Survey Data
Reg No
40819014
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical
Previous Name
Rathmullan Constabulary Barrack
Original Use
House
Historical Use
Hotel
In Use As
House
Date
1860 - 1880
Coordinates
229283, 427497
Date Recorded
28/09/2010
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Detached five-bay two-storey house, built c. 1830, having two-bay single-storey addition to the west gable end having two-gable-fronted dormer windows to the rear (south), and with single-storey addition to the rear (south). Probably originally two adjoining structures, later combined to create a single property. In use as a Royal Irish Constabulary barracks c. 1830-60 (Griffiths Valuation - possibly originally a barracks) and later in use as a hotel c. 1900 (Ordnance Survey twenty-five inch map). Now in use as a private house. Pitched slate roof with three rendered chimneystack, projecting eaves course, and with cast iron rainwater goods. Hipped artificial slate roof to south extension and pitched slate roof to west extension. Roughcast rendered walls over smooth painted plinth course. Square-headed window openings with smooth rendered reveals, painted stone sills, and replacement two-over-two pane timber sliding sash windows. Irregularly-spaced window openings to the west end of building. Square-headed doorway to the centre of three-bay section to the east having smooth rendered reveal, replacement timber panelled door, and with plain overlight. Road-fronted to the west end of Main Street, Rathmullan. Substantial garden to the rear (south), south-west and south-east of site having rubble stone boundary walls. Pedestrian gateway to the south having wrought-iron flat bar gate.
Appraisal
This modest but substantial two-storey house, dating to the early-to-mid nineteenth century, retains much of its original form and character despite some alterations and the construction of some modern additions. Although the fittings to the openings have been replaced by modern fittings, these are in keeping with the original fabric and fail to detract substantially from its appeal and integrity. It was probably originally two adjoining buildings that were later amalgamated. This building was formerly in use a Royal Irish Constabulary barracks from c. 1835-60 (Griffith’s Valuation map), which adds some historical significance. It was later in use as a hotel c. 1900 (Ordnance Survey twenty-five inch map) but is now in use as a private house. This building represents an increasingly rare surviving example of a building type that was, until recent years, a ubiquitous feature of the streetscapes of small Irish towns and villages but is now becoming increasingly rare. It makes a positive contribution to the streetscape to the west end of Rathmullan, and is an addition to the built heritage of the local area. The rubble stone boundary walls and the simple wrought-iron gate to site add to the setting and context, and complete this composition.