QUB Marine Biology Station, 12 The Strand, Portaferry, Co Down, BT22 1EF

A large and largely unchanged formal terrace house of late Georgian character, dating from approximately 1810-20. Now in use as Queen's University Belfast's Marine Biology Station, the building occupies the south-east end of a short terrace on The Strand, positioned to the west of Portaferry town centre and overlooking Strangford Lough.

Exterior

The three-storey structure (with basement) presents an asymmetrical south-facing front elevation. The ground floor sits slightly above pavement level, accessed by six steps that pass the basement level.

The doorway, positioned off-centre, features a double timber panelled door flanked by Doric columns. Above it sits a frieze and semi-circular arch containing a 'sun ray' fanlight with panelled archivolt. To the left of the doorway are two sliding sash-and-case windows with horizontal and vertical astragals, each featuring Georgian panes of 6 over 6, with stone cills. To the right is a further window of the same type. At the far right is a coach doorway at pavement level, equipped with double timber sheeted doors, a 'sun ray' fanlight, an elliptical arch head, and chamfered quoins.

The first floor contains five windows similar in style to those below but reduced in height. The second floor has five almost-square sash windows with 3 over 3 panes. Basement lights at pavement level sit directly below each ground floor window.

The east gable is blank. The west gable rises above its neighbouring building, with its exposed area also blank.

The rear elevation shows three unevenly spaced windows at first-floor level: the centre window has a steel frame, whilst those to left and right are timber sashes with 6 over 6 panes. The second floor contains three shorter windows of similar arrangement, with 3 over 3 sashes. Three returns project from the rear: the left features a hipped roof, the centre a simple lean-to roof, and the right a relatively tall mono-pitch slate roof. Extensive coach houses occupy the rear.

The gabled roof is covered with Bangor blue slates and features stone parapets and three rendered chimney stacks (without pots). Cast iron gutters and downspouts complete the external detailing.

Historical Development

The building is identified with that shown on the 1834 Ordnance Survey map and the valuation plan of circa 1835-38. Documentary evidence from the valuation returns suggests construction between approximately 1800 and 1830, with the property graded 'A' by valuers. By circa 1835, it served as the residence of Hugh Boden (or Bowden) and remained in the Boden family ownership until 1865, when it was purchased by the Belfast Banking Company for use as banking premises. The bank occupied the building until 1936, when new premises were constructed in Portaferry town square. Queen's University acquired the property in the 1960s, subsequently establishing the Marine Biology Station within it.

The building is situated within a conservation area and represents a significant example of local late Georgian domestic architecture.