ZION HOUSE

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Large, visually complex, mainly two and a half storey Elizabethan style ‘manor house’ gentleman’s residence- with mock timber framing, gables, dormers, high pitched tiled roof and various single to two storey projections. It took its present form in 1884 when a smaller Italianate house of 1842 was extended and radically remodelled by W.F. Unsworth. The property has undergone significant alteration since 1967.A section of the roof has been lowered a storey to the rear, a portion of the rear façade is now missing (leaving some rooms open to the elements), the tall prominent chimneystacks and a long veranda and conservatory have been removed, a part of the front façade has been patched in concrete block, and the bay next to the entrance has been given a pitched roof and large modern window. The house is set within extensive grounds to the E of Melmount Road, with a matching 16th century style gatehouse over the entrance (to NW of the house itself), and a picturesque stable block to the S of this in red brick with a tiled roof with decorative bell-cote.

General
Basically the building is rectangular is plan form with a roughly square, (and relatively large), projection to the NE corner. The main body of the house is 2½ storeys high with a basement level and is fully exposed to the S and E. To the W is a large two storey gabled projection linked to a much smaller hipped roof single storey section, whilst the projection to the NE is made up of a complex and somewhat eclectic collection of outshoots -some relatively recent- with a mixtureof hipped, curved and gabled roofs. The property is largely finished in mock timber framing (using real timber), but with the exposed basement level in roughcast and brick, and a significant portion of the front W and rear elevations in brick also. Much of the rear (S) elevation is in poor order with a section of the basement and first floor façade having been removed exposing some rooms to the elements. A large section of the roof to this side has been lowered a storey, and a veranda, which originally ran almost the whole length of this elevation, has completely disappeared as has a conservatory which existed. Gables of various sizes predominate to all sides and the largely pan tiled (and generally chimneyless) overhanging roof is punctuated with gabled and hipped roof dormers. The window openings are largely original with many sporting leaded lights within mullioned and transomed timber frames. One opening to the ground floor front has been enlarged slightly, another close by now blocked up, and some others have relatively modern plainl glazed frames. There are a few oriel windows.

Front elevation
The front elevation of the house faces N and is asymmetrical. Much of this elevation is 2½ storey, but with a significant portion to the far left roughly 1½ storey and a portion to the far right single storey.

To the left hand side of the main (tallest) portion is a large full height gabled bay. To the ground floor of this bay, and stretching over to the 1½ section to the left, there is a long single storey projection with a mono-pitched (lean-to like) pan tiled roof. The right hand third of this projection is completely open forming a porch over the main entrance, with the roof supported on two large curved timber brackets.

The main entrance consists of a relatively modest timber (linen-fold like) Tudor arch door with painted stone bevelled and moulded reveal. The moulding rises above the door to form shallow spandrel panels. Stone step to doorway. To the immediate right of the doorway (but still within the porch) is a relatively large three-light window with a pointed arch head to each light and small glazed spandrels. Immediately beneath the window is a short course of bricks and below this is a tall bevelled base, mainly in painted roughcast but with a bevelled stone head and in-out stone quoins. This course carries across much of the rest of the front elevation. Above the window, and to the short space to immediate right of the doorway, the façade is finished in mock timber framing, with a moulded dentilled course just above door and window height. The W facing wall of the porch has no openings but is finished as before. To the right hand end of the porch, (to right of the doorway), there extends a short decorative balustrade, which turns at a right angle to W (bordering the fall into the basement light well). The balustrade has squat square piers with panelling and stone caps and curved octagonal balusters with a stone rail. This balustrade does not appear to be original. To basement level beneath the balustrade there is a (W-facing window) with modern frame.

The rest of the single storey projection to left of the porch is finished as the porch itself, but has three narrow high-level windows to right set between the timbers. All of these have small leaded lights. To the left of these lights (where the projection crosses on to the 1½ storey portion) a small section of the porch rises to form a hipped roof bay / dormer with a large six-light mullioned and transomed window with small leaded panes to each light. The rest of the single storey projection and the 1½ section set behind the bay is finished in mock timber framing.

The large full height gabled bay rising above the porch (see above) has two sets of three, tall, narrow, windows to the first floor. Each window is set between timbers and has small leaded lights. The top floor consists of the large gable. The gable is jettied and is supported on decorative (but relatively simple) brackets with pointed pendants. Within the gable there is a large central window with modern frame. Both the gable and the first floor level are finished in mock timber framing with shaped barge boards to the gable itself.

