Survey Data
Reg No
31215042
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural
Original Use
House
Historical Use
Post office
Date
1700 - 1838
Coordinates
119105, 264230
Date Recorded
25/11/2010
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Terraced three-bay three-storey townhouse, extant 1838, on a rectangular plan. In alternative use, 1880. In ruins, 1923. Modified to accommodate continued alternative use. Vacated, 2002. For sale, 2007. Now disused. Pitched slate roof with clay ridge tiles terminating in rendered, ruled and lined chimney stacks having cut-limestone stringcourses below capping supporting terracotta or yellow terracotta pots, and replacement uPVC rainwater goods on rendered cut-limestone eaves retaining cast-iron square profile downpipes with cast-iron rainwater goods to rear (west) elevation retaining cast-iron octagonal or ogee hopper and downpipe. Rendered, ruled and lined walls on rendered plinth. Segmental-headed central door opening with cut-limestone step threshold, and drag edged dragged cut-limestone block-and-start surround centred on keystone framing timber panelled door having overlight. Square-headed window openings (upper floors) with drag edged cut-limestone sills, and concealed dressings framing one-over-one timber sash windows including one-over-one timber sash windows to rear (west) elevation. Interior including (ground floor): central vestibule; entrance hall-cum-staircase hall retaining timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors, and staircase on a dog leg plan with timber balusters supporting timber banister terminating in timber newels; (upper floors): timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors with timber panelled shutters to window openings. Street fronted with concrete footpath to front.
Appraisal
A townhouse representing an integral component of the domestic built heritage of Ballinrobe with the architectural value of the composition, one rooted firmly in the contemporary Georgian fashion, confirmed by such attributes as the compact rectilinear plan form centred on a streamlined doorcase demonstrating good quality workmanship; and the slight diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a feint graduated visual impression. Although much modified at street level, and recently the subject of a prolonged period of neglect, the elementary form and massing otherwise survive intact together with substantial quantities of the historic fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior, thereby upholding much of the character or integrity of a townhouse making a pleasing visual statement in Main Street.