Back Lodge — ROCKHILL (BALLYMACOOL)

Detached three-bay single-storey former gate lodge associated with Rockhill (see 40906102) having dormer attic level, built c. 1853, with projecting full-height bay to the south-west end of the main elevation (north-west) and with single-bay single-storey box bay windows to the north-east gable end and to the gable-fronted projection to the front elevation having crenellated parapets over. Later in use as a land agent’s or steward’s house associated with the Rockhill estate c. 1900, and later as a private dwelling. Now out of use and dilapidated. Steeply-pitched natural slate roof with scalloped slates, overhanging eaves with bracketed eaves and decorative wavy\fretted timber bargeboards to gable ends, projecting bay and dormer openings, timber finials to gable apexes, and with two ashlar chimneystacks having ornamental brick chimney pots over (on octagonal and square-plan). Some surviving sections of cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast rendered walls, now filing in places exposing rubble stone construction. Square-headed window openings having chamfered smooth rendered surrounds, stone sills, mostly with stucco hoodmouldings over, and with remains of cast-iron diamond pane casement windows. Paired window openings at ground floor level with central mullion. Pointed-arched doorway to the central bay having chamfered smooth rendered surround, remains of timber door, and with lattice-paned cast-iron overlight, now dilapidated. Round-headed niche adjacent to the south-west side of door (to north-east side of gable-fronted projection) having chamfered smooth rendered surround. Remains of dog-leg timber staircase and landing to interior. Set back from road in mature grounds to the south of Rockhill and the south-west of Letterkenny. Located at start of long disused approach avenue to estate from the south. Gateway adjacent to the south-west having rendered rubble stone gate piers and wrought-iron gates.