To the ground floor to immediate right of the large full height gabled bay there is a lean-to like projection with tiled roof similar to the porch, and timber framed façade as before. To the front face of this there is a large window with modern frame. To the short W face there is a much smaller window with modern frame. To basement level of the front face there are two squat windows with modern frames. This projection (which now houses part of the kitchen) has been much altered in recent years; originally it had mullioned and transomed windows and a flat roof which acted as a small roof terrace (or balcony) accessed from first floor doorway (which is still in place- see below).

To right of the projection a large portion of the façade has been patched in concrete block / brick. To left of this the façade is finished in rough cast (similar to the render between the timbers elsewhere on the building). This render is in poor condition. Within the ‘concrete block’ portion there is a large window with recent mullioned and transomed frame. Originally this space was occupied by a small window, with an even smaller window to its right; the latter has been completely blocked up. To far right, (within the rendered portion), there is another window much of whose frame is still in place but whose opening is largely blocked up. To basement level (directly under the area patched in block) there is a large window with modern frame.

To the first floor above the ‘kitchen’ projection there is a relatively small two light transomed window, with small leaded panes. To right of this there is a partly glazed door with sidelight and large three-light fanlight (all filled with small leaded panes as before). The door originally lead to the balcony (see above). A distance to right of the doorway there are two more transomed windows, as that to left of the door. To right of these are two larger mullioned and transomed windows (with leaded lights). To far right is a hipped roof oriel window supported on two curved [?]timber brackets. This oriel has leaded light mullioned and transomed windows (much as before) and partly sits within a large gable. To the uppermost floor, directly above the oriel window and set within the apex of the gable, is a pair of relatively small two light windows (with leaded panes as before). The whole of the above described first floor and this gable are finished in mock half timbering.

To the right hand end of the N elevation there is a relatively small single storey section in red brick with a tiled hipped roof (original flat red clay tiles). To the N face of this section there are five small narrow windows (most with leaded lights). Between the first and second (from left) of these is a much larger window with modern frame. The latter window is a relatively recent insertion and directly abuts the second window.

The N elevation of the roof contains three dormers, all set in the area between the large gabled bay and the gable to far right. The dormer to left is the largest consisting of a timber framed gable and leaded paned three-light window. The other two dormers to right are of similar size with hipped roofs; that to far right still has its original leaded casement window, but the other dormer has a plain casement frame. To far left (left of the largest dormer) there is a Velux window.

East elevation
The E elevation is much shorter that to N, but has a more complex appearance. This is fully exposed at basement level and is therefore three storey, however, much of the right hand half of the elevation is taken up with a large complex (mainly) two storey projection (the NE corner projection referred to in the general description above), whose present –unintentionally fanciful- appearance is in part due to the fact that it has been altered in recent years.

To the far left hand side of the elevation is a small two storey projection, the short E face of the large canted bay to rear which will be described fully with the rear elevation. To right of this there is a narrow projection which stretches to first floor level- this appears to be a flue of some kind. To right of this there is a recent glazed door at basement level, whilst, directly above to ground floor, there is an oriel (which may not be original) with tiled hipped roof and recent multi-pane window frame. To first floor there is a large window with modern frame.

As stated above, the right hand side of the E elevation is dominated by a large, complex (mainly) two storey (‘NE corner’) projection. To the left hand end of this there is a large two storey, mainly glazed, curved stairwell bay with a tiled curved roof. This was added in relatively recent years [?c.1990s] and contains a spiral staircase leading from the ground floor to the basement. It must have replaced an earlier (possibly larger) bay which would have have had a flat roof, for on the first floor of the main three storey section of the elevation, just above this bay, there is a partly glazed doorway with sidelights (similar to that to first floor front) which would have led out on to a balcony. The stairwell bay backs on to a much larger projection section with a gabled and hipped pan tile covered roof (this is the 1½ storey section to the left hand end of the front elevation- see above). This section has a slightly lower hipped roof portion which projects to the E. To the basement level of this lower section there is a large window with modern frame. Below and to right of this window there rises a set of stone steps, leading to the higher ground to the N. To the ground floor, (directly above the basement window), there is a very large mullioned and transomed window with leaded lights. This window rises into a relatively large hipped roof half-dormer.

The whole of the basement level is finished in relatively recently applied (and unpainted) roughcast, which, to right, is topped with a course of bevelled stone (same as front). The ground and first floors are almost completely finished in mock timber-framing. To the E elevation of the main roof there is a centrally positioned gabled dormer, as the gabled dormer to front.

