Ardleevan, 180 Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT17 9JZ

Ardleevan is an Arts and Crafts style house of two storeys plus an attic, constructed between 1920 and 1939 by the architects Blackwood and Jury. It is located off a long private road to the east of Upper Malone Road in South Belfast, set within expansive grounds that offer sweeping views across formal gardens and the Lagan Valley.

The asymmetrical design features rosemary-tiled sweeping roofs, tall brick chimneys, and eclectic detailing typical of the Arts and Crafts style. Original historic character has been retained, including the simply detailed staircase and original fireplaces. Number 180, one part of the divided dwelling, has undergone alterations, with the original motor house and chauffeur’s quarters removed and replaced by a two-storey extension in the late 20th century, which lacks the richness of design of the original house.

The house was originally built for Major Charles Grimshaw Duffin, a descendant of the Barbour and Riddel families, within the former demesne of Lismoyne House, a mansion house predating the first edition Ordnance Survey map of 1832-3. Ardleevan represents the second dwelling added to the northwest of the demesne. Subsequent development occurred from the 1930s onwards. Today, it stands on the edge of a group of around forty substantial houses, each situated in its own grounds.

Despite divisions and alterations to create two separate dwellings, ownership boundaries have been discreet, preserving the original design intent. The building retains much of its original fabric and detailing, contributing to its recognition as one of Percy Jury's most noteworthy domestic designs. The setting includes terraced lawns, an early swimming pool, a pergola, a sundial, and water features.