Viewing Platform,

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

An exedra, gazebo or viewing platform built in a bold robust classical style in pink ashlar sandstone thrust forward from short flanking walls and overlooking the Italianate garden. A long flight of 21 steps leads down the side of the glen through rich vegetation, and levels out onto the platform which has a protective stone open balustrade. The view is directed over this towards the garden across a level lawn crossed by a stream of water. This forms a small circular pool with kerb surround and a small low stone paved foot bridge on either side. The facade of the gazebo which is over six metres high to the top of the balustrading is of square proportions with a great round headed and semi-circular recessed niche forming a well executed concave ¾ sphere at the top. At the bottom there is a circular pool with water jet. At the impost of the arch is a simple but deep cavetto string course which sweeps around the voissoirs and terminates in a keystone.

Much of the Italian garden is overgrown and the tall trees obscure the glen, so presently the viewing platform is disappointing. It lies to the south east of the main house and below where the former Fruithill edifice was sited.

File renumbered from HB02/11/002B to HB02/11/002E

Historical information

The Italianate garden or parterre in the glen was formed before the original Fruithill was demolished and probably dates from the time of the construction of the new avenue from Broad Road pre 1830. The viewing platform would come after 1840.

References:

Ordnance Survey Memoir Vol. 9
Buildings of North West Ulster - Rowan
UAHS Buildings of North Derry - Girvan

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
Z. Rarity

Evaluation

A fine example of an exedra in a robust neo classical manner reminiscent of Italian Renaissance work.