The S elevation of the complex projection to NE consists of the curved stairwell bay to left, then a slightly taller 2½ storey gabled bay -finished in unpainted roughcast with crow steps to the gable itself. To the basement level of this bay there is a large window with modern frame. To the first floor there is an oriel window (identical to that on the first floor left side of the main E elevation), whilst to the gable there is a much smaller six-light window. This bay is finished in recently applied unpainted roughcast with rough quoin-like stonework exposed to the right hand edge. One gets the impression that this bay, (like the stairwell to its left), is not original, and may have been created in the wake of the demolition of a larger projection to this side. To the immediate right hand side of the bay there is a small single storey lean-to porch wherein is set a recent partly glazed door.

The complex, many faceted, roof of the NE corner projection is largely covered in pan tiles. To the centre of the ridge of the highest section of the roof there is a tall narrow rendered chimneystack with pyramidal roof (with vents under). This stack is a post-1967 addition.

West elevation
The short W elevation is the least complex of all the main faces of the house. It is 2 storey with a single storey projection to left and a large 2 storey gabled bay to right. The single storey projection, (the N face of which is described above with the front elevation), is in red brick with a tiled hipped roof. To its W face there is a large mullioned and transomed window (with lights boarded up), with a doorway opening to right (also boarded up). To the right hand edge of this face there extends a short breeze block wall.

The ground floor of the large gabled bay to right is in red brick and has two mullioned windows of varying size. The upper portion of the bay is finished in, (now dilapidated), mock timber framing. There is a window to left of centre on the first floor, with recent frame. To the left (N) side the large gabled bay links to the single storey projection via a short single storey lean-to section sandwiched in between them. This is in red brick with a tiled roof; its W face is hidden behind a short red brick yard wall (with timber sheeted door) which also stretches between the gabled bay and the projection.

The first floor of the main portion of the house, (to left of the large gabled bay and above and set back from the single storey projection and lean-to link), is finished in mock timber framing which is now in very poor condition. The W elevation of the main roof has a slightly left of centre gabled dormer, as that to front and E, but with the central light boarded up and plain glazing to the outer lights. This elevation of the main roof has its original tiles.

Rear (S) elevation
Due to the close proximity of trees and shrubbery, it is difficult to observe the rear elevation in its entirety, overall, however, one can say that -apart from a small portion (roughly a quarter of the entire length) contained within a gabled bay to the very right hand side- it is much altered and in very poor order.

To far left is a large but low 2½ storey projecting section whose ground floor level is in red brick and the rest in dilapidated mock timber framing. To the ground floor there are two windows, with that to left larger (two lights). Both have leaded panes. To far right on the first floor is a window with mullioned and transomed frame with plain glazing. Rising above the centre point of the first floor is a large ‘¾’ gabled dormer with modern window frame and dilapidated mock timber framing to the gable.

To the immediate left of this the basement level is exposed. Thus, originally, the rest of the rear elevation (like the main section of the front elevation) was 3 - 3½ storeys in height, with a large gable at both ends. Most of the roof between these two gables has been lowered a complete storey, however, with the result that a large section of the original first floor, (and above), to this side of the building has disappeared. Moreover, a large part of the façade beneath the area where the roof has been lowered is completely missing, leaving a significant portion of the ground floor and basement open to the elements, whilst a veranda, which originally stretched right across the whole of the ground floor of the 3 – 3 ½ storey block has been completely removed.

To left the basement level is in brick and has three large windows with modern frames. To right of this the wall is missing and the basement rooms exposed. To right again the basement wall in canted, (it is under a canted bay), and finished in a recently applied (and unpainted) roughcast. To the S cant of this section there is a large window with modern frame.

To the left hand side of the ground floor there are two large mullioned and transomed windows with leaded lights. This portion of the façade is finished in render but much of this is in poor condition and some has fallen away altogether (revealing the brick construction). To the right of this a large section of the walling is missing and to the far right is a large canted bay, with large modern windows. The bay has a large mono-pitched (lean-to like) pan tiled covered roof which has a pronounced overhang.

To the left on the first floor is a pair of large (six-light) mullioned and transomed windows with leaded panes. These windows, (which are positioned very close together), are partly set within the large gable. Close to the apex of the gable, (i.e. on the uppermost floor), is a pair of much smaller single light windows with leaded panes as before. The whole first floor / gable is finished in mock timber framing which is now is very poor condition with much of the render between the timbers having fallen away, (revealing the brick construction once again).

