If you’ve been praying for a dream home set in the beautiful rural landscape of Northern Ireland that won’t break the bank… we may have just found what you’re looking for. The former Forkhill Parish Church has been lovingly converted into a comfortable and unique family home that enjoys both quiet rural living and access to local towns, amenities and schools.
The 4 bedroom property dates back to 1767 and you’ll find original, historic features throughout the family home- including original stained glass windows that fill the inside with gorgeous light.
Other original church features include the all important pulpit, restored flooring, high gothic windows throughout, the original church bell (which is in working condition) and the striking gothic church doors that welcome you inside.
Despite its historic past, Forkhill Church has been converted and decorated inside to be a bright and practical family home that makes the most of colour. This is not a stuffy museum… but a beautiful home that happens to be surrounded by local history. This is a unique achievement by all those who were involved in its loving conversion.
@irishcoastandcountry Heavenly church conversion in Northern Ireland, £275k/ ~€313k ? #northernireland #countydown #irishproperty #churchconversion ♬ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer
The inside is laid out over 2 floors and there’s plenty of space- extending to almost 2500 square feet. You’ll enter the property through a grand entrance hall, open plan kitchen and living area, a second kitchen and utility room, large living area, and a studio that is currently used for music. The music studio could be used as a quiet office space for anyone still working from home.
2 staircases at either end of the property lead to 4 bedrooms upstairs, one of which is an en-suite, a main bathroom with beautiful freestanding bath, and storage cupboard. All living spaces and bedrooms enjoy an abundance of natural light and rural views of the valley surrounding the County Down home.
The Former Forkhill Parish Church is an important local historic landmark having been built inwas built in 1767 by Richard Jackson, landlord of the Forkhill Estate from 1742 to 1787. The Parish was formed on 20th December 1771 when 12 townlands were transferred from the parish of Loughgilly. On 7th May 1773 11 townlands of Killeavy were annexed to Forkhill, and the townland of Dungooley was later added after disestablishment in 1871. The parish is 20 square miles in extent.
The church was closed on 23rd September 1990 and deconsecrated 12th November 1991.
The church conversion is perfectly positioned for anyone with a passion for the outdoors. You’ll find both the Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion close by and both designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’re also a short drive away from Carlingford Lough and the coastline beyond the Mourne Mountains.
For those wanting something even closer to home… just a stones throw over the quiet rural lane from Forkhill Church is direct access to The Poets’ Trail. The waymarked trail is a popular walking route- consisting of 3 circular walks that take in outstanding valley and hill views. A total of 26 miles.