Ballyvarna

Detached three-bay two-storey farmhouse with dormer attic, extant 1853, on a cruciform plan centred on single-bay single-storey flat-roofed projecting porch to ground floor; three-bay two-storey side elevations with single-bay (single-bay deep) two-storey lean-to shallow central return (north). Occupied, 1911. Hipped slate roof on a quadrangular plan extending into lean-to slate roof (north) with clay ridge tiles, paired yellow brick Running bond central chimney stacks on yellow brick Running bond bases having corbelled stepped capping supporting terracotta pots, rooflights to rear (north) pitch, and cast-iron rainwater goods on timber eaves boards on slightly overhanging timber boarded eaves having timber consoles. Creeper- or ivy-covered rendered, ruled and lined walls on moulded cushion course on rendered plinth with rusticated rendered quoins to corners supporting rendered band to eaves. Central door opening into farmhouse. Square-headed window openings to front (south) elevation with cut-granite sills, and moulded rendered surrounds framing two-over-two timber sash windows. Square-headed window openings (remainder) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing two-over-two timber sash windows. Interior including (ground floor): central hall retaining carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors; and carved timber surrounds to door openings to remainder framing timber panelled doors with timber panelled shutters to window openings. Set in landscaped grounds with rendered, ruled and lined piers to perimeter having cut-granite shallow pyramidal capping supporting wrought iron double gates.

A farmhouse representing an integral component of the mid nineteenth-century domestic built heritage of the outskirts of Enniscorthy with the architectural value of the composition confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on scenic vistas overlooking gently rolling grounds; the compact near-square plan form centred on a Classically-detailed porch; the uniform proportions of the openings on each floor; and the decorative timber work embellishing a slightly oversailing roofline. Having been well maintained, the elementary form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior where contemporary joinery; restrained chimneypieces; and plasterwork refinements, all highlight the artistic potential of the composition. Furthermore, adjacent outbuildings (extant 1903); and a walled garden (extant 1903), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained estate having historic connections with the Davis family including Francis William Davis (----), 'Corn Merchant' (NA 1911; Thom's Official Directory 1923, 1387).