Survey Data
Reg No
31304703
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Original Use
Country house
In Use As
Country house
Date
1885 - 1890
Coordinates
116388, 306244
Date Recorded
15/12/2010
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Description Withheld
Appraisal
A country house erected to a design (1887-9) by Sir Thomas Drew (1838-1910) of Dublin (DIA) representing an integral component of the late nineteenth-century domestic built heritage of County Mayo with the architectural value of the composition, 'a charming well constructed building…rather in the "Old English" style' (ITA 1942; Craig and Garner 1976, 43), confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on panoramic vistas overlooking Lough Conn; the multi-faceted rectilinear plan form; the slight diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a feint graduated visual impression; and the multi-gabled roofline: meanwhile, aspects of the composition allegedly illustrate the partial reconstruction of the country house following an attack (1922) during "The Troubles" (1919-23; The Weekly Irish Times 5th September 1922, 5). Having been well maintained, the elementary form and massing survive intact together with quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior where oak panelling; and Art Nouveau-esque plasterwork, all highlight the artistic potential of the composition. Furthermore, a lengthy walled garden (extant 1896); and a much modified gate lodge (extant 1896), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of an estate having historic connections with George Henry Johnston (d. 1896), 'Gentleman late of Mossbrooke [sic] County Mayo' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1896, 204); Percy Mitchell (d. 1902) of Cranford Hall, Kettering (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1903, 287; London Gazette January 1903, 140); Frederick James Peregrine Birch JP (1850-1935), one-time High Sheriff of County Mayo (fl. 1915; The Irish Times 3rd December 1923, 10); Squadron Leader James Douglas Latta (1897-1974); and Dennis Sebastian Pietre Ziani de Ferranti (1908-92).