The Old Forge, Ballinahinch, Ashford, Co. Wicklow, A67TW35

Looking for a family home that truly offers a unique living space? Originally a blacksmith’s forge dating from circa 1650 and a traditional cottage, The Old Forge is a deeply distinctive home in Ashford Village. What makes the property so compelling is not simply its age, but the way its different parts now work in conversation with one another: the gentler domesticity of the cottage, the drama and texture of the forge wing, and the privacy and softness of the garden setting behind. From the moment of arrival, the house has a sense of enclosure and atmosphere that feels unusually grounded and private for a village property. The gravelled courtyard creates a welcoming approach and gives the front of the house a relaxed, informal character, while the outdoor areas beyond suggest that this is a home with several places to live, gather, and retreat. The kitchen/dining room has a bright, sociable, everyday warmth and feels very much like the heart of the main cottage section. It is easy to imagine family meals, relaxed mornings, and doors opening out in fine weather, because the room has a natural visual connection to the rear garden and a comfortable sense of usable space. It has the right balance of practicality and ease, and the relationship with the terrace and lawn beyond gives it a distinctly garden-facing character, making outdoor dining and summer entertaining feel like a natural extension of the room. The living room brings a more settled, fireside atmosphere to the house. Longer in proportion and calmer in tone, it feels like a room for evenings, conversation, and quiet comfort, with the fireplace providing a strong focal point and a sense of permanence. The ground-floor bedroom adds an important layer of flexibility, whether for an older relative, regular guests, a quieter principal sleeping space, or a home office with easy day-to-day accessibility, and the bathroom at this level reinforces the practicality of single-level living when needed. Upstairs, the attic rooms beneath the roofline provide a cosier, more secluded feel than the principal ground-floor spaces, which may appeal for children, teenagers, hobbies, home-working, or occasional overnight use. The roof terrace adds another dimension altogether, creating an elevated outdoor space with a more private, almost hidden-away atmosphere, and extending the sense that the house offers different pockets of living rather than a single uniform arrangement. The forge wing is where the house becomes most memorable. Here, the space takes on a far more dramatic and architectural quality, with exposed stone walls, substantial timber beams, a fireplace, and a striking double-height volume that immediately recalls the building’s earlier life. The spiral stair and mezzanine add depth and create an area with enormous personality and a notably self-contained feel. This part of the house could lend itself beautifully to guest-suite style accommodation, a second reception room, a studio, a work-from-home retreat, or a semi-independent zone for older children or extended family, while remaining part of the overall home rather than being described as a separate dwelling. The rear garden deserves particular emphasis because it contributes so much to the feel of the property. It softens the historic texture of the building, gives breathing room around the house, and creates a lovely contrast to the stone, beam, and fireplace character inside. The paved terrace offers an obvious place for outdoor meals and entertaining, while the garden beyond provides a greener, calmer setting that broadens the appeal for families or gardeners. Taken as a whole, The Old Forge offers a rare combination of character, charm and flexibility, all within easy walking distance of the Village. The home offers huge potential for buyers seeking multigenerational living, generous guest space, or potential for longer-term income or holiday-let style use. Ashford Village is a highly sought after address with a vibrant community offering modern conveniences including shops and restaurants, two primary schools and the renowned Mount Usher Gardens. The village is excellently positioned for access to the M11 for commuters and public bus services. Living Room 3.48m x 9.13m. Traditional in its open plan design the living room provides space for a cosy seating area, ornate cast iron fireplace with solid fuel stove inset and a distinct playroom area effortlessly combing space for adults and young children. Finished with Oak laminate flooring, recessed spotlight and coving, there are stairs providing access to the upper attic rooms. Kitchen / Dining Room 7.22m x 5.09m. Wonderfully bright and well proportioned, this charming country kitchen is fitted with Cream & Sage units, butcher block counters, large island unit, gas hob and sink with water filter. The flooring is traditional with quarry stones tiles and sliding doors open out to a paved patio and the gardens beyond. Utility Room 1.75m x 1.47m. Providing generous pantry storage and plumbing for washing machine. Bedroom 1 1.75m x 4.07m. Ground floor bedroom with laminate floor, fitted storage, panelled ceiling, and spot lights. Bathroom 1.75m x 3.42m. Feature stained glass window, heritage green tiling, bath with brass telephone hand shower, WC, pedestal wash hand basin and a slate tiled floor. Attic room 1 3.32m x 4.59m. Bright attic room with under eve storage, Oak laminate flooring and access to roof terrace - the perfect sheltered spot for a quiet morning coffee. Ensuite Bathroom 1.21m x 1.41m. With shower, WC, and wash hand basin. Attic room 2 2.71m x 3.75. With a gable end window, laminate flooring and built in wardrobes. Inner hallway 3.20m x 2.63m. Inner hallway leading to The Forge with storage and separate access to the gravel courtyard. WC 1.82m x 0.94m. With WC and wash hand basin. Bathroom 3.20m x 3.42m. Ceramic tiled floor and walls to dado height, free standing tub, walk in shower, WC, and wash hand basin all with views to the rear garden. Kitchen / dining 5.41m x 4.47m. Full of character with whitewash stone walls, decorative beams, solid oak floor, fitted kitchenette and patio doors leading to the courtyard. The spiral stairs lead to a mezzanine bedroom space with fitted wardrobes. Living Room 3.99m x 4.47m. Steps down lead to a gorgeous cosy seating area anchored around the original forge stone fireplace, oak flooring, and views to the garden. Mezzanine 3.97m x 4.47m. Generous mezzanine space with velux windows and ample built in storage. Shed To the side of the cottage is a separate garage/shed which provides extra storage. Garden To the rear is a private sun filled garden with hedge and mature tree surround. Laid out mainly in lawn the garden offers plenty of scope for vegetable beds. The paved patio area provides the perfect spot for al fresco dining and becomes an extension of the home.