90/92 Main Street

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Terrace of two painted rendered houses, in an Arts and Crafts style facing east onto Main Street as it turns to the former station yard. Number 92 is slightly wider than 90. Ground floor of each has a smooth render finish with a painted plinth course. There are hood mouldings over sash windows which have three horizontal divisions. Top panel of each divided into four smaller panes. Strong vertical emphasis to windows. Doors with plain rectangular fanlight at each end, hood moulding continues up again over each. The two windows on the ground of number 90 align with a similar two above. Third similar window on first floor, is over door. Four thinner windows to ground floor of number 92. Central two are paired in same recess which aligns with a pair of windows above. Third similar window above aligning with door. Roughcast render to first floor sloping out to edge of plaster cornice along top of ground floor. Frieze below is two exposed bricks of a particularly warm brown/red colour.

Roof is natural slate overhanging 350mm with cast iron gutters. Brick chimney on midpoint of ridge. Side gables close to neighbouring buildings. Roof overhangs 200mm and is supported on decorative purlins with matchboarding between.

To rear, a return projects from each house. Windows are four pane sashes with widened casement to kitchens in return. Walls are rendered in sand cement. Number 92 painted.

Historical information

Buildings of different plan form from those first shown on site on 1848 map. Present arrangement first shown on 1907 town map. Built as two houses at the turn of the century by the Church of Ireland. One a sexton’s house the other a teacher’s house for the nearby Ogilby Trust National School (see HB02/12/043). A curate of Christ Church (HB02/12/041) lived in number 92 until recently. Number 90 has been hired out as office accommodation by the church, most recently to the Limavady Link Office, who are presently considering a move to larger premises.

References:

Mullan T H, Limavady and the Roe Valley
Occupants of number 90.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A well considered and subtle facade in an Arts and Crafts style. Window widths and positions are not the simple symmetry perceived at first glance. The houses are different sizes and proportions of windows and window panes to windows have all been manipulated to create the desired effect. The use of a warm brick on the frieze is a good ornamental detail. Some interior fittings remain which add character to the quite cramped interior