Summer House

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Single storey circular stone building with conical roof situated to the north side of O’Cahan’s Rock in the Roe Valley Country Park. The building, on a rise above the River Roe and near a weir damming up a head of water, has brick lining to the openings and a roof composed of rubber tiles. A path with intermittent stone steps descends from the open door on the south side to the weir and sluice gate (see HB02/13/009B) on the river. There are four window openings equally spaced and a blackened hole on the north side as a chimney exit.

Historical information

Indicated on the Ordnance Survey Map of 1831. Reputed to have been built during the 18th century for the Alexander family who bought the Deer Park land in 1766 with John Smith of Magilligan and set up a mill and bleach green (see HB02/13/008). This building was used as a base for bathing and fishing in the nearby river.

Reference:

Roe Valley Country Park Guides - D O E (NI).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A pre 1831 structure with an unusual function. Its location adds interest to the country park and contributes (with the nearby weir) greatly to the picturesque setting of O’Cahan’s Rock. It is important as a historical remnant, as a ‘folly’ built by a large landowner and as a rare building type. It has however been substantially rebuilt.