Tamlaght Finlagan Rectory

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Sited on the Glebe land 1000 metres east of Ballykelly and set well back from the main road, the rectory is a 2 storey 3 bay wide smooth rendered house with sandstone plinth and projecting porch. The entrance is to the side. Apart from the position of the entrance door the principal facade is symmetrical with a narrow breakfront echoed in the eaves. There is a minor asymmetrical diversion in that a small panelled stone pier announces the steps to the front door and is connected to the house with a decorative cast iron railing. The east facade is 3 bay with a ground floor canted bay to the principal room and while the west facade is the same width it has only 2 windows on each floor. All windows have sliding sashes, mullioned and divided in 2 panes. A back return in line with east facade stretches back towards a single stable range which helps to enclose a yard to the house. The connecting wall between the stables and the house has a wide gateway bound by tall piers and a side door with pedimented top. The eaves of the house have widely spaced modillons and cast iron ogee gutters while the slated roof is triple piled. There is a narrow roof over the hall and staircase with the other two over the principal rooms. The fireplaces are on the inside walls. The wall angles are emphasised by crude disproportionate quoins. Virginia creeper smothers the main front and extends to both sides.

The grounds are interspersed with trees and there is a small walled garden contiguous to the west side of the house.The whole is not well kept.

Historical information

The house was built in 1863.

Reference: H Gough, Tamlaght Finlagan - An Historic Church 1995

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
I. Quality and survival of Interior
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
V. Authorship

Evaluation

A mid victorian style house set in large garden with long winding approach avenue