Survey Data
Reg No
15702641
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Original Use
Farm house
In Use As
Farm house
Date
1800 - 1840
Coordinates
299128, 138329
Date Recorded
20/08/2007
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay two-storey farmhouse, extant 1840, on an L-shaped plan with two-bay (south) or single-bay (north) two-storey side elevations centred on single-bay (single-bay deep) full-height return (west). Occupied, 1911. "Restored", 1972. Sold, 1981. Replacement hipped fibre-cement slate roof on an L-shaped plan centred on pitched slate roof (west) with moss-covered ridge tiles, paired cement rendered chimney stacks on axis with ridge having stepped capping supporting terracotta or yellow terracotta pots, and cast-iron rainwater goods on timber eaves boards on slightly overhanging timber eaves having paired timber consoles retaining cast-iron octagonal or ogee hoppers and downpipes. Creeper- or ivy-covered rendered wall to front (east) elevation; slate hung surface finish to side (south) elevation; limewashed lime rendered surface finish (remainder). Segmental-headed central door opening with cut-granite step threshold, timber doorcase with reeded pilasters supporting "Cyma Recta" or "Cyma Reversa" cornice on shallow frieze, and concealed dressings having splayed reveals framing timber panelled double doors having sidelights on fluted risers below fanlight. Square-headed window openings with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing replacement six-over-six (ground floor) or three-over-six (first floor) timber sash windows. Square-headed window openings to rear (west) elevation centred on round- or segmental-headed window opening (half-landing) with cut-granite sills, and concealed red brick block-and-start surrounds framing six-over-six timber sash windows having part exposed sash boxes centred on margined two-over-six timber sash window having fanlight. Interior including (ground floor): central entrance hall retaining carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors, and plasterwork cornice to ceiling; 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 with rusticated granite ashlar piers to perimeter having cut-granite shallow pyramidal capping supporting flat iron double gates.
Appraisal
A farmhouse representing an integral component of the domestic built heritage of the rural environs of Enniscorthy with the architectural value of the composition, one rooted firmly in the contemporary Georgian fashion, confirmed by such attributes as the compact plan form centred on a Classically-detailed doorcase not only demonstrating good quality workmanship, but also showing a pretty fanlight; the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression; and the decorative timber work embellishing the roofline. Having been well maintained, the elementary form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original or sympathetically replicated 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 refinements, all highlight the artistic potential of the composition. Furthermore, an adjacent barn (extant 1840); and limewashed outbuildings (extant 1840), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a neat self-contained ensemble having historic connections with the Squirrel family including Captain W. Squirrel (d. 1839), 'late of the ninth Regiment' (Pollock 1839, 432); and the Armstrong family including William Armstrong JP (1845-1913), 'Provision Merchant late of Aughnagally [sic] Enniscorthy County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1913, 11).