Undoubtedly one of the quirkiest residences in Ireland, this is Boland’s Lock-Keeper’s House. Situated on the 26th lock of the Grand Canal outside Tullamore, County Offaly, the building dates from c.1800 and is thought to have been designed for himself by Michael Hayes, a contractor working on the project. The house has bowed side elevations with semi-conical roofs, and, facing the canal, a bowed and castellated central bay: although it looks to be only two storeys’ high, the land to the rear drops away, allowing for a third floor. Well restored in recent years, the building is now for sale (in case anyone felt like moving home in 2023…)
If only it were in Galway, I’d love to consider it Robert! What a character residence it would be. Happy New year to you and yours ‘as they say in Scotland’.
Most of the canal lock-keepers houses were only single storied. This man must have had a very big family, or social ambitions.
Love that style, nice to see less grand places of interest. just looked it up on Daft.ie, not a bad price at 465k, but I was also amazed at 3 other properties listed of equal interest for architecture buffs: Geashill Castle where the main house is a ruin but the out-buildings restored, Kingston House -hard to see the architecture because of all the ivy, and in Garbally, Blueball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly a fantasy medieval style thatch roofed wonder to be seen to be believed! I glance through listtings all the time, but rarely find 3 of interest at the same time.
Don’t forget Ross House, Screggan, near Tullamore
Is the lockhouse vacant? Why?