A FAMILY who worked tirelessly to restore an icon of east Belfast's architectural heritage have been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
Husband and wife Peter Boyle and Ciara Denvir bought the derelict Ormiston House from the Stormont Assembly four years ago after plans to use the property as extra office space were halted.
The duo successfully restored the landmark building to the former 19th century splendour, finally calling it their own family home on what was its 150th birthday last year.
The Heritage Angel Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to "protect, save, record and share their local heritage".
The couple have been shortlisted in the Best Major Regeneration of an Historic Building or Place category and if they win, go forward to the Historic England Angel Awards in November.
The property's most significant owner was Viscount Pirrie, the man behind the Titanic, before it passed hands to Campbell College.
"Ormiston House is the family home of our dreams, yes, but it is much more than that," said Ms Denvir.
"It was about saving a building that is really important to this city and its people.
"It was a project that we undertook entirely by ourselves and that's why being nominated for a Heritage Angel Award means so much to our family."
Visit www.ulsterarchitecturalheritage.org.uk for information.
