2 CLIFTON TERRACE, MAIN ST., CASTLEROCK, Coleraine, Co Londonderry

A late-Victorian three-storey two-bay mid-terrace townhouse built in 1873, located on the south side of Main Street in Castlerock town centre. The building is constructed of uncoursed squared blackstone with smooth render to the rear elevation, and retains much of its late-Victorian character despite some replacement fabric, notably fenestration. It holds important group value as part of the terrace and, together with Babington Terrace to the east, makes a significant contribution to the architectural character of Castlerock.

The house has a rectangular plan with a two-storey canted bay to the front and a two-storey return to the rear. The pitched natural slate roof is fitted with angled ridge tiles and a yellow-brick chimneystack with six clay pots. Cast-iron ogee rainwater goods are mounted on rubbed brick eaves with decorative black and yellow brick banding beneath.

The north-facing front elevation features a two-storey canted bay at the left with a leaded roof and moulded cornice over the window openings. Windows are predominantly 2/2 timber sash, horizontally divided with horns, set in stepped painted brick surrounds with painted projecting sills. The canted bays have painted surrounds with a continuous sill course. Second-floor windows are uPVC, set in raised cambered heads with applied moulding to the jambs. A segmental-headed door opening is located at ground-floor right, containing a double-leaf panelled-and-glazed door with segmental-headed transom, all set within a painted brick surround.

The east and west gables are abutted by adjoining buildings. The south (rear) elevation is abutted by a two-storey gabled return, largely concealed from view by a two-storey abutment from the neighbouring return. A small yard is situated to the rear, enclosed by a rendered wall with a timber-sheeted gate. A communal yard to the rear is accessed by gravel alleys to the east and west. The property is bounded to the south by a railway line, marked by modern metal fencing.

The terrace of three blackstone buildings first appears in valuation records in 1873 as vacant houses leased from Joseph Connell, the likely developer. Castlerock developed as a bathing resort following the opening of a railway halt in 1853 near Downhill House, on what had formerly been open countryside forming part of the Clothworker's Company estates. The railway company actively promoted development by offering cheap tickets to those who would build or buy villas. The local landlord, Sir Henry Hervey Bruce, took a particular interest in Castlerock's development and required all new building to meet standards of quality and size.

The first recorded occupant was Mrs Linton from 1874, who occupied this house and its neighbour at number one, paying a valuation of £16 and leasing from Sir Henry Hervey Bruce. In 1892, Jane Alcorn, a grocer, took over both houses and ran this property as a holiday let while residing next door. An advertisement from June 1892 described the house as comprising two reception rooms, four bedrooms, servants' apartments (eight bedrooms in total), kitchen, scullery, pantries, and all in perfect order. Subsequent occupants included Samuel Dallas from around 1910, followed by George Dallas (1911), Rebecca Dallas (1923), Minnie Tosh (1930), Kathleen Cunningham (1947), N Joyce (1956), and Robert Sutcliffe (1966).

Valuer's notes from the 1930s recorded a plan showing a rear return and separate single-storey outbuilding. The accommodation comprised, on the ground floor, a kitchen, reception, scullery and pantry; on the first floor, a room, bedroom, bathroom and WC; on the second floor, three bedrooms; and on the third floor, an attic bedroom. The house was listed in 1977 and underwent renovations to the roof, windows and doors in the mid to late 1980s.