Merchants House, 4, Governors Bridge Road, Royal Hillsborough, BT26 6FH

An Exceptional Family Home in One of Royal Hillsborough's Most Prestigious Addresses Occupying a prime corner position within the exclusive Governors Gate development, Merchants House is an outstanding detached family residence extending to approximately 3,400 square feet. Beautifully designed and impeccably presented throughout, the property combines classical architectural elegance with contemporary comfort, enjoying uninterrupted views across the surrounding countryside whilst being only a short stroll from the heart of the historic village. Constructed with enduring quality and subsequently enhanced to an exceptional standard, the home offers an impressive balance of formal entertaining space and relaxed family living. Period-inspired detailing—including ornate cornicing, deep skirtings, feature panelling and generous ceiling heights—sits effortlessly alongside bespoke cabinetry, luxury bathrooms and a handcrafted kitchen, creating a home of remarkable warmth, sophistication and practicality. Elegant Reception Rooms Designed for Modern Living A welcoming reception hall immediately conveys the quality found throughout the property, leading to beautifully proportioned living spaces that have been thoughtfully designed for both everyday family life and entertaining on a larger scale. The elegant drawing room is a refined space featuring decorative panelled walls, a marble fireplace and French doors opening directly onto the gardens. At the heart of the home lies a magnificent open-plan kitchen and dining room. The bespoke handmade kitchen combines timeless craftsmanship with outstanding functionality, complemented by granite worktops, a substantial central island, premium integrated appliances, a Quooker boiling water tap, Rangemaster cooker, wine cooler and generous storage throughout. The adjoining dining area, complete with wood-burning stove, flows seamlessly into the spectacular garden room where parquet flooring, a limestone fireplace and extensive glazing create an exceptional space in which to relax throughout the seasons. From here, a striking split-level staircase rises to one of the home's most distinctive features—a magnificent vaulted living room with an impressive picture window framing panoramic views across the gardens and open countryside beyond. Flooded with natural light, this elevated reception room provides a peaceful retreat unlike any other. A beautifully appointed cloakroom and an exceptional utility/boot room complete the ground floor. Luxurious Bedroom Accommodation The first floor centres around a beautifully designed principal suite that provides a true sanctuary. The spacious bedroom enjoys elegant panelled walls and a feature electric fireplace, complemented by a fully-fitted dressing room and an en-suite bathroom. Two further generously proportioned double bedrooms are served by a stunning family bathroom, beautifully finished with a Burlington suite, roll-top bath, separate rainfall shower and elegant period styling. The second floor offers excellent flexibility for growing families or visiting guests. Two further double bedrooms, including one with a dedicated dressing room, are complemented by a stylish guest bathroom, creating an ideal self-contained accommodation wing. Landscaped Gardens & Outdoor Entertaining Occupying a generous corner site, the gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped to provide privacy, colour and ease of maintenance throughout the year. Extensive lawns are bordered by mature hedging, established shrubs and flowering beds, while several paved seating areas provide ideal spaces for outdoor entertaining or quiet relaxation. The outdoor BBQ and entertaining room creates a wonderful extension of the living accommodation, perfectly suited to summer gatherings with family and friends. The gardens also enjoy uninterrupted views across neighbouring fields, providing an exceptional sense of space and tranquillity rarely found within such a convenient village setting. Outstanding Practicality Complementing the principal accommodation is a detached double garage with twin electric doors and partially floored roof space offering excellent storage. Two matching brick-built garden stores provide additional space, while the generous driveway comfortably accommodates several vehicles. Underfloor heating throughout the ground floor, double glazing and an exceptional level of specification ensure the property is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Location Governors Gate has long been regarded as one of Royal Hillsborough's most desirable residential developments, combining privacy and exclusivity with excellent convenience. The award-winning village is renowned for its independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants, together with the historic Hillsborough Castle and Forest Park. Excellent schools, sporting facilities and transport connections are all within easy reach, while Belfast city centre and Belfast International Airport are readily accessible, making the property ideally suited for both family life and commuting. A Rare Opportunity Homes of this calibre rarely become available within Governors Gate. Combining timeless architecture, exceptional craftsmanship, beautifully landscaped gardens and outstanding countryside views, Merchants House represents a unique opportunity to acquire one of Royal Hillsborough's finest family homes. Every element of the property has been carefully considered to create a residence of enduring quality, elegance and distinction, offering an exceptional lifestyle in one of Northern Ireland's most sought-after locations.