Glenlyon, Victoria Road, Holywood, BT18 9BG

Additional Information

• A Closing Date for offers is set for noon on Monday 16 March 2026.
• Elegant unlisted Victorian Gentleman’s residence offered to the market for the first time in 50 years
• Holywood was voted one of the best places to live in the UK (Sunday Times 2025)
• Huge property with accommodation over 4 floors extending to over 5,000 sq ft; plus numerous outbuildings
• Outstanding period features and craftsmanship
• Beautiful secluded gardens offering privacy and tranquility
• Property extends to circa 4.9 acres (1.98 hectares)

Properties like Glenlyon are rare. It is unquestionably one of the last remaining great houses in the area. This is an opportunity not to be missed.

This grand residence occupies arguably the largest private site (circa 4.9 acres) along the highly sought-after Victoria Road and is entered via a splayed stone entrance, with a sweeping driveway leading to this Victorian gem.

Built circa 1853, this double fronted property is accessed via stone steps leading to a grand front entrance. Glenlyon is rich in period charm and hosts an abundance of period features which reflect its distinguished heritage.

Throughout is intricate cornicing, ceiling roses, double-height ceilings, wood-panelled inset doorways, wooden shutters, high-skirting boards, grand staircases, decorative wall sculptures and wine cellars. Feature fireplaces and charming bay windows with views to the front and rear lawns, all enhance Glenlyon’s sense of grandeur and character.

A bright and welcoming entrance hall provides an introduction to the home, leading to a huge double-height drawing room and formal dining room, each beautifully appointed with large windows and perhaps the finest ceilings you have ever seen.

The dining room opens into a delightful conservatory, bathed in natural light. As if this was not enough reception space there is an additional study/reception room on this level.

At the heart of the home lies a traditional kitchen, with wooden low and high wall mounted units, granite worktops, Victorian tiled flooring coupled with a classic oil-fired Aga. Complementing the principal rooms, the property includes a bar for entertaining, numerous utility rooms and storage areas, plus a well-appointed cloakroom and shower room.

The bedroom accommodation is arranged across the first and second floors. The first floor offers five generously proportioned bedrooms, each accessed via both the principal staircase and the charming old scullery staircase.

The accommodation found on the second floor extends to four additional bedrooms and two smaller rooms, which present an excellent opportunity for refurbishment, providing scope to create a range of versatile spaces, such as guest suites, studies, or family quarters.

As if this is not enough space, there is an additional attached two-bedroom cottage, disused barn, stable and coal and boiler houses. Glenlyon provides a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not only is it one of a kind it affords itself to a wealth of potential purposes, due to its scale, unique character and location.

Location 

Glenlyon is located in a prominent position, in the heart of Holywood.

Set in its own tranquil oasis, Glenlyon is accessed via a long private drive leading from the prestigious Victoria Road. Its location is unrivalled being located in the picturesque and very desirable coastal town of Holywood.

The location offers exceptional access to Belfast and Dublin. Holywood is on the train line. The Enterprise to Dublin takes less than two hours. There are regular flights to London from Belfast City Airport, which is less than 10 minutes’ drive.

This property offers an easy commute those seeking to access the fantastic schools and lifestyle that living in Holywood affords.

Amenities 

Situated in a unique location with an extensive range of amenities from scenic walks, stunning beaches & hospitality experiences. The area is well-renowned for its natural beauty, with coastal walks, beautiful beaches and the only Maypole in Ireland.

Voted one of the best places to live in the NI as well as the UK. Holywood combines small community charm whilst at the same time offering extensive amenities.

For golfing enthusiasts, the prestigious Royal Belfast Golf Club is located on your doorstep and is the oldest golf club in Ireland, established in 1881, with Royal County Down being 30 minutes’ drive away.

Located only a short distance of about 1.3 miles is Holywood Golf Course, home of Rory McIlroy. There are further sporting activities to avail of including the Holywood Cricket Club. No coastal town is complete without a yacht club or two! The Royal North Club sits pride of place just along the coast and Kinnegar Yacht Club is located in the heart of Holywood. The area also boasts tennis courts, beautiful parks and stunning coastal walks.

The range of leading primary, secondary and grammar schools create a sense of community. There is an excellent range of top-ranking grammar schools in the area, including Campbell College, Rockport School, Sullivan Upper School and Strathearn School.