The Kennels

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Distinctive, compact hipped roof hexagonal kennel block of 1841, believed to have been inspired by the designs of the kennels of the Quorn Hunt in England. The block is located on the W side of the Drumgooland Road approximately 1 kilometre SE of the village of Seaforde. Walls and railings on five sides surround the kennels which enclose a series of external runs for the hounds. A small two storey house also of 1841, built for the Master of the Hounds, stands to the N of the block

The W face of the kennels is set back thus eliminating the lower portion of the roof and revealing a two storey section. The timber-sheeted door to the small tack room is centred on this face and above is a plain three-pane fanlight. There is a small date inscription plaque directly above the door ‘1841’. To first floor is a sash window with horizontal astragals. To each of the remaining five faces is a ‘lodge’ door, (each individual kennel section is called a ‘lodge’), with the exception of that to the SW which has a window.

The roof which is covered with natural blue grey slate is a hexagonal hipped shape. It has cast iron rw goods. To the apex is a small chimney stack. The walls are constructed of random rubble and are white washed.

Outside each lodge is a run for the hounds, which is enclosed by walling which follows the hexagonal plan. At each corner is a circular stone pillar with a conical cap. Between the pillars are plain wrought iron railings. To the W the enclosing walls curves inward to a gate, which is directly in front of the tack room door.

To the S is a small field enclosure used to allow the hounds to exercise. To the SE is a small bridge that carries the Drumgooland Road. A dry closet, (which with the river was not actually ‘dry’ as such!), was constructed on the W parapet directly over the small stream. The closet was removed recently.

The Huntsman's residence to the N of the kennel block is two storey with a slated gabled roof and a general vernacular appearance. The windows now have modern frames and there is a small modern flat roofed extension to the rear (next to an older lean-to extension). To the right side of the front façade the building is abutted by a small single storey stable.

Historical information

This kennel was constructed in 1841 by the Forde family of Seaforde House. Its design is believed to have been based on that of kennels used by the Quorn Hunt in Leicestershire, England - now demolished..

References- Primary sources
1 PRONI D.366 Forde papers
2 PRONI OS/6/3/37/2 OS map, Down sh 37, c.1858
3 PRONI 2nd valuation, Loughinisland, c.1860 [in print]
4 PRONI OS/6/3/37/3 OS map, Down sh 37, c.1901

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
E. Spatial Organisation
G. Innovatory Qualities
I. Quality and survival of Interior
J. Setting
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

W. Northern Ireland/International Interest
Z. Rarity
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
V. Authorship

Evaluation

Distinctive, compact, hipped roof hexagonal kennel block of 1841, believed to have been inspired by the designs of the kennels of the now demolished Quorn Hunt in England. This building is unique in N Ireland and is of very high quality.