Survey Data
Reg No
15500013
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Original Use
House
In Use As
House
Date
1890 - 1900
Coordinates
304331, 122323
Date Recorded
23/06/2005
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay two-storey house, built 1895, on a T-shaped plan with single-bay (single-bay deep) two-storey lean-to central return (north). Occupied, 1901; 1911. Sold, 1927. Resold, 1965. Pitched slate roof on a T-shaped plan overhanging lean-to slate roof (north), terracotta ridge tiles, rendered chimney stacks having corbelled stepped capping supporting yellow terracotta pots, perforated timber bargeboards to gables on carved timber consoles, and replacement uPVC rainwater goods on slightly overhanging timber boarded eaves having carved timber consoles. Red brick Running bond wall to front (south) elevation on rendered chamfered plinth; rendered, ruled and lined surface finish (remainder). Segmental-headed central door opening with cut-granite step threshold, and stepped reveals with thumbnail beaded hood moulding on label stops framing timber panelled door having overlight. Square-headed window openings (ground floor) with cut-granite sills, and cut-granite lintels framing one-over-one timber sash windows having one-over-one sidelights. Square-headed window openings (first floor) with cut-granite sills, and cut-granite lintels framing one-over-one timber sash windows. Square-headed window openings to rear (north) elevation centred on square-headed window opening (half-landing) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing one-over-one timber sash windows centred on two-over-two timber sash window having stained glass 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 reveals or shutters on panelled risers. Set in landscaped grounds.
Appraisal
A house erected by Thomas Reilly (d. 1916), 'Retired Draper' (NA 1901; NA 1911), representing an important component of the late nineteenth-century domestic built heritage of Wexford with the architectural value of the composition, one occupying a plot obtained (1892) from the neighbouring Ardara estate (see 15500011 - 15500012), confirmed by such attributes as the compact plan form centred on a restrained doorcase; the construction in a vibrant red brick offset by silver-grey granite dressings not only demonstrating good quality workmanship, but also producing a lively two-tone palette; the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated tiered visual effect with the principal "apartments" or reception rooms defined by polygonal bay windows; and the decorative timber work embellishing a slightly oversailing roofline. 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 encaustic tile work; contemporary joinery; Classical-style chimneypieces; and sleek plasterwork refinements, all highlight the artistic potential of the composition. Furthermore, the tessellated footings of a polygonal glasshouse (----); and a nearby gate lodge (see 15500014), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained ensemble having subsequent connections with Nicholas Byrne (d. 1951), one-time Mayor of Wexford (fl. 1916-7; cf. 157037--).