Ashville: A Georgian Gem Restored to Glory in Northern Ireland

Nestled in the heart of Killinchy, Co Down, within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just a stone’s throw from Strangford Lough, Ashville stands as a magnificent testament to history, craftsmanship, and family legacy. Built in the late 1830s by a local minister, this Georgian gentleman’s residence has watched over the rolling Northern Irish countryside for nearly two centuries and thanks to the passion and dedication of Mark and his family, it’s now enjoying a stunning new chapter in its story.

Ashville first entered the Davidson family in 1908, when Alice Davidso, Mark’s great-grandmother and a young widow at the time, purchased the property for the princely sum of £1,300. Over the years, the home was rented out until Alice’s eldest son married, settled into Ashville, and began farming the surrounding land. The Davidson family remained there for generations, until the home was eventually passed down to Mark in 2017.

By then, the once-grand residence was showing its age. As a Grade II listed building, Ashville required immense care and expertise to bring it back to life. The couple faced a difficult decision, to sell or to restore. The answer, they say, was always going to be yes. What followed was a five-year labor of love: a new roof, traditional lime plastering, rewiring, replumbing, and meticulous restoration work throughout. The result is nothing short of spectacular, a home that blends historic character with modern comfort while honoring the artistry and spirit of its past.

Bringing History Back to Life at Ashville

The restoration of Ashville revealed many of the property’s original treasures. Its intricate cornicing and ceiling roses, a beautiful arched hallway, and a collection of period fireplaces have all been preserved. One of the family’s favorite features? The fully functioning servants’ bells, which their electrician managed to restore, allowing guests to hear the very same chime that once echoed through the halls in the 1800s.

Throughout the renovation, the family took great care to maintain the authenticity of the home. They chose heritage paint colors and traditional materials, ensuring that Ashville could breathe as it was originally designed to. Three-quarters of the original sliding sash windows were painstakingly restored, while the remainder were recreated by local craftsmen in the same style, including a breathtaking arched mezzanine window that now floods the back of the home with natural light.

And of course, no restoration story is complete without a few surprises. The standout favorite among guests? A Victorian canopy bath once owned by Lady Anderson of Belfast’s historic Anderson & McAuley department store, a grand, one-of-a-kind centerpiece that perfectly complements the home’s rich personality.

From Family Home to Luxury Retreat

Once the renovation was complete, Mark and his family decided to share Ashville with others by offering luxury holiday stays. Since opening the doors three years ago, they’ve welcomed guests from across the globe including families gathering for reunions, couples celebrating weddings, and travelers exploring the beauty of Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside.

Their dedication was officially recognized earlier this year, when Ashville earned a 5-star accreditation from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board which is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the care, quality, and warmth that defines every stay.

For the family, the greatest reward comes in reading the heartfelt reviews left by their guests. Many describe Ashville as “unique yet cosy,” a place that feels like stepping back in time without sacrificing modern comfort. Others simply can’t stay away, returning again and again which is the truest sign that the Davidsons made the right decision to preserve this piece of living history.

Ashville: A Legacy That Lives On

While the main house now shines in its restored glory, the journey isn’t over yet. Bordering the courtyard are a series of outhouses and stables, which the family hopes to refurbish next, along with a beautiful walled garden that’s brimming with potential.

Ashville’s story is one of vision, resilience, and love for history, for craft, and for family. What began as a crumbling estate has become a beacon of heritage hospitality, offering guests a taste of old-world elegance in the heart of Northern Ireland.

Whether you visit for the history, the views, or that unforgettable Victorian bath, one thing is certain: Ashville isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a story to step inside.

Photos By: @kromaxmedia