IT is known for hosting sensitive talks ahead of the Good Friday Agreement but now Hillsborough Castle, the residence of the Secretary of State, plans to open its secrets to the public.
Independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, which looks after the Co Down castle where the Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed, aims to open Hillsborough's gates by 2019.
And the public opening is one step closer thanks to an award of £151,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
The charity, which looks after palaces including Hampton Court and the Tower of London, will now submit a further application in a bid to secure a full £5m grant.
The project - expected to cost around £16m - aims to open up Hillsborough's State Rooms and restore its walled garden and an overgrown part of the grounds. The plans also include a new car park, a learning centre for children and adults, and shop space at the 100 acre estate.
The charity also wants to create a centre to train people in skills including horticulture and traditional craft - all in a bid to attract 200,000 visitors a year.
Michael Day, Chief Executive of Historic Royal Palaces, said it was thrilled by the lottery award.
"Hillsborough Castle holds a unique place in the history of Northern Ireland and we are looking forward to sharing its rich and varied stories with the widest possible audience," he said.
