12-14 The Square, Portaferry, Co Down, BT22 1LW

A relatively plain and much altered two-storey terrace block on the north-west side of the Square in Portaferry, dating possibly from the early 19th century. Originally comprising two separate dwellings, it now contains a dental surgery, shop, and apartment.

The front east-facing elevation is rendered in unpainted cement. No.14, at the south end of the block, has a symmetrical façade with a central panelled timber door on the ground floor, flanked by two sash windows with horns and no astragals. Narrow cement window bands, probably added around 1930, are present. The first floor has three sash windows with horns. The roof is gabled with Bangor blue slates. Two yellow brick chimney stacks are present with uneven chimney pots.

Nos.12–13, to the north, originally matched this arrangement but have been substantially altered. A shop front has been inserted at ground floor level, replacing the original fenestration. A left-hand panelled door provides access to the first-floor apartment. To the right are centrally located recent double timber shop doors, each with a fanlight, serving separate shops. Fixed timber shop windows flank the shop entrance, with the surround painted white. The first floor has three windows matching No.14. These two properties have a gabled roof with fibre cement slates and yellow brick chimney stacks with matching chimney pots.

The rear elevation is largely obscured by a modern house built close to the rear of the terrace, which incorporates an existing outhouse. Sash windows are visible either side of a two-storey return. There is no access to the rear of No.14.

Historical records show that buildings occupied this site by 1799, when it was held by James Savage. Valuation returns from 1835–38 record two two-storey dwellings here, described as 'reasonably old' and occupied respectively by William Echlin and David Lawson, their dimensions matching the present properties and suggesting a date around 1800. By 1863, the northern property (now Nos.12–13) was occupied by John Lawson, whilst John Bailie occupied what is now No.14. The shop front to No.12 appears to be a relatively recent insertion, possibly dating from the 1960s.