Lottery grant approved for historic site
Thursday, 23 October 2008
The Gatelodge at Magherintemple on Churchfield Road will be restored to its former glory and brought back into use for the public as an historic self-catering holiday home.
A Ballycastle landmark, described as an architectural gem, is to be transformed into tourist accommodation after securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund Northern Ireland.
The Magherintemple Gatelodge, located on Churchfield Road, will be restored to its former glory and brought back into use for the public as an historic self-catering holiday home.
The Irish Landmark Trust has received £204,000, its largest grant to date, to assist with conservation and restoration works at the site.
The Gatelodge was built in the 1800s, and was once home to Roger Casement. He stayed with relatives at the site, following the death of his parents, and attended school in Ballymena.
Peter Molloy, from Ballycastle Museum, said he was glad to see the historic building being brought back into use.
“I certainly would welcome this news. The Magherintemple Gatelodge is an architectural gem, and to see it being reused could only benefit the whole community."
Executive Director of the Irish Landmark Trust, Mary O'Brien, said: "As a charitable organisation, we rely on the generosity of others to ensure that we save buildings of architectural merit and historical importance.
“Without this generous support, the future of the Magherintemple Gatelodge would be in danger. We look forward to beginning the restoration of our 20th project to date."
“On first glance the condition of the Gatelodge appears to be in tact however, on closer inspection the unoccupied building is deteriorating quickly and an intake of rain water is of major concern.
“Fortunately, with the help of The Heritage Lottery Fund the Irish Landmark Trust can carry out immediate works to save this architectural gem."
Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, added: "Through our grant awards, the Heritage Lottery Fund has been able to preserve and transform the important built heritage of Northern Ireland.
“The Irish Landmark Trust has a proven track record of conserving iconic buildings, and ensuring their future survival. Through working with schools and colleges, this project will enable local communities to enjoy and explore their heritage for many generations to come."
The restoration of the gatelodge will coincide with an educational programme planned by The Irish Landmark Trust, which will benefit many people in the local community.
A plan is in place to work with local primary schools and historical societies to learn about the history surrounding the gate lodge and the specialized conservation techniques that will be used to transform the building into a comfortable self catering holiday home.
The building will also be on general view to the public over the Annual European Heritage Open Days weekend, and restoration work is due to commence next year.
The Gatelodge is listed on the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's register of historic parks, gardens and demesnes.
The register outlines that an earlier, quite modest house, called Churchfield was listed in the OS Memoirs of 1835. It described the building as a plain two-storey dwelling, and the property of the Casement family from 1790
It was considerably enlarged in 1874-75 for John Casement, adding an austere Scottish baronial block in Ballyvoy stone with gate lodge in matching style, and the present layout dates from 1973.
The gate lodge is contemporary with the present house and has a date stone of 1875. Two small stone figures that are placed in the rockery of the garden are said to have come from Culfeightrin Church, near Ballyvoy.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about their diverse heritage. From great museums and historic buildings, to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up the nation's heritage for everyone to enjoy.
This year marks the 10th birthday of the Lottery, and since its conception, and in Northern Ireland, it has awarded almost £150.7 million to over 1250 projects.