To the immediate right of this a portion of the first floor façade has fallen way, and, to right again, the floor level drops a complete storey, (see above), exposing a large E-facing section of walling to the W (left) side, which undoubtedly was once an internal wall. In the centre of this lower section of the roof there is a relatively large gabled dormer which appears to have been constructed from a window etc salvaged from elsewhere in the house and (presumably) as a result looks only half finished. It has an overly large six-light mullioned and transomed window, a gable which is still open, partly weather-boarded sides and pan tiles to the roof. The lower section of the main roof on which the dormer is set has a ‘ragged’ unfinished eaves with rafters exposed.

To the far right, rising above and beyond the roof of the ground floor canted bay, is another large gable. To the first floor of this (and set just below the actual gable, is a large (ten-light) mullioned and transomed window, with leaded panes. To the floor above, (and set close to the apex of the gable), there is a marginally smaller window, with modern frame. The gable and the first floor area below it are both finished in mock timber framing which appears to have been restored / renewed recently. To the W-facing side of the roof of this gable, (whose area is now greater with the lowering of the roof to the W), there is a window-less ‘dormer’ with a steeply pitched pan tiled covered gabled roof. This ‘dormer’ acts, in fact, as the wide base for a chimney, for out of the ridge there extends a tall narrow rendered chimneystack. It was not possible to the see the W (gabled) face of this ‘dormer’ in its entirety, however, its facade appears to be finished in either render or timber, with an odd fan-like design thereon.

The original portions of the S elevation of the main roof still have the original tiling, but the new lower portion and the gable to the right (E) side are covered in pan tiles. To the immediate right of the gable to left there is a small hipped roof dormer, as the hipped roof dormers to front but with its original tiling.

Main roof etc.
The main roof originally had six, very tall, prominent red brick chimneystacks in typical Tudor manner. There were two to the N side of the roof, (set either side of the dormer to left), two to the rear, (on the section of roof which has now been lowered), a larger one set to the ‘ridge’* between the N and S stacks, and another near the W end of the ‘ridge’. There was another to the NE corner projection. All these were removed relatively recently [?c.1990], with that to the left hand side to front replaced with a much lower, plainer stack.

The rw goods appear to be a mixture of cast iron and PVC.

*This ‘ridge’ may have been flat.

Historical information

Sion House was built in 1842 by Belfast businessman James Herdman, close to the old Seein corn mill which he, (along with his brother, James, and Andrew and Sinclair Kelburn Mulholland), had converted and extended for flax spinning purposes in 1835. The original house was a relatively simple two storey hipped roof stuccoed building, late regency / Italianate in styling, with a portico, dentilled eaves course and simple mouldings; it is uncertain who was responsible for the design, though Alistair Rowan (secondary source no.2) describes it as ‘in the manner of Lanyon’.

In the 1880s and 90s, Emmerson Tennent Herdman, employed his brother-in-law, the London Architect William Frederick Unsworth, to remodel the house as well as extend the small surrounding mill village of Sion Mills. Much of this work Unsworth executed in the then fashionable Tudor (or Elizabethan) style, transforming Sion House in 1883-84 into the present (mock) timber-framed Manor house, with gabled bays, high-pitched tiled roof, tall brick chimneystacks and a veranda and gallery along the garden (rear) elevation. Unsworth also added a matching gatehouse, (directly modelled on 16th century example at Stokesay Castle in Shropshire), and a large stable block, both to the road west of the house itself.

Sion House remained in the Herdman family until 1967, when it was sold to the present owner.

The following is an extract from ‘The Irish Builder’ of 1 December 1884:

‘Sion House, Strabane
Sion House, the residence of E. T. Herdman, Esq., J.P., which, for some time past, has - been undergoing extensive alterations, is now completed, and as the building and grounds are singularly picturesque and pleasing, a short description (says the Londonderry Sentinel) of what is unquestionably one of the most unique and remarkable examples of domestic architecture in the North of Ireland, will be read with interest.

The approach to the grounds is on the main road from Strabane to Baronscourt, about three miles from the latter place, and is entered through a delightfully quaint Old English gate-house of striking originality, containing a porter's residence and covered porch carried over the roadway. Winding down the graceful sweep of the avenue, through the wooded grounds which appear to have been laid out with considerable judgment many years ago, we catch a glimpse of the house, reflected in the artificial ponds formed in the ravine that is crossed by a two-arch stone bridge of quite mediaeval character.

