4 The Square, Comber, Co. Down, BT23 5DT

4 The Square, Comber

A two-storey rendered terraced house of possible late 18th century origin, positioned at the north-east corner of The Square. The building's overall form remains largely intact, though the front facade now features modern window frames.

The front elevation is largely symmetrical and faced in smooth lined render finished to Bangor Blue slate. A plain central entrance door is framed by shallow painted stone pilasters surmounted by a plain blocking course with cornice. To the left is a large single pane window, formerly used as a shop window. To the right is a slightly smaller opening containing a modern six pane steel window. The first floor has three evenly spaced openings, slightly shorter than those below. The centre has a three pane window flanked by openings each with six pane windows. All windows are of modern steel construction. Red brick potless chimney stacks rise from either gable. PVC rainwater goods are present. The roof, slightly higher than its neighbours, is finished in Bangor Blue slate.

The rear facade is much obscured by plant growth. The construction is of random greywacke rubble, parts whitewashed, with a single storey return to the left having a mono pitched Bangor Blue slate roof. A single fixed pane window lights a half landing. The first floor has three unevenly spaced windows: a large opening with modern timber four pane window to the left; a central window positioned directly below the eaves with one central mullion; and a sliding sash and case window (approximately four over four panes) to the right, set at a slightly lower level. The roof is finished in Bangor Blue slate with two cast iron skylights and cast iron rainwater goods. All windows have been boarded up from the inside, and the ground floor is entirely obscured by plant growth.

The greywacke rubble construction points to a pre-1830, likely 18th century date, though the building may have undergone alterations to its window openings. The site appears occupied from at least 1722. A 1786 pictorial lease map shows the property belonged to Andrew McMillin, though the drawing depicts a greater number of windows than present, suggesting later alteration. By 1834 the house was owned by Dr. John Allen and rented to Dr. John Frame. Robert Braithwaite rented the property from 1838 and was listed as a supervisor resident there in 1861. A photograph dating from circa 1920 to 1930 shows the property functioning as a grocer's shop under W.C.A. Withers, with a facade featuring Georgian paned sash windows. The property remained in commercial use until relatively recent times. The front facade today matches its appearance in that photograph save for the replacement of the original Georgian paned sash windows with modern frames.