8-9 The Strand, Portaferry, Co Down, BT22 1PF

This site on The Strand in Portaferry formerly contained two two-storey terraced houses of probable 18th century construction, demolished in 1991-92. The Portaferry Hotel now occupies part of the site.

According to a survey conducted in November 1970, the buildings were described as a two storey block of two houses with a slated roof and rendered chimneys. The walls were rendered and painted in v-jointed blocks. The frontage, measuring approximately 36 feet, featured five first floor drop-hung windows with horizontal astragals. The ground floor comprised, from left to right, a through passage door with flush panelling, two drop-hung windows matching those above, two sheeted entrance doors with a common mullion and plain fanlights centred on the central upper window, and two further drop-hung windows. The condition was recorded as fair to poor.

Historical records indicate that both houses were probably of 18th century construction. In the 1835 valuation, both dwellings were graded 'C' and regarded by valuers as 'old'. The further house along The Strand, formerly numbered 9, was the home of Eliza Lyttle, whilst number 8 was occupied by Edward Lowry. By 1860, both houses had been acquired by Edward Bryce, who leased them to tenants. In 1861, the residents were recorded as John Wylie (in number 9) and Margaret Boyle (number 8). The properties remained as residential dwellings until their acquisition by the owners of the neighbouring Portaferry Hotel, who subsequently demolished both houses in 1991 to allow for the hotel's expansion onto the site.