22 Belfast Road

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Substantial two storey gabled house of c.1880s-90s with single storey canted bays and free Classical decoration to entrance. The property is set on a rise to the W of Belfast Road, to the N of Ballynahinch town centre.

The front (E) façade is symmetrical. To the centre is a panelled and glazed door with Doric ¾ column jambs, entablature and segmental fanlight. This whole ensemble sits within a recess and encased with moulded pilasters and an architrave with keystone and scrolls. Splayed steps to the doorway.

To the left and right of the entrance is a single storey canted bay with flat roof. To each face of each bay is a segmental headed window with sash frame. The central window of each has vertical glazing bars (2 panes over 2). The windows rest on a cill course.

To the first floor are three windows, as center window of bays but shorter. Moulded string course above first floor windows.

The S gable has a window to the ground floor as first floor front. To the left of this is a modern flat roofed single storey extension, which links to a large return. The N gable is blank.

To the centre of the rear elevation is a full height gabled return. To the ground floor of the gable of this is a modern door and window. To attic level is a very small sash window. To the S face the ground floor level is abutted by the modern flat roofed extension (see above). To first floor level are two windows with modern frames. To the N face there is a small single storey flat roofed extension. To the rear façade of the main house there is a sash window to first floor left of the return, and another to the right of the return. There is another to the left at ground floor level. To the immediate left of the return, at an intermediate level, there is a stairwell window with modern frame.

The façade is finished in lined render and painted. Moulded in / out quoins to front. Projecting base. Eaves course to front. The bays have a moulded cornice and blocking course. The gabled roof is slated and has a slight overhang. Shaped barges. Two rendered chimney stacks. The RW goods appear to be mainly cast iron.

Large two storey outbuilding to rear.

Historical information

This house dates from later 19th century, possibly the 1880s. When first surveyed in August 1974 the property appears to have belonged to the neighbouring convent / school (Assumption Grammar School). Latterly, (according to a local resident), it served as the manse / minister’s residence for a local church.

References- Primary sources
1 PRONI OS/6/3/22/3 OS map, Down sh 22, c.1901

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Substantial two storey gabled house of c.1880s-90s with single storey canted bays and free classical decoration to entrance. To the rear there is a full height return and a modern flat roofed extension.