"George's"

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Largely original single-storey/three-bay vernacular dwelling facing SSW with converted horse-powered threshing barn against the upper gable. All aligned down the slope.

The original house part is slated with blue clay ridge tiles and concrete verge to the free gable. The barn has pitched painted corrugated metal roof with concrete verges and half round metal rainwater goods. All walls dashed and painted.

Principal elevation faces into yard. The entrance to the dwelling is set on right side of middle bay and has a massive granite threshold stone. The door is t+g sheeted and painted. To its left side is a very large granite bench set against the wall; above is bulkhead light. Left again is a 2/2 window, and another 2/2 in left bay. To its right is a 6/6 window. All windows have exposed boxes and granite cills. To left of main dwelling, in the former barn, are two 2/2 windows set into openings that were originally doorways.

To the front of the barn section is the trace of the former horse walk. There was originally a geared linkage to the thresher inside the building, but little trace of this survives.

Left elevation is abutted by a former pig house (now a rubbish bin store). Its roof abuts the upper gable of main block, and is modern also of corrugated iron but with lower eaves than main block and no gutters. Walls are exposed rubble stone work; its gable is sheeted with modern boarding with approx. 1m of stonework below and an open doorway.

In the rear wall (of main block) from left to right in the barn part there is a very small single pane casement and plastic vent at left and a 2/2 window at right. In the house section to left, is a bulkhead light, and two 2/2 sashes as well as a gas regulator box and a balanced flue.

Right gable has a 2/2 sash at attic floor slightly right of centre. Also a bulkhead light and a plastic fan vent.

Setting:
This is a prominent site overlooking the Kilkeel River. It is delineated by dry boulder granite walls, partly original, part rebuilt and part new. The few perimeter trees are of importance to the character of the site. Carriageways are paved in quarry dust/crushed shalestone and edged with granite kerbstones. Walkways are granite setts and the remaining open space is grass with small beds of flowers. There are a number of gates. Some are old, but those on the vehicular entrances are newly made to traditional designs. Each house has a specially designed cast metal plaque as part of the refurbishment.

Historical information

Clachan shown on 1834 OS 6” map and subsequent editions.

Sources:
PRONI – OS 6/3/56/1 (Down sheet 56).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
H+. Alterations enhancing the building
J. Setting
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

Forms part of an important vernacular grouping (clachan) in a relatively unaltered rural setting. Although restored, alterations are minimal.