
Home to retired dental surgeon Bernard and his wife Sinead, a complementary therapist and counsellor, the Gallery is built around a 65-foot-long painting.
The property was built in the garden of the pair’s old house; they’d wanted to downsize, but didn’t want to leave the leafy area.
The house, which Bernard describes as functional and “not just for show”, uses air intake and heat recovery machines to reduce the running costs.
Says Bernard: “This house is a love story – Belfast's own Taj Mahal.
“It's a gift to my darling wife, Sinéad, as an expression of my love for her.
“I designed our new home around a 65-foot-long painting, a gift from my friend and distinguished artist Neil Shawcross. In the event, the wall wasn't long enough and the painting needed scrolled at one end. A glorious failure, as the detailed measurements had received lengthy consideration.
“Some say our house is more like an art gallery than a home; a criticism, or a compliment perhaps.
“It is a wonderful space adorned with art that resonates with the sound of music. Walking round the house when the sun comes up is bliss. There is something comforting and spiritual about it, like being cocooned in a new skin."
Sinead describes taking part in the BBC’s House of the Year programme as “the icing on the cake”.
“Our home is our passion,” she says. “It’s been a labour of love from start to finish. We will cherish the memories and now we are living the dream.”
Five homes made it to the show’s grand final, presented by design expert and television personality Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen with judges Patricia McGinnis, Jane Larmour and James Fairley.
Says Patricia: “This series saw a lot of stiff competition with a range of really strong finalists. The Gallery deserved to win for a multitude of reasons; the exterior and interior were considered as a whole, and the house was built to be exactly what Bernard and Sinead wanted it to be, for them.
“It is brave, bold and beautiful and a home that Bernard and Sinead should rightfully be extremely proud of, a credit to their vision and tenacity. The Gallery is one of the most breath-taking homes I've been in and I consider it an honour to have been able to visit it.”
James says there was heated debate between the judges as they narrowed down this year’s selection of candidates.
“The Gallery, however, stood out as the winner for its unashamed approach to both its interiors and its architecture, built entirely to suit the requirements of the homeowners and their collection of artwork,” he stated.
“Unapologetic in style and form and carried out as a series of bold gestures, this is one home that will stay in my mind for a long time to come. Congratulations Bernard and Sinead on creating and curating a truly exceptional home.”