Survey Data
Reg No
15702534
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical, Social
Original Use
Farm house
In Use As
Farm house
Date
1840 - 1845
Coordinates
290633, 136259
Date Recorded
21/08/2007
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay two-storey farmhouse, built 1843, on a T-shaped plan with single-bay two-storey side elevations; single-bay (three-bay deep) two-storey lower central return (south). Occupied, 1911. Refenestrated, ----. Hipped slate roof on a T-shaped plan centred on pitched slate roof (south) with pressed or rolled lead ridges, paired rendered central chimney stacks having rendered red brick stringcourses below stepped capping supporting terracotta or yellow terracotta octagonal pots, and replacement uPVC rainwater goods on slightly overhanging rendered slate flagged eaves retaining wrought iron brackets. Roughcast walls bellcast over rendered plinth. Segmental-headed central door opening with granite flagged threshold, doorcase with three quarter-engaged columns on plinths supporting broken cornice, and concealed dressings framing timber panelled double doors having sidelights on panelled risers below fanlight. Square-headed window openings with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing replacement uPVC casement windows replacing six-over-six (ground floor) or three-over-six (first floor) timber sash windows. Square-headed window openings in bipartite arrangement to side elevations with cut-granite sills, timber mullions, and concealed dressings framing four-over-four (ground floor) or two-over-four (first floor) timber sash windows. Interior including (ground floor): central 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 landscaped grounds including shallow terrace centred on flight of three steps.
Appraisal
A farmhouse erected by Joshua Lett (1813-62; Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1862, 186) representing an integral component of the mid nineteenth-century domestic built heritage of County Wexford with the architectural value of the composition, one rooted firmly in the prevailing late Georgian fashion, confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on scenic vistas overlooking a manicured forecourt; the symmetrical footprint centred on a Classically-detailed doorcase not only demonstrating good quality workmanship, 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 quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior: the introduction of replacement fittings to most of the openings, however, has not had a beneficial impact on the character or integrity of the composition. Furthermore, adjacent outbuildings (extant 1902); and a walled garden (extant 1902), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained ensemble having subsequent connections with the Corcoran family including Walter Joseph Corcoran JP (d. 1914), 'Gentleman Farmer late of Ballybane House Enniscorthy County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1915, 122).