As we approach the house, the general grouping of the building is most pleasing, and the full effect of the rich colouring of the red tiled roof is now apparent, diversified with quick pitched gables, quaint dormers, and beautifully moulded red brick chimneys, the sky-line being covered by the Tyrone mountains and the village church in the distance.

The style of the building is late Tudor of the half-timber character, which, though it has been described as showing a singular and absurd heterogeneousness in detail, yet gives wonderful picturesque-ness in general effect. The principal entrance is on the north side, through a verandah, supported on open curved brackets, in which is placed an old oak settle, elaborately carved and interlaced with natural foliage in bas-relief.

On entering through an enclosed porch we are ushered into a spacious panelled ball, with its quaint old-fashioned staircase, open fireplace, and wood chimneypiece, with over-mantel extending to the height of panelling. The screens enclosing the entrance porch, as also that from the garden entrance on the south east side, are filled in with lead lights, glazed with painted glass, and emblazoned with national and industrial emblems, monograms, and coats of arms.

The billiard-room, which is in a semi-detached position, and entered from the east side of the hall, is very characteristic of the style of the building, having the-principal roof -timbers exposed, and forming the pitched ceiling into richly-moulded panels. The walls are wainscoted to a height of 6ft. in richly moulded and panelled work. The fireplace is open, and lined with artistic glazed earthenware tiles of a deep green colour and waved surface, giving a pleasing variety of shadow, and is deeply recessed under a quaint panelled-many-centered arch, freely treated, forming a most cosy chimney corner, with luxurious settles on each side. On a raised hearth, laid with terra-metallic tiles in a most intricate pattern, are some of the finest examples of wrought-iron dogs we have ever seen. There is also in this chimney-nook a charming little window, placed so as to afford a view of the pleasure grounds.

The reception rooms are on the south side. On entering the spacious drawing-room we notice particularly the panelled arch across the further end, which forms a frame to the beautiful mullioned bay window, enriched with patterned lead glazing. From the recess of the bay a side doorway leads to a slightly elevated verandah, enclosed with a balustrade, extending the full length of the south facade, and leading to the beautiful conservatory on the south side, with a short flight of steps giving access to the tennis lawns.

The dining-room is enclosed off this verandah by a handsome mullioned screen, having folding doors and patterned lead glazing similar to the drawing-room bay. The walls of this room are panelled and moulded in English-figured oak, enriched with carvings, the arrangement of the buffet being an especial feature, as it forms part of the room in a coved recess and designed with the panelling. The fireplace is open and lined with tiles, in two colours, of the same description as in the billiard-room with chimneypiece and over-mantel of carved having beveled mirrors, and arms carved in the most artistic manner in the centre panel. The mullioned screen on the verandah side is masked by a gracefully curved arch, made in oak, and capped, (as is also the panelling over the buffet and mantel), with a moulded cornice, supported with artistically carved brackets and richly dentiled bed-moulding. Here, and in the drawing-room, the ceilings are of elaborate workmanship, enriched in fibrous plaster, with moulded ribs in strong relief, and massive cornices, with chastely enriched members. The floor, like those of the principal rooms and halls is laid in solid oak parquetry. The library and morning-room are situated on the north side. These rooms are complete in arrangement for comfort, most of the required furniture and fittings being constructed with the building and in perfect character.

The culinary departments are situated on the west side, on same level with the principal rooms. They are of the most perfect and convenient description, containing every modern appliance for suitable working. Here also the evidence of artistic design is to be observed, more especially on a wrought-iron hood, constructed over the range for the purpose of carrying off the odour from the cooking, to flues provided for that purpose. The hood is a very intricate piece of wrought-iron work, which, we learn, was manufactured at the engineering works of the Messrs. Herdman and Co.

The upper floors contain sixteen spacious bed-rooms, with dressing-rooms. Several of the bed-rooms are obtained by the judicious pitching up of the main roof, and obtaining light through the quaintly-shaped dormers, which form so marked a feature on the roof-line.

There is a spacious basement extending under the entire area of the building, which contains the usual offices, and in which are placed two of Pitt's patent apparatus, now so favourably known here for warming and ventilating, by which warmed fresh air is conveyed to the various apartments and corridors.

