Lorneville

Detached three-bay two-storey house, extant 1883, on a T-shaped plan with single-bay (single-bay deep) two-storey lean-to central return (south). Pitched slate roof on a T-shaped plan centred on lean-to slate roof (south), clay ridge tiles, lichen-spotted coping to gables with rendered chimney stacks to apexes having concrete capping supporting yellow terracotta octagonal pots, and cast-iron rainwater goods on slightly overhanging eaves having "Cavetto"-detailed consoles retaining cast-iron hoppers and downpipes. Part creeper- or ivy-covered rendered, ruled and lined walls with vermiculated rendered panelled quoins to corners. Square-headed central door opening in square-headed recess with ceramic tiled threshold, doorcase with fluted columns supporting iron-covered shallow cornice on flushed beaded frieze, and concealed dressings with hood moulding on decorative label stops framing glazed timber double doors having overlight. Square-headed flanking window openings with cut-granite sills, and three quarter engaged colonette-detailed mullions framing two-over-two timber sash windows having one-over-one sidelights. Square-headed window openings (first floor) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings with hood mouldings framing two-over-two timber sash windows. Square-headed window openings to rear (south) elevation centred on square-headed window opening (half-landing) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing two-over-two timber sash windows centred on one-over-one timber sash window having stained glass margins. Interior including (ground floor): central hall retaining carved timber surrounds to door openings framing timber panelled doors. Set back from road in landscaped grounds with rendered, ruled and lined piers to perimeter having lichen-covered cut-granite shallow pyramidal capping supporting wrought iron double gates.

A house representing an important component of the mid nineteenth-century domestic built heritage of Wexford with the architectural value of the composition, one recalling the later Avenue House (1906) in Gorey (see 15601075), confirmed by such attributes as the compact plan form centred on a Classically-detailed doorcase demonstrating good quality workmanship; the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated tiered visual effect with the principal "apartments" or reception rooms defined by polygonal bay windows; and the monolithic 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; chimneypieces; and plasterwork refinements, all highlight the artistic potential of a house having historic connections with Clement Archer (1808-83) 'late of Lorne Villa County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1883, 14; cf. 15704721); and Elizabeth Alicia Cornock (d. 1912) 'late of Lorne Villa Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1913, 123).