Imagine a home that’s not just a living space, but a living, breathing work of art—a place where every corner tells a story, and every wall whispers creativity. That’s exactly what ‘The Gallery,’ a south Belfast home, embodies, and it’s no wonder it’s been shortlisted as a finalist in this year’s BBC House of the Year. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a house truly be a self-portrait? Bernard, a retired dental surgeon, and Sinead, a holistic therapist, believe so, and their home is a testament to that bold claim.
This isn’t just any house—it’s one of 15 unique properties visited by interior designer and TV personality Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen for the BBC NI program. Nestled just off Malone Road, The Gallery is a treasure trove of ‘an eclectic mix of art,’ carefully curated by its owners. Bernard himself describes it as ‘like a self-portrait,’ a statement that’s both intriguing and thought-provoking. And this is the part most people miss: The house isn’t just about displaying art; it’s about art shaping the very essence of the space.
Llewelyn-Bowen, alongside his panel of expert judges—architect Jane Larmour, interior designer James Fairley, and Maven co-founder Patricia McGinnis—was instantly captivated. ‘There ain’t going to be anything ‘meh’ in here,’ he declared. ‘It’s about art, it’s about being challenging, scintillating, and slinky.’ But what does it mean for a home to be ‘slinky’? Is it the fluidity of its open-plan design, where functional areas seamlessly blend, or the boldness of its artistic choices? That’s up for debate.
The layout of The Gallery is as unique as its art. Most of the house is open plan, with spaces flowing into one another. Downstairs, a music area featuring a grand piano sits alongside a spare bedroom with a sink area and utility room. At the opposite end, another bedroom, complete with an en suite bathroom, can be closed off with a blind for privacy. Sinead’s client treatment room, accessible via a separate entrance, adds a professional touch to the home. A striking black central staircase with a bright red banister—and even a lift—leads to the upper level, where a double-height ceiling amplifies the grandeur.
Upstairs, the main lounge, a kitchen with a hidden prep area, and the principal bedroom suite take center stage. The suite is a sanctuary in itself, featuring a walk-in wardrobe, dressing area, and an en suite bathroom. But here’s a question to ponder: Does a house need to be this extravagant to be considered art? Or is it the personal touches, like Bernard’s prioritization of wall space for art over windows, that truly make it exceptional?
Art isn’t just displayed here—it’s celebrated. A painting by Neil Shawcross, a centerpiece of the home, was gifted to Bernard after the two became close friends. ‘The wall wasn’t long enough, so we scrolled the painting at one end,’ Bernard explains, highlighting the lengths they’ve gone to accommodate their passion. Sinead, meanwhile, cherishes the serenity of the location and the luxury of having a bath in the bedroom, where she can relax while Bernard plays the piano downstairs. And this is the part most people miss: The house isn’t just a showcase of art—it’s a love story, inspired by Bernard’s devotion to Sinead. ‘I created it like the Taj Mahal,’ he says, calling it Belfast’s own Taj Mahal.
Llewelyn-Bowen praises the couple’s ability to make the house so personal, noting, ‘I don’t think anyone else could live here.’ But is that the mark of a truly great home—its unapologetic uniqueness? Or does it risk becoming too exclusive, too ‘other’ for the average person? We want to hear from you: What do you think makes a house a work of art? Is it the art on the walls, the design choices, or the stories it tells? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s spark a conversation about where art ends and home begins.
