MAGHERALLY COTTAGE

Location:

Kilmacrew Road, Banbridge, County Down

Before & After:

Overview:

This listed former dwelling was uninhabited for 50 years but has recently been successfully converted to self-catering holiday accommodation. A long single-storey, one room deep structure, it has a typical hearth-lobby plan form, complete with jamb wall and spy-hole. Built into a hill, with the gable end facing towards the road, it has been extended longitudinally over its lifetime, hence the stone-built outbuildings stepping down the slope. As part of the reuse scheme, the ground level around the cottage has been lowered and the external walls underpinned. The roof over the original living accommodation has been re-thatched, while the outbuildings are slated with Bangor Blues. Internally, the accommodation comprises: three en suite bedrooms, including one on the first floor; a living room; kitchen; and storage space.

Funding:

Environment and Heritage Service; Invest Northern Ireland under the Single Rural Self-Catering Scheme; and the owners' own resources.

CHRIST CHURCH

Location:

College Square North, Belfast

Before & After:

Overview:

Due to a dwindling congregation, this former Church of Ireland was deconsecrated in the early 1990s and, after lying redundant for several years, suffered severe fire damage in 1996. Built as a 'free church' in 1833 to the designs of the Dublin architect William Farrell, its future was secured by the intervention of the Belfast Buildings Preservation Trust who, in partnership Royal Belfast Academical Institution, have restored and adapted the building for use as a library and IT Centre of Excellence. The body of the church has been divided by a new floor, while the intricate timber ceiling has been spectacularly recreated from the photographs. The project has won a series of awards from across the British Isles.

Funding:

Environment and Heritage Service; Heritage Lottery Fund.

MARKETHILL COURTHOUSE

Location:

Markethill, County Armagh

Before & After:

Overview:

The Court House in Markethill, built in 1842 to the designs of Thomas Duff, was one of the first buildings at risk to be featured in 1993. Last used as a factory, vandalism and water penetration from a leaking roof had ravaged the building prior to it being taken over by Markethill District Enterprises, a local community group. An extensive restoration scheme was undertaken, reversing unsympathetic alterations and exploiting internal courtyards to provide additional accommodation. It has been sensitively converted into a multi-purpose hall with facilities for community groups, a restaurant and a pre-school/daycare facility.

Funding:

Environment and Heritage Service; Heritage Lottery Fund; National Lottery Charities Board; International Fund for Ireland; Central Community Relations Unit; Armagh City and District Council; Armagh and District Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Board.