Ballymaclary House

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A 1½ storey L plan building with a number of extensions contained within the angle of the L. The main facade, at right angles to the road is a symmetrical composition, five bays long with central doorway set in shallow breakfront and having a dominant amount of walling above the window head level. This facade makes a pleasing neo-classical impression even though the eaves are improperly treated. Bold sandstone quoins terminate the walls and define the breakfront, the principal windows have top and bottom lugged sandstone architraves, wood sashes divided into 15 panes while the central doorway has a handsome cornice and frieze with closed pediment and on either side of the door ¾ engaged Ionic columns with small pedestals. The cornice and frieze extends to enclose narrow sash windows and the whole completed by matching Ionic pilasters, all executed in ashlar sandstone of pleasing hue. The wooden door has six panels though obviously renewed. The walls are smooth rendered and lined to imitate ashlar. The masonry detail around the door and windows stands out in sharp contrast to the vernacular of the remaining facades. The gables of the main block are similarly treated though the attic windows vary. Those in the west gable, i.e. two windows, sashes with 12 panes while the east gable has a tripartite window of three sliding sash with eight panes each. The roof of this block is slated in natural slates and has two central chimneys on either side of the entrance hall.

The return wing fronting towards the Seacoast Road is also 1½ storeys but with a much lower roof. It is four bays long with three segmented headed windows and one door. Walls are smooth rendered, roof slated and one brick chimney. In the gable there is a single sash window. This facade is festooned with timber diagonal lattice work which continues onto the gable of the main block.

The extensions within the angle of the L are a mixture of nondescript two and single storey asbestos slated pitched roofs and modern windows.

The whole is set back well from the road, beyond a screen of trees and beautifully located under the shadow of the Binevenagh headland. The car park is to the front and side. There is ample lawn to absorb it and this extends beyond a basalt wall to form outdoor sitting and eating areas.

Historical information

Buildings of North West Ulster gives a probable date of about 1760. A guide to Irish County Houses states probably mid c-18th century. Both suggest a summer residence built by the Cather family of Newtownlimavady. The Ordnance Survey Memoirs refers to three small cottages built as summer residences which are referred to as being in Umbra and one of these for the Cather family. The previous owner to the present restored the building in the late 1970s and the present owner of the last four years has made no alterations.

References:

Buildings of North West Ulster by A Rowan
Ordnance Survey Memoirs Vol. 11.
A Guide to Irish County Houses by B Jones

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
H-. Alterations detracting from building
I. Quality and survival of Interior
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

W. Northern Ireland/International Interest
X. Local Interest
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
Z. Rarity

Evaluation

A fine mid Georgian neo classical facade with good architectural detailing and example of provincial formed plan behind the principal elevations.