Offaly’s Record of Protected Structures – No. 03-05 Record-of-Protected-Structures.pdf
NIAH No. 14902005
Description: Detached L-plan three-bay two-storey with attic house, built in 1733, with pedimented entrance bay and a single-bay singlestorey extension to east. Set in its own grounds and amongst walled gardens. Pitched slate roof with rendered chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Roughcast rendered walls with a limestone ogee cornice. Square-headed window openings, enlarged c.1840 to timber sash Wyatt windows with limestone sills. Oculus set within pediment. Square-headed door opening set within a limestone pedimented surround incorporating a spoked fanlight. Architrave surround flanked by console brackets supporting open-bed pediment. Timber panelled door is accessed up two limestone steps. Screen wall to west of house with cast-iron pedestrian access gate. Single- and two-storey outbuildings to rear yard with pitched slate roofs and roughcast rendered and random coursed walls. Two-stage tower at corner of walled garden to north of house. Ruined outbuilding to west of house incorporates a carved stone plaque. Former kennels to north of rear yard now an enclosed garden. Hexagonal limestone gate piers to front site supporting wrought-iron gates and railings.
Appraisal: Though modest in its design and decoration, Woodfield House is a high quality example of early eighteenth-century Irish domestic architecture. It displays characteristics typical of this period including the pedimented entrance bay, high pitched roof and limestone door surround. Woodfield House is notable amongst other houses in Offaly of this period as it has survived remarkably intact and, for the most part, untouched over time. The house is well maintained and set amongst gardens that contribute positively to the setting of the house. The family who built the house in 1733 still occupy the property.
Conservation works were carried out in 2021. Works involved the repair of the c1700s wrought iron pedestrian gate.
Repairs to the wrought-iron gate were assisted by Creative Ireland Vernacular Grant and private funding.
For further information refer to attached report by Rachel McKenna, Offaly County Council, Senior Executive Architect.
Forgecraft Blacksmiths Completion Report
