Cookstown House

Detached five-bay two-storey house, built c. 1790. L-plan, returning three-bays two-storey wing to south-east c. 1830, full-height canted-bay to west elevation, rendered embellishments and projecting cast-iron entrance porch to north elevation c. 1890. Hipped slate roof, clay ridge tile, painted smooth rendered chimneystacks, capping stone and clay pots; cast-iron gutters on paired corbels at eaves, circular cast-iron downpipes. Painted smooth rendered ruled-and-lined walling, vermiculated quoins. Square-headed window openings, painted stone sills; kneed moulded-rendered architraves, acanthus brackets supporting moulded cornice to ground floor north elevation, simple moulded-rendered architraves to first floor north elevation, painted timber one-over-one timber sliding sash windows c. 1890 to ground floor and canted-bay, three-over-six sliding sash windows to first floor. Open porch comprising filigreed cast-iron pilasters and frieze supporting flat canopy, square-headed door opening with moulded-rendered surround, acanthus console brackets supporting corniced entablature; decorative cast-iron door bell and limestone step; door removed. Stableyard to east accessed via segmental-headed arched opening within rubble stone wall; random rubble stone outbuildings c. 1830-1890 to yard in two principle ranges, north and south, pitched slate roofs, red brick door and window surrounds, square-headed window openings and segmental-headed door openings, painted timber vertically-sheeted doors; gravelled stableyard. House set back from road in own grounds, entrance gateway to north-west having rendered gate piers and wrought-iron gates.

Currently under renovation, Cookstown House displays a number of different building phases, adding to its architectural interest. Fine rendered detailing and cast-iron work are of artistic note while the building's balanced proportions form an impressive façade on approach from the north-west gateway. A handsome collection of outbuildings and arched gateway represent an important survival, preserving the original context of the site. The house retain a wealth of original and early fabric and is an important component of Louth's architectural heritage.