Survey Data
Reg No
15402232
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical
Original Use
Hunting/fishing lodge
Date
1810 - 1815
Coordinates
204377, 247070
Date Recorded
11/07/2006
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay former fishing/hunting lodge, built c.1814, having veranda supported on cast-iron pillars to the entrance front (southeast), a four-bay single-storey return to a rear (northwest) and a bow projection to the northwest side elevation. Entrance porch to north end of northeast-facing elevation of rear return. Now out of use and in a derelict condition. Hipped and pitched natural slate roof with Tudor Gothic style rendered chimneystacks and the remains of cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast rendered walls, render now failing exposing rubble limestone construction beneath with brick dressings to the openings. Square-headed window openings to the entrance front (southeast), now boarded up. Canted-bay window to the south end of northeast facing elevation. Pointed-arched openings to the northeast and southwest faces of rear return with remains of timber sash windows. Shallow segmental-headed doorcase to the south end of northeast facing elevation now boarded up. Located towards the centre of Hare Island with two ruinous two-storey former houses to the northwest having square-headed window openings and round-headed doorcases. Remains of former outbuildings and a probable icehouse to site.
Appraisal
An unusual early nineteenth-century fishing/hunting lodge, which is built in an eclectic mix of architectural styles with a variety of Gothic, Tudor Gothic, neoclassical and Regency elements incorporated into its design. This picturesque structure retains its early character, form and a great deal of its early fabric despite its now sadly dilapidated condition. This curious structure was built to designs by Sir Richard Morrison (1767 - 1849), one of the foremost architects of his day, for William Handcock (or Lord Castlemaine) of Moydrum Castle (15402917). Lord Castlemaine was a keen sportsman and spent a good deal of his time on Hare Island engaged in fishing, shooting and boating on Lough Ree. Castlemaine also hosted many social events on Hare Island during the first half of the nineteenth century. It is believed that the Royal Highness, Prince George of Cambridge, stayed on Hare Island as a guest of Lord Castlemaine's in May 1850. Although the grandeur of this site is difficult to ascertain, due to its dilapidated and overgrown condition, it remains na important addition to the architectural heritage of Westmeath and is an integral part of the history of the Glassan/Athlone area. The ruinous buildings, outbuildings and icehouse complete the setting.