In the centre of Slane, County Meath stands the Square, which is actually an octagon and was laid out by the Conyngham family in the mid-18th century. Four of the sides are occupied by almost identical houses dating from c.1760, all being of three bays and three storeys over basement and fronted in the same limestone, with brick chimneystacks at either gable and hipped roof. Only the doorcases display modest differences in design, that above (on the north-east corner) featuring engaged columns while that below (south-east) corner has pilasters. The latter house is currently for sale.
I remember being told by my father that these 4 houses were built to house the 4 unmarried daughters of Slane Castle
Hence the local nickname of the houses “the four sisters”
It’s a charming story, but alas untrue. Henry Conyngham, resident in Slane at the time these houses were built had no children, and none of the later generations of the family would have four unmarried daughters…
I noticed one, ‘Regina House’ (was that the daughter’s name perhaps?) for sale for a while. While in good shape, interiors need ‘upgrading’ and the floor layouts are a little awkward- only 2 W/C- on the 2nd floor and in the basement with the kitchen, and the dining room is on the ground floor- who has servants today to carry food up the stairs! a ‘classic’ case of form dominating function.
Sorry, need to clarify. I realize the layout would have functioned when it was built. Just makes it less attractive to current buyers. Anyone have input on the state of Slane town life? Worth investing in a showpiece house like this one? Also realize Regina most likely not used as first name in the period the house was built, but maybe at a later date applied to honor Queen Victoria- perhaps ‘updated’ for one of her visits considering the close ties with the Conyghams?. Some distinctly Victorian touches added to the interior.
Charming houses.