Survey Data
Reg No
15704607
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Original Use
Farm house
In Use As
Farm house
Date
1800 - 1840
Coordinates
287571, 111696
Date Recorded
18/09/2007
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay (two-bay deep) two-storey over basement farmhouse, extant 1840, on a T-shaped plan with single-bay (single-bay deep) two-storey lower central return (west). Sold, 1934. Hipped slate roof overhanging half-hipped slate roof (west) with clay ridge tiles, paired red brick Running bond central chimney stacks having corbelled stepped capping supporting terracotta or yellow terracotta tapered pots, and cast-iron rainwater goods on eaves boards on slightly overhanging eaves retaining cast-iron downpipes. Roughcast walls on cut-granite chamfered cushion course on roughcast base. Segmental-headed central door opening approached by flight of three cut-granite steps, timber doorcase with panelled pilasters on padstones supporting thumbnail beaded cornice on fluted frieze, and concealed dressings having concave reveals framing timber panelled door having sidelights below fanlight. Square-headed window openings with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing six-over-three (basement) or six-over-six timber sash windows. Square-headed window openings to rear (west) elevation centred on square-headed window openings in tripartite arrangement with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing six-over-six timber sash windows centred on six-over-six timber sash windows having two-over-two sidelights. Interior including (ground floor): central entrance 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 timber panelled shutters to window openings. Set in landscaped grounds.
Appraisal
A farmhouse erected by Richard Lett (1753-1823) representing an integral component of the domestic built heritage of south County Wexford with the architectural value of the composition, one evoking favourable comparisons with a farmhouse (1859) at Foulkesmill (see 15704024), confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on panoramic vistas overlooking rolling grounds; the compact plan form centred on a Classically-detailed doorcase not only demonstrating good quality workmanship, but also showing a simple radial fanlight; the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression; and the 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 contemporary joinery; restrained chimneypieces; and plasterwork enrichments, all highlight the artistic potential of the composition. Furthermore, adjacent outbuildings (extant 1902), and a "cow tail" waterpump (extant 1922), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained ensemble having historic connections with the Lett family including Nicholas Lett (1774-1858), 'late of Balloughton' (cf. 15704608); and William Henry Lett JP (1852-1932), 'Farmer [and] Agent' (NA 1901); and a succession of tenants including Sir Robert "Concrete Bob" McAlpine (1847-1934) during the development of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railway (FRR) line by the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours (FRRH) Company (Rowe and Scallan 2004, 86).