Buried in the midst of trees, the remains of a neo-classical gate lodge in County Fermanagh. Likely dating from the early 19th century, its entrance at the top of a short flight of steps features a fine Tuscan portico flanked by windows each set within a shallow arched niche. Although almost beyond redemption (the rear wall has bulged out and looks on the verge of collapse), the building’s quality of stonework for key features, together with an evident consideration of the overall design, is testament to the care once paid even to such modest dwellings.
Do you know which property this gate lodge belonged to?
Thank you for getting in touch. Yes, I do know which property the lodge belongs to but for various reasons I would rather not name it…
beautiful photos
Dear Robert I am so glad to read your posts! I learn a lot about hidden treasures and values almost lost (though not in translation…). Many regards to you and the Irish friends. Ernestine
Dear Ernestine,
Thank you for making contact, and for your kind words: a real pleasure to hear from you, Robert
DEAR ROBERT,
I HAVE JUST STUMBLED UPON YOUR WONDERFUL PHOTO OF
‘ THE LODGE IN THE WOODS’
IS THIS LODGE PRESENTLY UNDERGOING RESTORATION, OR IS THE STRUCTURE TO WEAKENED BY THE ELEMENTS ?
ALSO ,IS IT HIGHLIGHTED IN DIXIE DEANS BOOK-
‘GATE LODGES OF ULSTER’
GREAT FIND! WELL DONE!
KIND REGARDS,
PAUL M. MC ARDLE
Thank you for getting in touch. If I could lay my hands on my copy of Lodges of Ulster, I would check whether this one features. It is a darling building but the rear is in risk of imminent collapse I fear. The owners of the place are old friends, but not really in a position to undertake restoration at the moment. Who knows about the future…
You will find a photograph of this lodge to Inishmore Hall in its heyday in
“The Gate Lodges of Ulster” – J.A.K.Dean
If it’s the lodge J.A.K. Dean refers to I’ll be sincerely happy, as my understanding was that that building was demolished about 10 years ago. (That may be incorrect, I’ve not been in that neck of the woods for many years so I don’t know for sure.) I believe I know where this is but will respect the author’s wishes in not naming it. It’s very sad that the owners aren’t being helped to maintain this little gem – Fermanagh has lost far too much of its architectural heritage already.
Thank you for getting in touch. This lodge does appear in Dean’s guide (where it is tentatively attributed to JB Keane) and it does still stand: I took these pictures while staying in the main house last year…
Thanks for getting back to me. I was a little depressed thinking it had been swept away – as sad as is its current state, I’m glad it’s still there.