THE smithy is long gone, but the forge where he would have shod the horses is now a three-roomed outbuilding for a refurbished cottage.

Today, The Forge, in Pamber End (pictured), is selling with a £395,000 price guide through agents Dreweatt Neate.

The cottage dates back to the 16th century and has been refurbished without losing its original character.

It boasts a wealth of exposed beams and open fireplaces - one with a log-burning stove - in two of the reception rooms.

The dining room features a vaulted ceiling, as does the largest of the three upstairs bedrooms.

Another beamed and vaulted ceiling is a feature of the kitchen-breakfast room, which has only recently been refitted. The ceiling rises to the first floor, so the kitchen can be overlooked by a galleried landing.

The Forge has a downstairs bathroom and first-floor cloakroom and its third-of-an-acre of gardens include two wells.