Survey Data
Reg No
15502050
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Springhill House
Original Use
House
In Use As
House
Date
1790 - 1795
Coordinates
304306, 122180
Date Recorded
06/07/2005
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay (three-bay deep) three-storey over part raised basement house, dated 1791, on a rectangular plan. Vacant, 1901. Occupied, 1911. Hipped slate roof on a U-shaped plan centred on pair of pitched slate roofs (south), clay or terracotta ridge tiles, paired rendered chimney stacks (south) on cushion courses on rendered bases on axis with ridge having corbelled stepped capping supporting terracotta pots, and cast-iron rainwater goods on rendered stepped eaves retaining cast-iron downpipes. Rendered, ruled and lined walls with rusticated rendered quoins to ends; slate hung surface finish to rear (south) elevation. Round- or segmental-headed central door opening approached by flight of seven cut-granite steps, cut-granite doorcase, and moulded rendered surround having concave reveals framing timber panelled door having fanlight. Square-headed central window openings (upper floors) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing six-over-six (first floor) or three-over-six (top floor) timber sash windows without horns. Square-headed window openings (remainder) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing two-over-two timber sash windows. 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 erected by Thomas Jones (d. 1832), Clerk of Wexford (Wexford Chronicles 1877), representing an important component of the late eighteenth-century domestic built heritage of Wexford with the architectural value of the composition, '[a] handsome seat [whose] nicely-planted grounds [and] proximity to the town [render it] an enviable residence' (Lacy 1863, 411), confirmed by such attributes as the compact rectilinear plan form centred on a Classically-detailed doorcase not only demonstrating good quality workmanship in a silver-grey granite, but also showing a pretty fanlight; and the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression. Having been well maintained, the form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior, including a partial slate hung surface finish widely regarded as an increasingly endangered hallmark of the architectural heritage of County Wexford: meanwhile, contemporary joinery; restrained chimneypieces; and plasterwork enrichments, all highlight the artistic potential of the composition. Furthermore, a nearby gate lodge (see 15502051) continues to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained ensemble having historic connections with the Huson family including Captain Charles Huson (d. 1864) 'late of Springfield in the County of Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1864, 166); and Lieutenant-Colonel Narcissus Edward Huson (d. 1896) 'late of Springfield Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1896, 197); and the Hadden family including George Hadden JP (1856-1925), 'Draper [and] Alderman [of Wexford Corporation]' (NA 1901; NA 1911); and his sons Dr. George Hadden (1883-1973) '[who was] Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Wexford' (cf. 15608002); and Richard Perrott Hadden (1886-1930) 'who died at Chao Tong China' (cf. 157037--).