16 Church Street, Portaferry, Co Down, BT22 1LS

16 Church Street, Portaferry

A plain two-storey terrace house of possible pre-1834 origin, situated on the west side of Church Street just north of Portaferry town centre. The property was extensively renovated in the mid-1970s and now presents a mixed appearance of original and modern elements.

The front (east) elevation is asymmetrical. The ground floor features a modern three-panel door off-centre to the right, with a moulded surround and prominent moulded keystone, a plain fanlight above, and a plinth. Single windows with modern frames flank the door on either side. The first floor has three similar windows with modern frames. To the left of the original façade is a sash window with 2-over-2 panes. At first-floor level are a sash window to the left, a modern window to the right, and a sash window with horizontal astragals at an intermediate central position.

To the left rear, a recent shallow-pitched single-storey extension has been added, with a door on its north face and a modern window to the west face.

The front façade is finished in lined render and painted. The rear is rendered and unpainted. The gabled roof is covered with modern concrete tiles and features an eaves course. Cast iron guttering and downspout are present. Two red brick chimney stacks with matching pots rise from the roof.

Historical context

A building on this site, in possession of David Gee, is shown on Patrick O'Hare's 1799 map of Portaferry. The valuation records of circa 1835-1838 suggest the site was occupied by a two-storey dwelling owned by Thomas McCappin, and that the property was already relatively old at that time (graded as 'B', suggesting it was perhaps 30 or more years old). The McCappin family retained possession of the house at least until 1863. Following this long period of occupancy, the property underwent extensive renovation in the mid-1970s, which substantially altered its appearance and introduced modern materials and fixtures throughout.