West Lodge, Drenagh Demesne, 11 Dowland Road, Limavady, Co Londonderry, BT49 0HP

West Lodge, Drenagh Demesne

A handsome one-storey Neo-Classical gate lodge built in the mid-nineteenth century (1840–1859), designed by Charles Lanyon. It is faced with pink sandstone ashlar work and represents a fine example of early Victorian architecture, recalling the works of Palladio and Burlington. The main facade is superior to anything externally at the principal house.

The lodge is three bays wide with a central tetrastyle portico in the Ionic order, complete with full entablature and pediment. The details of the Ionic order repeat those of the main entrance to Drenagh House. The entablature differs somewhat in proportions and detail but is better executed than at the main house, with the coffers of the entablature ceiling entirely framed. The entablature of the portico is continued in line along the top of the main facade and returned on both gables. The front creates a pleasing piece of Palladianism with dominant solid over void, featuring a semi-circular headed doorway recessed within the portico and two round-headed slim niches on either side. The windows are simply treated without ornamentation and contain 12-pane sashes. The gables are less interesting with three similar windows, one of which is built up on the east side. The lodge has been extended to the rear with a flat roof and roughcast rendering, but this extension does not extend the full length of the building and is not visible from the front. The house has a pitched natural slated roof behind a low plain parapet with lead hips and ridges. There is a central chimney.

The lodge is contemporary with the main house and is positioned a little south of an earlier lodge which stood at an abandoned western avenue approach to the original house. This avenue is visible on the 1860 Ordnance Survey Sheet.

The entrance gates and screen form an imposing avenue entrance set back in a generous elliptical half-sweep with a central gateway between rectangular piers and wicket gates on either side, with additional similar piers with lintel over. The four piers are in a straight line, simply built in sandstone ashlar work with simple plinth and squared projecting coping. The main gates and wicket gates are in delicate decorated cast iron work, with a cast iron railing carrying round the forecourt in a curve on either side on a low wall, terminating against the estate boundary in a small pier. The composition makes a distinctive classical design. The gates and screen are probably contemporary with the lodge.

The lodge flanks the entrance gates and driveway and is surrounded by a simple garden and shaded by mature trees.