Survey Data
Reg No
31311908
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Original Use
Farm house
Date
1700 - 1838
Coordinates
129219, 262941
Date Recorded
04/01/2011
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay two-storey farmhouse, extant 1838, on an F-shaped plan with three-bay (south-east) or single-bay (north-west) two-storey side elevations centred on single-bay (single-bay deep) full-height return (south-west). Occupied, 1911. Sold, 1942[?]. "Restored", 2007-8; 2010. Now disused. Hipped slate roof on an F-shaped plan with ridge tiles, central chimney stack not visible, and cast-iron rainwater goods on creeper- or ivy-covered cut-limestone eaves[?]. Part creeper- or ivy-covered roughcast walls. Hipped segmental-headed central door opening with timber mullions on threshold supporting timber transom, and concealed dressings framing timber panelled double doors having sidelights below fanlight. Square-headed window openings centred on square-headed window opening in tripartite arrangement (first floor) with cut-limestone sills, and concealed dressings framing six-over-six timber sash windows centred on six-over-six timber sash window (first floor) 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 unkempt landscaped grounds with lichen-covered cut-limestone monolithic piers to perimeter supporting looped wrought iron double gates.
Appraisal
A farmhouse representing 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 landscaped grounds; the compact plan form centred on a Classically-detailed doorcase not only demonstrating good quality craftsmanship, but also showing a pretty fanlight; and the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression. 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, thereby upholding the character or integrity of the composition. Furthermore, adjacent outbuildings (extant 1893); and an adjoining walled garden (extant 1893), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained ensemble having historic connections with the Bowen family including Robert Bowen (d. 1882; Lewis 1837 II, 67); and Robert T. Crawford (b. 1852), Land Agent for the de Clifford estate (NA 1901; Historical Debates 1929).