Knockmullen House

Detached three-bay two-storey over basement farmhouse, extant 1824, on an L-shaped plan centred on single-bay single-storey flat-roofed projecting porch to ground floor; three-bay (west) or two-bay (east) full-height side elevations. "Improved", pre-1902, producing present composition. Occupied, 1911. Sold, 1926. Refenestrated, ----. Hipped slate roof on an L-shaped plan with clay ridge tiles, paired cement rendered central chimney stacks having cut-granite stringcourses below capping supporting terracotta pots, and replacement uPVC rainwater goods on slightly overhanging slate flagged eaves. Creeper- or ivy-covered rendered, ruled and lined walls. Square-headed central window opening in tripartite arrangement in square-headed recess with cut-granite sill, timber mullions, and timber panelled pilasters framing margined six-over-six timber sash window having margined sidelights. Square-headed opposing door openings to "cheeks" with timber panelled double doors. Central door opening into farmhouse. Square-headed window openings with cut-granite sills, and concealed red brick block-and-start surrounds framing replacement uPVC casement windows replacing six-over-six 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 carved timber surrounds to window openings framing timber panelled shutters. Set in landscaped grounds with cement rendered piers to perimeter having pyramidal capping supporting replacement mild steel double gates.

A farmhouse representing an integral component of the domestic built heritage of the outskirts of New Ross with the architectural value of the composition, one rooted firmly in the contemporary late Georgian fashion, confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on scenic vistas overlooking gently rolling grounds; the compact plan form centred on a Classically-detailed porch; and the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression: meanwhile, aspects of the composition clearly illustrate the continued development or "improvement" of the farmhouse in the later nineteenth century. 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: the introduction of replacement fittings to most of the openings, however, has not had a beneficial impact on the character or integrity of the farmhouse. Furthermore, an adjoining steward's house (extant 1840); and an adjacent coach house (extant 1840), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained ensemble having historic connections with Captain James Talbot JP (1794-1852; Lewis 1837 II, 531-2); and the Roe family including Henry Roe (1803-84), 'late of Knockmullen County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1884, 711); and Sarah Urith Roe (née Deane) (1812-92), 'late of Knockmullen County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1892, 787).