The cluster of the abandoned cottages dates from the 19th century. (All pictures: bbc ni)
In a heartwarming journey to preserve the architectural heritage of Northern Ireland, a new BBC series, Restoration rescueFollows the award -winning architect Patrick Bradley when he leads the homeowners to take new life into neglected historical buildings.
The two -part series, which will be broadcast on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC IPlayer from Monday, September 22, 2025, begins with Ballymena couple Stephen and Mariewho is introducing itself to an ambitious mission to transform a group of huts from the 19th century into their dream house.
Episode one: Stephen and Marie's ambitious Clachan restoration
The architect Patrick Bradley on the right with Stephen and Marie, who transformed a Clachan Cottage into their dream house.
Stephen and Marie are located on the outskirts of Ballymena and have called their family home for 34 years. Now, with their three children who flew the nest, the recently retired couple have removed a crushed Clachan Cottag a few miles.
These abandoned structures, known as Sam's cottage, represent a piece of native architecture in Northern Ireland.
However, they have left years of neglect in a dangerous condition and threatened to extinguish their historical importance.
The architect Patrick Bradley, center, with Stephen and Marie, who transformed a Clachan Cottages into their dream house.
The couple commissioned Patrick Bradley to lead them through the sensitive process of restoring the cottages and at the same time to maintain their legacy.
“You asked Patrick to restore 'Sam's Cottage' with sensitivity to his inheritance and at the same time to keep as much as possible from the buildings.” The series producer notes.
However, the project quickly meets a significant setback: the original straw roof, an estimated feature, is considered outside the repair.
Working: The cluster of the abandoned cottages dates from the 19th century
Stephen and Marie are undeterred and call a Thatcher with a personal connection to the cottage to create a new straw roof and ensure that the building retains its traditional character.
Expert analysis shows an astonishing discovery: Some of the original roof woods made from Bog OAK can be up to 5,000 years old. Remarkably, these old materials are recovered and reused and embodies the timeless architectural traditions in the region.
Under Patrick's instructions, the team restores important features of traditional Irish cottage, including the legendary doors and semi -and -like walls.
A well -made job: architect Patrick Bradley
Architect Patrick Bradley with Stephen and Marie outside of their cottage Dream Home in Ballymena
Architect Patrick Bradley
The result is a harmonious mix of historical preservation and modern functionality that transforms Sams Cottage into a home that honors his past and at the same time hugs the future of the couple.
Follow two: a discouraging revival of the Georgian estate
The architect Patrick Bradley, right, with David and Sam, who had listed the restoration of Georgian property, known as Ballinacoss House.
The second episode of Restoration rescueProduced by independent production company based in Belfast under the radar, focuses on the focus David and Sam, A couple who are concerned with an even more impressive challenge.
With their three children, who are growing beyond their current house, they bought Ballinacross House, a Georgian property in Londonderry, with dreams of transforming it into a Grand Country Residence.
The project's scale is immense, with the first progress being hindered by planning delays and covid-related blocking. As soon as the work begins, new obstacles arise: the original woods are interspersed with woodworms and wet rot, which threatens the structural integrity of the property.
The second episode shows the restoration of the listed Georgian property in class 2, known as Ballinacoss House.
But David and Sam steadfastly remain in their commitment to the preservation of the historical charm of the estate.
“David and Sam are still obliged to save the character of the building, to save what they can, and even turn part of the damaged wood into a handmade kitchen table in the family.” The producers Condition.
Patrick Bradley's expertise proves to be invaluable when he navigates through the couple by the complexity of restoring a listed property to ensure that the Ballinacross house is revived both as a family home and as a proof of the Georgian architectural element.
Transformation: Architect Patrick Bradley
A celebration of the heritage of Northern Ireland
Restoration rescue Passes and endurance work that is necessary to protect the architectural treasures of Northern Ireland. From the rustic charm from Sams Cottage to the size of the Ballinacoss House, the series celebrates the people who are devoted to the preservation of the history of the region.
With Patrick Bradley's architectural insight and the unshakable determination of the homeowners, these neglected buildings will receive a new life contract.
The series will be premiere on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 8 p.m. on BBC One Northern Ireland. Both episodes will stream on BBC IPlayer. For those who are inspired by stories about inheritance and architectural transformation, Restoration rescue Is a must.