West Lodge,

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Lodge:
A handsome one storey Neo Classical gate lodge faced with pink sandstone ashlar work three bays wide with central tetra style portico in Ionic order complete with full entablature and pediment. The details of the Ionic order repeat those of the main entrance to Drenagh House (HB02/11/002A). The entablature differs somewhat in proportions and details and is better executed than the main house with the coffers of the entablature ceiling entirely framed. The entablature of the portico is continued in line along the top of the main facade and returned on both gables. The front makes a most pleasing piece of Palladianism with dominant solid over void with semi-circular headed doorway recessed within the portico and two round headed slim niches on either side. The windows are simply treated without ornamentation and have 12 pane sashes. The gables are less interesting with three similar windows one of which is built up on the east. The lodge has been extended to the rear with flat roof, roughcast rendering but fortunately does not extend the length of the building and therefore cannot be observed from the front. The house has a pitched natural slated roof behind a low plain parapet with lead hips and ridges. There is a central chimney.

The lodge flanks the entrance gates and the driveway and is surrounded by a simple garden and shaded by mature trees.

Gates & Screen

An imposing avenue entrance set back in a generous elliptical half sweep with central gateway between rectangular piers and

wicket gates on either side with additional similar piers with lintel over. The four piers are in a straight line. The piers are simply built in sandstone ashlar work with simple plinth and squared projecting coping. Main gates and wicket gates are in delicate decorated cast iron work and a cast iron railing carries round the forecourt in a curve on either side on a low wall and terminates against the estate boundary in a small pier. The composition makes a distinctive classical design.

The property has changed reference number from HB02/11/001 to HB02/11/002H.

Historical information

The west lodge is contemporary with the main house and is located in a position a little south of an earlier lodge which stood at an abandoned western avenue approach to the original house. This avenue can be seen on the 1860 Ordnance Survey Sheet where there was an earlier building now removed.

The gates and screen are probably contemporary with the lodge.

References:

Ordnance Survey Sheet 1831 - 1860
Gate Lodges of Ulster - Dean
UAHS Buildings of North Derry - Girvan
Mr D Brown (Logan’s Lodge HB02/11/002G)

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
H-. Alterations detracting from building
J. Setting
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

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

Evaluation

A fine piece of Neo Classical architecture especially in respect of the main facade and very much recalls the works of Palladio and Burlington. It is a chaste piece of early Victorian architecture from the office of an eminent architect. Sydney Smith’s comment is not really applicable "Almost as if the Big House had come down to the front gate and had a pup". The main facade is superior to anything externally at the main house.