From Cornmill to Cottage: The Restoration Story of Ballystockart Cottages

When our family first arrived at Ballystockart in the 1990s, we found a remarkable 17th-century semi-detached building that had stood the test of time – originally a working cornmill where flour was once ground, with stabling for six large cart horses and equipment of a bygone era. But transforming this historic structure into the two comfortable, welcoming holiday cottages you see today was no small undertaking.

My grandparents inside the cornmill prior to restoration works

Our Restoration Story a Labour of Love

The renovation project was truly a family affair, led by my father and grandparents with the invaluable support of skilled local stonemasons and tradespeople who understood the importance of preserving the character of this historic building. It was a collaboration rooted in respect for craftsmanship – both old and new.

Uncovering Hidden Beauty

One of the most rewarding discoveries came when we began removing the unsightly cement render that covered parts of the building. Beneath that drab exterior lay something extraordinary – beautiful sandstone that had been hidden for decades. Through careful sandblasting, replacing the odd stone, and re-pointing with locally sourced lime mortar, we revealed the building’s natural beauty, exposing the warm, textured stone that gives the cottages so much of their character today. It was like watching history emerge before our eyes. One other feature found covered over was the well that served the farm, this has a new surround and a metal top for safety but it’s not used at all today.

The stones revealing themselves from underneath the render.

A Building with Stories to Tell

The building itself tells the story of centuries of evolution. We know it originally had a traditional thatched roof, typical of 17th-century rural architecture. Then, approximately 200 years ago, the roof was raised slightly and replaced with slate – a significant upgrade that reflected the prosperity and changing building practices of the time. These layers of history, from thatch to slate, from working cornmill to holiday retreat, make the building all the more fascinating.

The Challenge of the Cornmill Restoration

One of the most significant challenges we faced was with the Cornmill itself. The building had been constructed with soil banked up against the back, reaching all the way to first-floor level, which was needed for the horse to drive the machinery likely an intentional design feature of the original structure. While this may have served a purpose centuries ago, it posed serious structural concerns for converting the building into modern accommodation. The painstaking work of removing all that earth revealed the true scale and beauty of the building, but it also exposed the need for extensive foundation work.

The building’s foundations required underpinning (as at the time it was constructed it was common practice to build on clay foundations), to ensure the structure would stand strong for centuries to come. It was delicate, skilled work that required patience and expertise – qualities our local tradespeople had in abundance. Every stone that was repositioned, every beam that was reinforced, was done with care to maintain the integrity of the original construction.

The Cornmill in the process of getting the soil bank removed.

Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future

Throughout the restoration, our guiding principle was simple: preserve what makes this building special while creating spaces where modern families could relax and feel at home. Original features were carefully retained were possible – the character that comes from centuries-old stonework, the substantial beams, the sense of history in every corner. But we also knew that holiday accommodation needed to offer comfort and convenience.

The result is what you see today: two cottages within one historic building that feel authentically historic yet provide all the modern amenities you’d expect. When you step through the door, you’re walking into a space where 17th-century craftsmanship meets 21st-century comfort.

A Community Effort

We’re incredibly grateful to the local stonemasons and tradespeople who brought their skills and dedication to this project. Their understanding of traditional building techniques, combined with modern engineering know-how, made it possible to transform this working farm building into the beautiful holiday lets we’re proud to share with you today.

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Come Experience the Results

The journey from abandoned farm building to thriving holiday cottages took years of work, but every moment was worth it. Today, “the Wee House” and “the Cornmill” – two cottages within one beautiful historic structure – welcome guests from near and far, offering a unique blend of history, comfort, and countryside tranquility.

Before

After

The above images show the transformation from outbuilding to cosy living room with high vaulted ceiling with original beams on display.

We’d love for you to experience this special building for yourself. When you stay with us, you’re not just booking accommodation – you’re becoming part of the ongoing story of Ballystockart, sleeping under centuries-old roof timbers, and enjoying the fruits of a restoration carried out with passion and respect for the past.

Ready to be part of our story? Book your stay today and experience the magic of Ballystockart Cottages for yourself.

Warm regards,

Lindsay and the Ballystockart Family