Survey Data
Reg No
31204013
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic
Original Use
House
Historical Use
Guest house/b&b
Date
1850 - 1860
Coordinates
124209, 318733
Date Recorded
08/12/2008
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Terraced three-bay two-storey townhouse with half-dormer attic, "unfinished 1856". In alternative use, 1994. For sale, 2011. One of a pair. Pitched slate roof including gablets to window openings to half-dormer attic with clay ridge tiles, cement rendered chimney stack on rendered base having shallow capping supporting terracotta or yellow terracotta pots, iron- or zinc-covered dragged cut-limestone coping to gablets, and replacement uPVC rainwater goods on rendered cut-limestone eaves[?] retaining cast-iron downpipes. Rendered, ruled and lined walls. Camber-headed off-central door opening with cut-limestone threshold, timber doorcase with fluted pilasters supporting "Cyma Recta"- or "Cyma Reversa" cornice on ogee consoles, and concealed dressings framing timber panelled door having stained glass overlight. Square-headed window openings with drag edged dragged cut-limestone sills, and concealed dressings framing replacement two-over-two timber sash windows replacing six-over-six timber sash windows. Interior including (ground floor): off-central vestibule; square-headed door opening into entrance hall with glazed timber panelled double doors having overlight; entrance hall retaining carved timber Classical-style surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors, and moulded plasterwork cornice to ceiling centred on decorative plasterwork ceiling roses; and carved timber surrounds to door openings to remainder framing timber panelled doors with carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters on panelled risers. Street fronted with concrete footpath to front.
Appraisal
A townhouse erected as one of a non-identical pair (including 31204014) representing an integral component of the domestic built heritage of Ballina with the architectural value of the composition confirmed by such attributes as the compact plan form; the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression; and the miniature gablets embellishing the roofline. Having been well maintained, the elementary form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the historic or original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior where contemporary joinery; Classical-style chimneypieces; and plasterwork enrichments, all highlight the artistic potential of a townhouse forming part of a self-contained ensemble making a pleasing visual statement in Kevin Barry Street.