Mountstuart House in ruins

The Down Survey (1655-6) map shows two dwellings at the location shown on the 1937 OS 6-inch map as 'Mountstuart House in ruins'. In a level field of grassland formerly entered from an avenue which is partially extant, south of Lispopple crossroads are the fragmentary remains of a brick building which is oblong in plan, running N-S (ext. dims. L 20.75m, Wth 9.80m, wall T 0.45m). The remains comprise the south-west corner and the south wall. It was originally two storeys high with a moulded brick cornice dividing them. The top of the cornice was slated. There is evidence for a stone foundation. The interior is lit by tall rectangular openings, which are placed symmetrically one under the other. The extant building corresponds to the southernmost building illustrated on the 1937 OS six inch map and the historic 25 inch. However it is not present on the first edition OS map indicating a mid -19th century construction. The location of the original Mountstuart House immediately to the north is currently overgrown although a single pillar that may have indicated the entrance to the yard is visible. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 02 January 2015