Survey Data
Reg No
31305602
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Original Use
Hunting/fishing lodge
In Use As
Hunting/fishing lodge
Date
1840 - 1868
Coordinates
79497, 303757
Date Recorded
07/03/2011
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached two-bay single-storey part double-pile fishing lodge with half-dormer attic, extant 1868, on a T-shaped plan with single-bay three-stage tower (north-east) on a square plan. Occupied, 1911. Sold, 1916. Resold, 1986. Renovated, ----. Replacement pitched part double-pile (M-profile) slate roof on a T-shaped plan with roll moulded clay ridge tiles, rendered "wallhead" chimney stacks to rear (north) elevation having capping supporting terracotta pots, cut-sandstone crow stepped coping to gables on moulded kneelers, and uPVC rainwater goods on box eaves. Replacement fine roughcast walls bellcast over rendered plinth. Square-headed window openings centred on paired square-headed window openings (half-dormer attic) with cut-sandstone sills, and concealed dressings framing glazed timber French doors having overlights (ground floor) or replacement uPVC casement windows (half-dormer attic) centred on six-over-six timber sash windows. Square-headed window openings in bipartite arrangement to side elevations with cut-sandstone sills, timber mullions, and concealed dressings framing four-over-six timber sash windows without horns. Set in landscaped grounds.
Appraisal
A fishing lodge erected by Thomas Jacob Birch JP (1806-68) of Wretham Hall, Norfolk, representing an important component of the mid nineteenth-century built heritage of County Mayo with the architectural value of the composition confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on panoramic vistas overlooking Rosnafinna Point with its mountainous backdrop; the near-symmetrical footprint offset by an eye-catching tower; the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression with some openings showing elegant bipartite glazing patterns; and the high pitched crow stepped roofline underpinning a mild Scottish Baronial theme. 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 contemporary joinery; chimneypieces; and sleek plasterwork refinements, all highlight the artistic potential of the composition: however, the gradual introduction of replacement fittings to the openings has not had a beneficial impact on the character or integrity of a fishing lodge having subsequent connections with the Clive family including George Clive MP (1805-80), 'Under Secretary of State for the Home Department [fl. 1859-62] late of Perripstone [sic] near Ross County Hereford and of Ballycroy County Mayo' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1880, 116); and General Edward Henry Clive MP (1837-1916); and a succession of tenants including Stephen Far Prince (1825-1906), 'Land Agent and Estate Manger late of Claggan Ballycroy County Mayo' (NA 1901; Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1906, 429); and James Jolly (----), 'Land Agent [and] Farm Manager' (NA 1911).