St Columbans

1. 1811 WATERSTEAD LANE (South Side) St. Columban's (formerly listed as Airy Hill) NZ 8910 8/11 23.2.54.

II*

1. Built in 1790. 2 storeys, ashlar. 5 sash windows. First floor divided into bays by Ionic pilasters, the central bay having radiating rustication round an Ionic columned Venetian window - the architraves having pulvinated friezes and dentilled cornices. Round-headed recess. Other windows on first floor with caved architraves and cills with cornices. Ground floor has windows with square block rusticated architraves with triple keyblocks-Doric columns between outer windows with full entablature with triglyphs from these columns to porch. Patterned band at same level from columns to ends of elevation. Angle quoins. Central projecting C19 porch flanked by pair of Doric columns with similar full entablature. Recessed door with curved stone reveals, and openwork parapet. House crowned by dentilled parapet with pediment to centre containing oval window with ornamental glazing, architrave surround. Balustrade to outer part with ramped ends containing vases in niches. 1-storey projecting end pavilions with quoins, cornices and pyramidal roofs with ball finials. Venetian windows. Curved walls joining to house. Garden front. Stone, 2 storeys. 1-3-1 sash windows, each with architrave and central window with flanking consoles. Pedimented Corinthian 4-columned portico up flight of 9 steps. Ground floor windows have square block rustications. Enriched band between storeys; balustraded and pedimented parapet with curved ramps containing urns. Interior of house has original staircase, doors and other features, enriched composition drawing room fireplace in Adam taste with grey marble steps and poliched steel grate; other original fireplaces. Right hand pavilion room (facing front) was used as a magiristrate's court and contains 2 contemporary polished mahogany fitted glazed bookcases. Another, once here is now in the library and fourth from elsewhere is now in the added large drawing room. The house was built in 1790 by Richard Moorson, a local shipowner, landowner and J.P. The sundial, formerly facing the garden front is now in the museum, interesting inscription concerning the exploits of Captain Robert Moorson (afterwards Admiral Sir Robert Moorson K.C.B. ) at Trafalgar. House mentioned in Young 'Whitby' 1817.

Listing NGR: NZ8954310272