A REDEVELOPED guest house in Co Down is re-opening its doors following a multi-million-pound redevelopment which has transformed it into a four-star licenced guest inn.
Hillyard House, situated on the edge of Castlewellan Forest Park, has recently received a £3 million investment to fully refurbish the property’s 20 en-suite guest bedrooms, develop a new licenced restaurant, and create a new bar.
Owners, Martin O’Higgins and Seamus Devlin also invested in a number of carbon saving initiatives, including making the switch to gas.
“Given our close links to Castlewellan Forest Park and other areas of outstanding natural beauty, as well as our responsibility to the local community in which we have operated for many years, ensuring Hillyard House operated in an environmentally responsible manner was of critical importance to us," said the owners.
“Making the move to natural gas therefore became a priority for us, due to how it produces less carbon than any other fossil fuel.”
The switch follows a £60m gas network expansion by Phoenix Natural Gas.
Lachlan Nally from the gas group said it has been working with businesses in east Down to help make the switch.
“Traditionally, businesses have moved to natural gas for convenience reasons, such as instant heat and hot water, but increasingly the efficiency and environmental benefits are becoming more important as businesses look at how to fuel their future. We’re delighted that the extension of the natural gas network to East Down has enabled Hillyard House to reduce their carbon emissions and look forward to welcoming more businesses to natural gas in the months and years ahead.”
