The house you see was built by a Mr Robinson, and named 'Culloden House' in honour of his wife, Lady Elizabeth Jane Culloden. On the death of Mr Robinson in 1884, his widow conveyed the property to the Church.
So at the end of the 19th century, Culloden House came to be the official residence of the Bishop of the Diocese, and was known as the Bishop's Palace. The Bishop of Down and Connor, the Right Reverend Thomas James Willand took up residence in Culloden House in 1898. In subsequent years three Bishops lived at the Culloden. During the tenure of Bishop John Baptist Crozier (what a name for a bishop!) a private Chapel was dedicated within the house.
Eventually the house was considered too grand for a bishop, and the Church sold the property, and it was converted into a hotel. Sadly the Chapel is used no more - it is now the 'Mitre Bar' (no comment).
In 1996, the Culloden became the first hotel in Northern Ireland to be granted 5 star staus. After several major renovations and extensions, the hotel now boasts 105 deluxe bedroom suites, 11 luxurious self-catering apartments, 6 private banqueting suites and a luxurious Spa!
The hotel is the first choice of any VIPs coming to Belfast - politicians, pop stars and sporting heros! Former guests include, Tony Blair, Tom Jones, Sir Cliff Richard, Sir James Galway, Bono from U2, Bobbie Williams. Ainsley Harriot, Michael Ball, Chris Rea, Kenneth Brannagh, Alan Whicker, John Major, Lionel Ritchie, The Corrs, Lloyd Grossman, Ben Elton, the 1998 World Cup Winning French Football team, the English football team, captained by David Beckham, the Spanish Football team and the Irish Rugby Team. The name of Deacon Peter can now be added to this litany of the greats.
Yes, the Culloden Estate and Spa, "Built for a Bishop....Fit for a Deacon!"
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