Gardenmore Hall

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

This building has been demolished and replaced by a public library.

Described in the first survey in 1970 as 'A rectangular building with tower placed centrally on front elevation. The main gable and tower are constructed of blackstone rubble with yellow brick dressings, windows and doors are set in Florentine-arched openings. Side and rear elevations are harled, four windows either side are set in semi-circular and circular glazing bars in heads. The tower, supported by yellow brick buttresses, contains an oculus surmounted by a small window above doors, paired louvre boards in top stage and pyramidical roof with brick modillions below eaves course. An extension with mansard-type roof is inscribed 188?.'

Historical information

Built in 1870 at a cost of £1,500 as the 2nd Presbyterian Church, known as Gardenmore Presbyterian, to the designs of Young and McKenzie prepared in 1868-9; school room added to the designs of the same architects prepared in 1880. First appeared on the OS map of 1896. Superseded by a new church on a different site in 1915 (ie HB06/01/008). Became known as Gardenmore Hall. Demolished in 1970s, at which time it was owned by Antrim Education Committee.

References - Primary

1. PRONI, D2194/2/1 and D2194/2/2.
2. OS map 1896, Co Antrim 40.
3. Photograph in Welch Collection, UFTM (W01/67/12).
4. Old photographs in possession of Larne and District Historical Society.

Secondary

1. G.H. Bassett, The book of Antrim (Dublin, 1888), p 369.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Building demolished and replaced by a public library.