Rossmore

Detached asymmetrical-plan four-bay two-storey house, built 1911, having gabled projecting end bays, dormer windows to inner bays, lower single-bay recessed block to east, single-bay lean-to recessed block to west, and having single-storey lean-to porch to front of a middle and end bay, and single-bay single-storey lean-tos to rear. Pitched slate roof with timber bargeboards to gables and dormers, and brick chimneystacks. Terracotta tiles to porch and west block. Terracotta tile-cladding to gabled end bays and terracotta fish-scale tile-cladding to dormer windows. Running bond brick walls. Square-headed openings, mainly having replacement uPVC windows, some with quarry-glazed timber casement windows. Round-headed window to front of west block having alternate prominent brick voussoirs, terracotta imposts and timber casement window. Round-headed entrance door opening with chamfered cut limestone surround and timber battened door with ornate cast-iron strap hinges, approached by flight of brick and render steps.

Rossmore, originally known as Ardcraoibh, is a fine example of early twentieth-century Arts and Crafts-style domestic architecture. The expression of volumes and projecting planes helps to make this a visually lively and interesting building. Textural interest is provided by the contrast between the brick walls and the geometric and fish-scale terracotta tiles. The entrance is particularly ornate and is a well-executed original feature of the building. Rossmore was built by Major John Creagh and is reminiscent of the nearby Mount Ruby (1903-4) which was the home of Arthur Gethin Creagh: both houses in turn recall The Red House (1899) in Redcastle Street (see 20815090) and have therefore been attributed to William Henry Hill (1837-1911) or William Henry Hill Junior (1867-1941).