Middleton Lodge

Detached three-bay two-storey double-pile farmhouse, extant 1829, on a square plan centred on single-bay single-storey gabled advanced porch to ground floor. Occupied, 1901. Vacant, 1911. Sold, 1931. Hipped double-pile (M-profile) slate roof with lichen-spotted clay ridge tiles, paired rendered red brick Running bond central chimney stacks having stepped capping, and cast-iron rainwater goods on slate flagged eaves retaining cast-iron downpipes. Rusticated wall to front (east) elevation on rendered plinth with rusticated rendered quoins to ends; rendered, ruled and lined surface finish (remainder). Hipped square-headed central door opening approached by flight of three concrete steps with chamfered timber mullions supporting chamfered timber transom framing timber panelled door having sidelights. Square-headed window openings with cut-granite sills, and rusticated voussoirs framing eight-over-eight timber sash windows with two-over-two timber sash windows to rear (west) elevation. Set in landscaped grounds on a slightly elevated site with roughcast piers to perimeter having stepped capping supporting looped wrought iron gate.

A farmhouse representing an integral component of the domestic built heritage of north County Wexford with the architectural value of the composition suggested by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on panoramic vistas overlooking a rolling landscape; the compact plan form centred on an expressed porch demonstrating good quality workmanship; 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 historic or original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior, thus upholding the character or integrity of the composition. Furthermore, adjacent outbuildings (extant 1840) continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained ensemble having historic connections with the Middleton family including William Middleton (d. 1895; Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1895, 522) and Maria Middleton (d. 1909; Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1910, 384).