Survey Data
Reg No
30408225
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic
Original Use
Country house
In Use As
Country house
Date
1790 - 1830
Coordinates
135182, 230460
Date Recorded
03/10/2009
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached three-bay three-storey house, built c.1810, having central breakfront to front (north) elevation and central two-storey return to rear elevation, with later two-storey additions and recent single-storey porch addition to rear. Hipped slate roof to main block having clay ridge tiles and smooth rendered chimneystacks, pitched slate roof to return having stepped red brick chimneystack, and lean-to slate roof to second two-storey addition. Cast-iron rainwater goods. Breakfront has parapet with carved limestone finials to each end. Exposed rubble limestone walls throughout. Square-headed window openings having stone sills and replacement uPVC windows. Square-headed door opening having timber panelled door and spoked fanlight, and carved limestone doorcase having chamfered square-plan piers supporting moulded open-bed pediment on panelled blocks. Square-headed door openings to rear and round-headed door opening to west elevation, having replacement UPVC doors. Snecked limestone garden wall to rear of house. Five-bay single-storey outbuilding to rear having lean-to slate roof with red brick chimneystack, and rubble limestone walls. Detached three-bay single-storey gate lodge to entrance of property, built c.1810, and having hipped slate roof with clay ridge tiles and smooth rendered chimneystack, exposed rubble limestone walls and square-headed window openings with stone sills, moulded render reveals and replacement timber windows, square-headed door opening to front having render reveal and replacement timber panelled door. House and gate lodge is set within own grounds having rubble stone boundary walls and cut-stone piers to front boundary.
Appraisal
Rockwood House forms a noteworthy addition to the architectural heritage of south Galway. Despite alterations and having its render removed, the house still retains its original form and many original features such as the carved stone details, in particular the carved front door surround. The attractive small gate lodge forms an important element of the Rockwood Demesne and contributes to the visual appeal of the area.