One of the great features of the exterior elevations are the balconies, of which there are several, whence views of the varied scenery and charming surroundings can be obtained. There is also-easy access to the leads of roof, from which more extended views of the beautiful and romantic valleys of the Foyle and Mourne, together with the picturesquely grouped plantations of the Baronscourt demesne, and the far-famed mountains of Barnesmore, Betsy Bell, and Mary Gray, can be seen in the distance. From this point a magnificent bird's-eye view can be obtained of the village of Sion and of the palatial buildings which form the flax-spinning mills and offices of the Messrs. Herdman and Co., which we are pleased to observe are so rapidly extending their lines and improving under the enlightened policy of the spirited owners.

The gardens and grounds are laid out in terraces, with low red brick walls, in character with the house, which give great effect when viewed from the several levels. It is noticeable throughout the perfectness and richness of all the detail, which has been carried out with great care, from special designs.

The architect has succeeded in giving an individuality and picturesqueness of outline, due proportion of its parts and beauty of the whole, to the buildings and grounds, which have not been heretofore obtained in this part of the country. The execution of the work throughout was entrusted (without competition) to Mr. J. Ballantine, builder, of this city, who has carried it out in a style of workmanship maintaining his high reputation as a builder, and reflecting credit on the skilled tradesmen associated with him in the work. The entire building, gate entrance, bridge, grounds, fittings, and principal furniture nave been carried out-according to the designs, and under the superintendence of Mr. W. F. Unsworth, F.R.I.B.A.

The house (adds the Sentinel) is situated a short distance from the Messrs. Herdman’s extensive works, which, we hear, have lately" been considerably extended. While _the spinning industry which formerly flourished in Derry and other places in the locality has entirely died out, Sion Mills continue to prosper. As an indication of this, it maybe mentioned that within a short period the proprietors have expended over £20,000 in additional buildings and improved machinery. The industry has been carried on by the Brothers Herdman with great enlightenment, liberality, and enterprise, and this, no doubt, accounts for the fact that, while in other parts of the country we are constantly hearing of the decay of home manufacture and the closing of mills, those at Sion are flourishing, and .are able to compete successfully with all comers, both in the home and foreign markets’.

References- Primary sources
1 PRONI OS/6/6/10/3 OS map 2nd rev., 1855-57, Co. Tyrone 10
2 PRONI VAL/12E/182/1-3 Annual revision town plans, Sion Mills, c.1866-1935
3 Photograph of Sion House in its original form [?c.1880], reprinted in the Herdman’s Mill centenary booklet of 1935 (see secondary source no.1) [This photograph shows Sion House before the Unsworth remodelling.]
4 Linen Hall Library ‘The Londonderry Sentinel’, 18th November 1884 [Article concerning the newly remodelled Sion House.]
5 Linen Hall Library ‘The Irish Builder’, 1st December 1884 [Article concerning the newly built Sion House.]
6 PRONI OS/8/154 OS town plan of Sion Mills, c.1905-07 [This has been reprinted by Alan Godfrey Maps and is available in many bookshops.]
7 PRONI D.1422 Places in Sion Mills, photographed by H.F. Cooper (commercial photographer, Strabane), c.1908-c.1961

Secondary sources
1 ‘Herdmans Ltd.’ et al- Centenary booklet containing the history of Sion Mills etc. (1935) [A copy of this small booklet is currently held at the mill.]
2 Alistair Rowan, ‘The buildings of Ireland: North west Ulster’ (London 1979), pp.485-89
3 Mark Bence-Jones, ‘A guide to Irish country houses’ (London 1988), p.260
4 J.A.K. Dean, ‘The gate lodges of Ulster, a gazetteer (Belfast 1994), p.149

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
H-. Alterations detracting from building
J. Setting
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
V. Authorship

Evaluation

Large, visually complex, mainly two and a half storey Elizabethan style ‘manor house’ gentleman’s residence, (with mock timber framing, gables, dormers, high pitched tiled roof and various single to two storey projections), which took its present form in 1884 when a smaller Italianate house of 1842 was extended and radically remodelled by W.F. Unsworth. The property has undergone significant alteration since 1967, with a section of the roof lowered a storey to the rear, a portion of the rear façade now missing, (leaving some rooms open to the elements), the tall prominent chimneystacks and a long veranda and conservatory removed, a part of the front façade patched in breeze block, and the bay next to the entrance given a pitched roof and large modern window.

Architecturally and socially, this was once an important house, the centrepiece of the once vital (and still attractive) village of Sion Mills.It is still of great importance in terms of its group value and this could be considered as outweighing the changes which have been carried out.What is also in favour of listing is the fact that comprehensive information on the original design and detailing is available and thus restoration is possible.

General comments

This building was previously listed on 08/03/1978 and Delisted on 21/01/1985.