Best Rescue of an Historic Building or Place - Under £1million

Situated in Hillsborough and occupying a prominent corner site in the conservation area, 1 Arthur Street and 21 Ballynahinch Street were built around 1825. By 2017 only four grade B2 listed walls were left of the original blacksmith’s forge and associated blacksmith’s house. In 2017, the Brady family purchased the properties at 21 Ballynahinch Street (the village Forge) and 1 Arthur Street (the Blacksmith’s adjoining cottage). The buildings contribute so much to the distinctive style of the Hillsborough conservation area, and the Brady family, have successfully restored unique features such as the lattice windows, creating work for local craftspeople in the process. Following the work, the buildings are now rented out for purposes that benefit the local community, namely a deli and a 2 bed cottage.