Union Lodge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Detached symmetrical two-storey three-bay Georgian farmhouse, dated 1834-7, located to west of Ballymatoskerty Road. Rectangular on plan with single-storey extension to north, and two-storey extension to south gable abutted by a single-storey lean-to glazed extension.

The roof is slated and pitched with four brick chimneys. There is a skylight to centre of roof on west side. The walls are of random rubble blackstone. The windows are timber framed 8/8 sliding sash with horns. All have brick surrounds and voussoirs and painted masonry cills, unless otherwise stated.

The principal elevation faces east and comprises a central canted porch with a window either side. There is a window to each bay at first floor level. The single-storey flat-roofed porch is timber-framed and constructed on a brick plinth.

The south gable elevation has a small replacement uPVC window to attic level with painted masonry sill. The exposed gable-end has 3/6 sliding sash window to first floor and 3/9 casement window to ground floor. The elevation is abutted by extensions; a lean-to uPVC greenhouse to the right, and a roughcast gable-ended two-storey extension to the centre, containing 2/2 exposed box timber sliding-sash window to the east elevation at first floor level, a replacement uPVC window to south elevation at ground floor, and a door and 2/2 sliding sash window to first floor to west elevation. The elevation is abutted to the west by a random rubble extension with uPVC window and timber sheeted door surmounted by original casement window. This connects the house to a lower two-storey roughcast outbuilding.

The exposed section of the rear west elevation has a replacement sliding-sash exposed box timber window (no brick surround) at ground floor (divided into two 3/6 arrangements by timber mullion), with a timber panelled entrance door to south sheltered by a slated canopy. There are two 6/6 sliding-sash windows to first floor. This elevation is abutted at right by a two-storey outbuilding with a hipped roof and roughcast walling. The return to left has timber sheeted door and timber framed 3/6 sliding-sash window.

North gable elevation has 1/1 timber sliding sash window with exposed box to first floor. Return has 3/6 sliding sash window to gable end.

Outbuildings

There is a range of one and two-storey multiple-bay outbuildings, to west, arranged around a concrete farmyard. The roofs are slated and pitched, the walls are of random rubble with brick detailing, timber sheeted doors, and replacement uPVC guttering. There is a modern farmyard beyond.

Setting

The north-west corner of house is abutted by entrance, accessed through double-leaf wrought-iron gates in cast iron piers attached to random rubble walling. The site is bounded to Ballymatoskerty Road by a random rubble stone wall with masonry pillars and wrought iron gate to front garden. To east and south it is bounded by hedging.

Roof covering Natural slate
Walling Random rubble blackstone
Windows Timber framed sliding sash 8/8 with horns, brick surrounds and voussoirs and painted masonry cills.
Rainwater goods U-profile cast iron gutters and downpipes

Historical information

Originally the residence of Mr Robert Davison, and named Union Hall, the building was commenced in 1834 and completed in 1837 to the cost of £1000 (OS memoirs p. 114). The first edition (1833) shows the building has a return to the south-west corner, and a single outbuilding to the rear. The farm has been enlarged with outbuildings since.

The name 'Union' was given because of the Union Linen from which Mr Davison made his money. The building was occupied in 1839 by Jacob Green, uncle of celebrated Ulster photographer, W. A. Green. Green photographed himself in the house and took many of his photographs, held at PRONI and The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, in the vicinity. The house was located to the edge of Lord O'Neill's Estate, near Ballymatoskerty Corn Mill (Brett p.186).

The glazed porch was replaced c.1990, to match the original.

References:

Primary Sources

1. OS Memoirs of Ireland, Parishes of Co Antrim VI 1830, 1833, 1835-38 (South west Antrim) Vol 19
2. PRONI OS/6/1/42/1, 1st edition OS Map, Co. Antrim, no. 42, 1833.
3. PRONI OS/6/1/42/2, 2nd edition OS Map, Co. Antrim, no. 42, 1857.

Secondary Sources

1. Brett, C.E.B 'Buildings of County Antrim', UAHS, 1996

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
J. Setting
Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed
X. Local Interest

Evaluation

Detached two-storey three-bay Georgian farmhouse, dated 1834-7, this is an attractive example of a Georgian farmhouse, arranged symmetrically. The glazed porch (replaced to match original, c. 1990) is unusual, and has a geometric motif which gives the house a distinctive and recognisable character. Although recent external alterations have been carried out, the result is sympathetic to the original fabric and layout. There are a selection of outbuildings to the rear of the house which contribute to the integrity of the setting. This is a well maintained example of a rural Georgian farmhouse in Co. Antrim. The house is also significant in its associations with Ulster photographer W. A. Green, whose catalogue includes photographs of the house and family, provide historical interest.