Survey Data
Reg No
15704123
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic
Original Use
Farm house
In Use As
Farm house
Date
1790 - 1800
Coordinates
289195, 119929
Date Recorded
21/01/2008
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay (three-bay deep) two-storey over part raised basement farmhouse, dated 1795, on a square plan centred on prostyle distyle Tuscan portico to ground floor; three-bay full-height rear (north) elevation. Damaged, 1798. Vacant, 1815. Occupied, 1901; 1911. Sold, 1969. Restored, 1970. Hipped slate roof with lichen-covered clay ridge tiles, cement rendered red brick Running bond central chimney stack on axis with ridge having corbelled stepped capping supporting terracotta pots, and replacement uPVC rainwater goods on rendered slate flagged stepped eaves retaining cast-iron octagonal or ogee hoppers and downpipes. Part creeper- or ivy-covered roughcast wall to front (south) elevation bellcast over cement rendered plinth; pigmented lime rendered slate hung surface finish (remainder) bellcast over cement rendered plinth. Bisected round-headed central door opening behind prostyle distyle Tuscan portico approached by flight of seven cut-granite steps between wrought iron railings with cut-granite columns having responsive pilasters supporting creeper- or ivy-covered cornice on blind frieze on architrave, and cut-granite surround centred on keystone framing timber panelled door having overlight. Square-headed window openings with cut-granite sills, and concealed red brick block-and-start surrounds framing reclaimed three-over-three (basement), six-over-six (ground floor) or three-over-six (first floor) timber sash windows without horns. 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 carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters. Set in landscaped grounds with rendered, ruled and lined piers to perimeter having shallow pyramidal capping supporting ovoid-detailed wrought iron double gates.
Appraisal
A farmhouse erected by Reverend Robert Hawkshaw (d. 1813) representing an important component of the late eighteenth-century domestic built heritage of the environs of Taghmon with the architectural value of the composition, one described (1815) as 'a very handsome edifice...unoccupied [but lately] the residence of Reverend Robert Hawkshaw deceased' (Atkinson 1815, 488), confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on scenic vistas overlooking gently rolling grounds; the compact near-square plan form centred on a restrained doorcase demonstrating good quality workmanship in a silver-grey granite; and the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression with those openings showing fittings reclaimed (1970) from the ruined Coolcliffe House (1727; see 15704036). Having been reasonably well maintained, the form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior, including a plastered slate hung surface finish widely regarded as an increasingly endangered hallmark of the architectural heritage of County Wexford: meanwhile, contemporary joinery; restrained chimneypieces; and plasterwork refinements, all highlight the modest artistic potential of the composition. Furthermore, adjacent outbuildings (----); and walled gardens (----), all continue to contribute positively to the setting of a self-contained estate having historic connections with John Gordon Hatton (d. 1869; Lewis 1837 II, 586); Charles James Harvey (d. 1873) 'late of Hillburne [sic] County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1877, 311); John Gore (d. 1918) 'late of Hillburn Taghmon County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1918, n.p.); and Major Francis Bagenal "Billy" Boyd (1913-2006) of Bushville (see 15704805).