Survey Data
Reg No
31906036
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Technical
Original Use
Hunting/fishing lodge
In Use As
House
Date
1800 - 1820
Coordinates
186040, 303417
Date Recorded
29/08/2003
Date Updated
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Description
Detached four-bay two-storey former hunting lodge of Rockingham Demesne, built c.1810, with castellated corner towers. Now used as a private house. Hipped slate roof with cut stone chimneystacks and castellated parapets to side and rear (original front) elevation. Random coursed limestone walls to present front and side elevations, originally rendered. Coursed cut limestone castellated corner towers with label mouldings to loop windows. Coursed cut stone castellated rear with label mouldings to openings and 1810 date plaque. Replacement timber panelled door and timber sash windows. Outbuildings include dog kennels. Renovated outbuildings to front site. House set in mature gardens overlooking Lough Keel, partially enclosed by modern random coursed wall.
Appraisal
This former hunting lodge, latterly known as "Ballyardan Castle", is situated on a height overlooking Lough Keel. It is locally attributed to John Nash, the architect of the now demolished Rockingham House, although he may only have embellished an existing house. Despite the loss of some original features, and a fifth castellated tower, the surviving towers present a visually striking silhouette.