Bovevagh Rectory

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A 5 bay wide 2½ storey gabled former rectory with basement and back return, natural slates with ground floor 750mm above garden level. Beyond back returns a 1½ storey outbuilding.

The main front or south elevation is 5 bays wide with a central fanlighted doorway approached by a flight of 6 stone steps. On either side of the 4 panelled door there are wide pilasters of rusticated stonework in sandstone surmounted by a thin cornice and above a semi-circular fanlight with radiating astragals with moulded sandstone architrave and central keystone. On either side 2no, 12 pane sliding sash windows with sandstone cills. At first floor level 5no , 9 pane sliding sash windows directly above the openings below. There is a greater amount of solid between the centre window and those on either side. At basement level there are 2no , 6 pane sliding sash windows whose cills are a little below lawn level.

At eaves level a plain string course supporting the half round cast iron gutter. Walls are harled, in a poor state of repair, with smooth window reveals. Bangor Blue slated roof with plain chimney stacks on each gable and plain barge stones. Gables are plain with single double hung sliding sash windows at each floor and 2no., 9 pane sliding sash windows on either side of each chimney stack providing light to attics.

The back return is in line with the east gable and is 2 bays long, 2 storeys high with lower ridge line than main roof. Ground to the rear of house is lower than at front. A small return in the angle between main house and back return contains a rear porch with sheeted door and stilted fanlight with astragals in Gothic style. The 2 storey back return has a double 12 pane sliding sash window at ground and first floor levels. 2 unequal sized windows occur over the rear porch but at right angles to the main house. Beyond the back return a single storey return, slated, hipped and in line with single sheeted door and 4 pane sliding sash window.

The rear of the main house to the west of the back return is 3 bays wide. A 9 pane sliding sash window lights a passageway under the stair landing while 2 other 4 pane sliding sash windows light a toilet and short corridor at ground floor level. Above the outer of these a 9 pane sliding sash window lights a corner room. Above the projecting rear porch a semi-circular window lights the stairway to the attic.

A door leads directly to the basement under the toilet window and a 6 pane sliding sash window lights the basement. The wall harling to the rear of the building is partially removed exposing the sandstone rubble wall behind with some brick trim. The chimney to the 2 storey back return is not centred on the ridge. The wall harling is likewise in poor state of repair.

In line with the back return but leaving a gap for vehicular access is a 1½ storey stone built, slated and hipped coachouse.It is constructed in square sandstone blocks.

The rectory with its run down gardens, which formerly extended to both sides of the Camnish Road, is sited on flat ground adjacent to the east bank of the River Roe. It is surrounded by mature trees and overgrown shrubs. There are the remains of small walled garden and square stone gate piers.

Historical information

John McCluskey describes “Beveva – Glebe is a good comfortable house and a conspicuous object in that bare part of the country”, while the O.S. Memoirs states “The Glebe House …….. is a commodious dwelling with good offices, and is pleasantly situated on the banks of the Roe”. The Glebe House was built in 1772. The last rector was the Reverend Ruttledge.

References

Primary Sources
1. O.S. map 1st Edition 1832 Co Londonderry sh. 25
2. O.S. Memoirs of Ireland, Parishes of Londonderry VII 1834-5 p.3
Ed. Angélique Day and Patrick McWilliams (QUB 1992)

Secondary
1. Leslie, Derry Clergy and Parishes p.126
2. John McCluskey, Statistical Reports of Six Derry Parishes 1821 p.73
Ed David O’Kane, Ballinascreen Historical Society

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance

Evaluation

A mid Georgian style medium sized former rectory with a pleasing entrance façade. Presently being refurbished internally and externally. It enjoys a secluded site adjacent to the River Roe.