Survey Data
Reg No
31311814
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Previous Name
Greanan Shean Dhun
Original Use
Farm house
Date
1700 - 1814
Coordinates
125711, 261238
Date Recorded
24/11/2010
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay two-storey farmhouse, extant 1814, on an F-shaped plan with two-bay (south) or single-bay (north) two-storey side elevations centred on single-bay (single-bay deep) full-height central return (west). Occupied, 1911. Sold, 1913[?]. Reroofed. Now disused[?]. Replacement hipped fibre-cement slate roof on an F-shaped plan with lichen-covered clay ridge tiles, paired cement rendered central chimney stacks having cut-limestone stringcourses below capping supporting yellow terracotta octagonal pots, and uPVC rainwater goods on rendered cut-limestone eaves. Roughcast walls bellcast over rendered plinth with rusticated rendered piers to ends. Segmental-headed central door opening with cut-limestone threshold supporting wrought iron bootscrapers, and drag edged dragged cut-limestone block-and-start surround centred on keystone framing replacement uPVC panelled door having fanlight. Square-headed window openings with drag edged dragged cut-limestone sills, and concealed dressings framing six-over-six (ground floor) or six-over-three (first floor) timber sash windows. Interior including (ground floor): central entrance hall-cum-staircase hall retaining carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors, and staircase on a dog leg plan with timber balusters supporting timber banister; and carved timber surrounds to door openings to remainder framing timber panelled doors with timber panelled shutters to window openings. Set in unkempt landscaped grounds with rendered, ruled and lined piers to perimeter having stringcourses below capping.
Appraisal
A farmhouse regarded as an integral component of the domestic built heritage of south County Mayo with the architectural value of the composition, one rooted firmly in the contemporary Georgian fashion, confirmed by such traits as the deliberate alignment maximising on scenic vistas overlooking a low-lying landscape; the compact plan form centred on a restrained doorcase not only demonstrating good quality workmanship, but also retaining a pretty radial fanlight; and the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression. Having been reasonably 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, thereby upholding the character or integrity of the composition. Furthermore, adjacent outbuildings (extant 1838); and an untended walled garden (extant 1838), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained ensemble having historic connections with the Fair family including Robert Fair (d. 1837) and Thomas Fair (Lewis 1837 II, 67); and the Coyne family including Thomas Coyne (NA 1911).