Toortane House

Detached two-bay single-storey Classical-style gate lodge, c.1845, on a T-shaped plan retaining original fenestration with single-bay single-storey open internal porch to right having in antis portico, single-bay single-storey side elevations, and single-bay single-storey return to south-west. Extended, c.1920, comprising single-bay single-storey lean-to recessed end bay to left (south-east). Hipped slate roofs on a T-shaped plan (lean-to to end bay) with clay ridge tiles, grouped (three) limestone ashlar chimney stacks on axis with ridge, and no rainwater goods on overhanging timber eaves. Limestone ashlar walls with cut-limestone dressings including pilasters to ends having moulded necking, and band to eaves. Unpainted roughcast lime rendered walls to end bay over random rubble stone construction. Square-headed window openings with cut-stone sills, and 1/1 timber sash windows having decorative glazing. Square-headed opening to open internal porch with three cut-limestone steps, and cut-stone piers forming in antis portico with moulded necking. Square-headed door opening with glazed timber panelled door having decorative glazing. Set back from line of road in grounds shared with Toortane House.

An appealing, well-appointed small-scale gate lodge that has been very well maintained to present an early aspect, with important salient features and materials intact. Features including the Classical-style dressings, and the overhanging eaves, contribute significantly to the architectural value of the composition, while the decorative glazing enhances the artistic design quality of the site. The construction in fine limestone ashlar is indicative of high quality stone masonry. The gate lodge, together with the attendant gateway (22902815/WD-28-15), presents an appealing group in the landscape, and forms an important element of the Toortane House estate.