New cemetery lodge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Two storey house, of c1870's, at the entrance to Comber cemetery (on the S side of the Newtownards Road), to the E of Comber town centre.

Front (E) facade is symmetrical. In the centre of the ground floor is a timber panelled door encased with plain pilasters, decorative brackets and cornice. To the left of the doorway is a sash window with simple surround. To the right of the doorway is an identical window. To the first floor are three evenly spaced semicircular headed window openings with sash frames, all set within gabled dormers with simple barge boards with ties.

The S gable has two sash windows to the first floor and one to the left on the ground floor. This gable merges with the S facade of a single storey gabled return.

The N gable has two first floor sash windows.

The rear facade of the main house has a sash window to the left on the ground floor and a squat window to the right of centre on the first floor which looks as though it has been reduced in size. To the right at the rear is the single storey gabled return. To the N facade of this return is a sheeted door with a modern window to the right of this. The gable of the return has a large modern kitchen window.

Rear yard enclosed by a high rendered wall.

The entire facade is finished in lined render and painted. The roof is gabled and covered with Bangor blue slates with two (gable) yellow brick chimney stacks. Overhang to roof. Boxed eaves with rafter tails exposed. PVC rw goods.

Historical information

This lodge was built to serve as the dwelling house for the caretaker of Comber cemetery and probably dates from c.1875-80. The kitchen extension was added c.1970s and the gutter course below the first floor front windows appears to have been removed at this time also. Some of the sash windows were replaced recently.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Somewhat typical late Victorian Cemetery lodge with gabled half dormers. In recent times a single storey gabled return has been added to the rear and a gutter course to the front has been removed.