Ardnargle House,

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A large 2 storey 5 bay smooth rendered house with centrally placed projecting flat roofed stone faced porch reached by a long curving avenue from the Seacoast road. Each gable is the equivalent of 4 bays wide i.e. 2 rooms deep and that on the east has a stone faced central canted bay. The house has a long 2 storey back return which on the east looks out onto a broad balustraded terrace from which, at one time, a fine view was obtainable of the winding River Roe but now obscured by a mature plantation. The ground below the terrace falls away steeply down to the trees. From the back of the west gable of the main house runs a high wall with gateway screening the first farmyard and an impressive 2 storey range of outbuildings at right angles to and at the end of the back return.

The main or south facade is not quite symmetrical as the porch is a little off-centre and hence the spacing of the windows to the east varies. The porch doorway has a pediment supporting modillions and a restrained cornice and frieze crowns the porch. Under the eaves one row of equally spaced moulded modillions removed in 1966 and recently replaced, carry a sandstone cornice, and these are returned on the gables. The windows of the ground and first floors have timber sashes and are divided into 12 panes as are most of the other windows of the house except those of the east bay which are divided in 4 and the large stairway window which is round headed. On the back return some windows are blank. All roofs are pitched and slated with lead hips and ridges. The main roof has an internal valley. Several tall chimney stacks with high pots punctuate the roofs.

Outbuildings are of rubble stone construction with slated roofs and cast iron rainwater goods.

The driveway sweeps into a generous gravelled forecourt in front of the entrance facade which gazes out on a broad expansive lawn. The estate provides a fine backcloth of mature and varied trees.

Historical information

John Ogilby purchased the farm from a Wilson in 1781, built the house in 1790 and planted the trees. Robert Ogilby extended it in 1840 and created the terrace. The present house is occupied by the Boyle family.

References:

T H Mullin, Limavady and the Roe Valley
Mark Bence-Jones A Guide to Irish Country House
A Rowan North West Ulster - The Buildings of Ireland
Lewis Topographical Dictionary Vol II
O S Memoirs of Ireland Vol 25
Owners (1997)

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

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

Mid Georgian style house, late 18th century with rambling return, broad balustraded terrace overlooking small valley leading to River Roe. Wooded secluded site.