Kells House

Detached five-bay two-storey farmhouse, extant 1839, on a T-shaped plan with single-bay (single- or two-bay deep) two-storey double-pile central return (west). Hipped slate roof on a T-shaped plan centred on pitched double-pile (M-profile) slate roof (west), clay ridge tiles, rendered chimney stacks having stepped capping supporting terracotta or yellow terracotta octagonal pots, and cast-iron rainwater goods on rendered red brick header bond eaves retaining cast-iron downpipes. Part creeper- or ivy-covered rendered walls; rendered slate hung surface finish to side (south) elevation. Square-headed central door opening with cut-limestone threshold, and concealed dressings framing timber panelled double doors having overlight. Square-headed window openings with drag edged dragged cut-limestone sills, and concealed dressings framing one-over-one timber sash windows having exposed sash boxes. Set in landscaped grounds with piers to perimeter having shallow pyramidal capping supporting wrought iron "farm gate".

A farmhouse representing an important component of the domestic built heritage of County Kilkenny with the architectural value of the composition confirmed by such attributes as the symmetrical footprint centred on a somewhat featureless doorcase; and the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression. 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, including a partial plastered slate hung surface finish, thus upholding the character or integrity of the composition. Furthermore, adjacent outbuildings (extant 1839) continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained ensemble having historic connections with Thomas Izod (1794-1872), 'Gentleman late of Kells County Kilkenny' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1872, 307; cf. 12315007).