Manse in Stonybatter

Detached three-bay (two-bay deep) two-storey manse, built 1861, on a T-shaped plan with single-bay (single-bay deep) two-storey lean-to central return (south). Vacant, 1901. Occupied, 1911. Reroofed, 1980. Renovated, ----. Replacement hipped slate roof on a T-shaped plan extending into lean-to slate roof (south) with clay ridge tiles, paired rendered central chimney stacks having concrete capping supporting terracotta tapered pots, slightly sproketed eaves, and cast-iron rainwater goods on timber eaves boards on box eaves on rendered stepped cornice. Rendered walls on rendered chamfered plinth with rusticated rendered quoins to corners. Segmental-headed central door opening approached by flight of three cut-granite steps with rendered "bas-relief" surround framing timber panelled door having overlight. Square-headed window openings (ground floor) with cut-granite sills on consoles, and concealed dressings with hood mouldings over on label stops framing replacement one-over-one sash windows. Segmental-headed window openings (first floor) with cut-granite sills, and concealed dressings framing replacement one-over-one sash windows having overlights. 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 unkempt grounds with roughcast piers to perimeter having concrete capping.

A manse erected to a design by Richard Pierce (1831-64) of Allen Street (Dublin Builder 1st July 1861, 564; 15th August 1861, 609) representing an integral component of the mid nineteenth-century built heritage of Wexford with the architectural value of the composition, 'one of the best and most beautifully situated ministers' residences in the Dublin Presbytery' (Irwin 1890, 282), suggested by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on scenic vistas overlooking rolling grounds with the River Slaney estuary as a backdrop; the compact plan form centred on a restrained doorcase; and the slight diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated tiered visual effect with those openings showing sleek "stucco" refinements. Having been well maintained, the elementary form and massing survive intact together with quantities of the original or replicated fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior, thus upholding the character or integrity of a manse having historic connections with the Wexford Presbyterian ministry including Reverend William Burns (d. 1881); Reverend James Steen (d. 1900), 'Presbyterian Minister late of Bayview Manse Park Wexford County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1901, 454); and Reverend Hugh Scott McMullen (----), 'Presbyterian Minister' (NA 1911).