Ardavon House was once a grand Victorian mansion, nestled among mature woodland and just a short walk from the coast of the Belfast Lough. The now-abandoned mansion was built in 1887 by Samuel Trimble, the deputy treasurer of Co. Antrim. It was built in close proximity to what was known as “Craigavad Station” shortly after the train line was completed.
In addition to the mansion, there was a cottage, office-houses, a stabling and a villa, known as Ardmara House, which was rented for £50 annually in 1890. The home also had a conservatory at the front. Inside, Ardavon House had three reception rooms, six bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a tennis lawn and flower and fruit gardens.
Over the years, many well-known citizens of Northern Ireland would call Ardavon House home, including Granville Craig, who was the brother of James Craig, Viscount Craigavon, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
Ardavon House was left abandoned in 2010. The outside of the home still contains many of its original Victorian features, including the private pillared entrance and the balconettes. The conservatory, however, was noticeably absent. While the outside of Ardavon House was impressive, when we visited, the inside had been emptied and gutted, ready for demolition or renovation.
In 2016, Ardavon House and the surrounding 5.9 acres of land were sold for £1.95 million and six mature sites with full planning permission for period-style homes were approved. At the time of writing, only one site remains for sale.
In late 2021, Ardavon house was demolished.
