Survey Data
Reg No
15601011
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Merrion Lodge
Original Use
House
In Use As
House
Date
1842 - 1868
Coordinates
315126, 159319
Date Recorded
07/06/2005
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay (two-bay deep) two-storey house, extant 1868, on a square plan centred on single-bay single-storey flat-roofed projecting porch to ground floor; single-bay (single-bay deep) full-height central return (north). Sold, 1912. Resold, 1919. Resold, 1982. Refenestrated, ----. Hipped double-pile (M-profile) slate roof extending into hipped slate roof (north) centred on pitched slate roof, clay ridge tiles, paired rendered central chimney stacks having cut-granite capping supporting terracotta or yellow terracotta tapered pots, and cast-iron rainwater goods on slightly overhanging eaves retaining cast-iron downpipes. Part creeper- or ivy-covered rendered, ruled and lined walls with rusticated rendered quoins to corners. Hipped square-headed central door opening approached by flight of four cut-granite steps, timber doorcase with panelled pilasters supporting "Acanthus"-detailed fluted consoles framing glazed timber panelled door having sidelights. Door opening into house. Square-headed window openings with cut-granite sills, and moulded rendered surrounds framing replacement uPVC casement windows replacing two-over-two timber sash windows. Round-headed central window opening (north) with cut-granite sill, and concealed dressings framing one-over-one timber sash window having margins. Interior including (ground floor): central hall retaining carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors; and carved timber surrounds to door openings to remainder framing timber panelled doors with carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters. Set in landscaped grounds.
Appraisal
A house representing an integral component of the mid nineteenth-century domestic built heritage of Gorey with the architectural value of the composition suggested by such attributes as the compact near-square plan form centred on an elegant doorcase, albeit one largely concealed behind a Classically-detailed porch; and the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression. Having been well maintained, the elementary form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior where contemporary joinery; restrained chimneypieces; and plasterwork refinements, all highlight the artistic potential of the composition: however, the introduction of replacement fittings to most of the openings has not had a beneficial impact on the character or integrity of the composition. Furthermore, adjoining outbuildings (extant 1905); and a nearby gate lodge (see 15601013), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained estate having historic connections with the Allen family including John Burgess Allen (d. 1882), '[Medical Doctor] late of Merrion Gorey County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1883, 8); Dr. Henry Borthistle MD (d. 1887), 'Physician and Surgeon late of Merrion Lodge Gorey County Wexford' (Bassett 1885, 386; Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1887, 47); and William Jepson Weldon JP (d. 1902), 'Medical Practitioner late of Merrion Lodge Gorey County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1902, 479).