We were so lucky to be referred to Mavis and Terry's warm and welcoming country house B&B after the place we had booked weeks before fell through (they gave our private bathroom to another family -- another story). Up a wooded driveway, the house is situated on a little hill above the road, with ample parking in the front, and lovely flower gardens in the front and back yards. Our room was large, with comfortable twin beds with down comforters; the en-suite bathroom is spotless -- plush, color-cordinated towels, soaps, lotions and all the usual amenities found in a luxury small hotel. The public rooms are bright, airy, stylishly furnished in the English country house style -- picture Miss Jane Marple coming round for tea. But the best part of our stay were our host and hostess the Dunlaps, friendly and solicitous of our needs and comforts, good sense of humor, chatting with us like old friends, with stories about the neighborhood, their family, and their 70 acre horse farm -- they raise thoroughbreds. You must have a car to stay here. The location is actually a little out of the way for Belfast, but one could drive into town within 20 to 30 minutes without rush hour traffic. Lovely gardens of Mount Stewart , the Mountains of Mourne, and the Strangford Lough are 30-40 minutes away. Terry was right on with driving directions to the various tourist sites and restaurants, though one could easily get lost among the country roads criss-crossing the area.

Mavis cooks delicious breakfasts to order, offering home-made brown and soda bread, fresh fruit, homemade jam and marmalade and cereal choices along with the traditional Irish breakfast. One morning I said I'd like fresh (raw) tomatoes instead of fried, but she misunderstood and went to the hothouse and picked a couple right off the vine for me. Lovely people and lovely house. If you are in the area, I highly recommend Fortwilliam Country House.

Myself and my daughter stayed with Mavis and Terry in July this year. What a treat. Mavis is a wonderful hostess and the house is absolutely splendid. We had great chats with herself and Terry over a lovely breakfast cooked as we talked, her home baking is second to none. Very homely place and Mavis couldn't do enough [she even washed my daughter sogging clothes after she was caught in a thunderstorm on the golf course]. We would highly recommend staying here and hope to get the opportunity again some time soon. We have stayed in numerous places this year and this was the tops.
Mary & Laura, Skerries.

A Tripadvicor Member Ballarat Australia.My wife & I checked in to Fortwilliam Country House B&B when we were touring Ireland in August 07 for 2 nights,but the place was so nice we stayed for 4 nights,our hosts were Terry & Mavis,I cannot rate this place highly enough,the rooms,the full farm breakfasts & the hosts,the village of Hillsborough & its People are wonderful.If anyone is travelling in Nth Ireland this is a must see & stay place.We hope to return some time in the future.

It was a privilege to stay at Fortwilliam country house in Hillsborough with an extraordinarily welcoming family, Terry and Mavis Dunlop, and their daughter, home from college. Terry Dunlop raises horses on the farm, and his cows had 3 sets of calves this year. Mavis fills the house with antiques, the warm smell of fresh-baked bread, and her friendly conversation.

Breakfast in Mavis kitchen with her antique stove is an experience you will savor if you like old-fashioned charm. We enjoyed home-made brown bread, eggs, good bacon, fresh fruit, and cereal. On our day of arrival Mavis treated us to tea and a home-made sweet bread.

You won't find Fortwilliam in a lot of guidebooks, but return guests happily find their way back! We met one during our stay. Fortwilliam has 3 rooms and Mavis keeps them very very clean and comfty. I found Fortwilliam in Alastair Sawday's Special Places To Stay in Ireland (guidebook).

Hillsborough is a charming town which is off the beaten path, but not too far off. You can drive into Belfast or to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra in less than 30 minutes.

Hubby and I found the Victorian room (Double Bedroom #2 on their web-site) very charming with a pleasant garden view. The queen bed was comfortable with a nice firm mattress, and we had our own private bathroom right across the hall, plus a bathrobe was provided for our use. The shower is small but there was plenty of hot water. Our room was very quiet and peaceful at night.

Our 2 daughters were in the Primrose room with 2 twin Irish carved beds and ensuite bathroom. The twin beds with soft mattresses are best for young folks who don't need firm beds.

Bathrooms for both the Victorian room and the Primrose room had 2 wooden steps down into the bathroom and Mavis will remind you to watch your step.

Mavis has thoughtfully provided nice touches such as a complimentary bottle of sparkling water and tea service in the bedroom; a toothbrush and shower cap in the bathroom. Breakfast is included for the total room price of 65 pounds per room per night (2 people sharing). Price is lower for a single person in one room. Rooms are non-smoking.

I was telling Terry at breakfast that I wanted to visit the Carmel Street area in Belfast where my grandmother grew up. He promptly called the police to get detailed directions for me!

We appreciate the thoughtfulness and hospitality of Terry and Mavis and we highly recommend Fortwilliam Country House. You'll find their web-site under the name Fortwilliamcountryhouse. It is at 210 Ballynahinch Road, Hillsborough, County Down. They have a framed award in their house designating it as the 1996 Ulster Guesthouse of the Year (Northern Ireland Tourist board.)

At Fortwilliam country house you will find out why the Irish are known for their welcoming friendliness.