Presbyterian Manse, 56 Main Street, Ballykelly, Limavady, Co Londonderry, BT49 9HS

This is an early Victorian villa located in its own grounds within the village of Ballykelly, County Londonderry. Built between 1840 and 1859, it occupies a site overlooking the centre of the village where the Sistrakeel Road meets Main Street and would originally have enjoyed views of Lough Foyle and the Inishowen Hills. The villa is a T-plan building with a porch set into the angle of the ‘T’ on the western side. The external walls are smooth and painted, with stone-faced bay windows, now also painted. The fenestration comprises tall sliding sash windows, some single windows decorated with a cornice that lacks modillions, a pair of round-headed windows to the porch, and a Venetian window designed by Richard Suitor, built into the gable’s broken pediment. All windows have plain stone architraves. The roof is slated and pitched, with several chimney stacks. The window sashes feature slim astragals dividing the panes. The house has been extended to the side and rear, with some unsympathetic dormers and windows which detract from the original design, but the principal facades retain their character. The northern gable has lost the returns of its broken pediment. Internally and externally, the facades exhibit characteristics of the Suitor hand, though it may have been an overseeing role, with local people preparing plans submitted to the Fishmonger in 1849. The house is in good repair. It was built during the tenure of Reverend Dills and when Arthur Sampson was the Fishmonger’s agent. The building demonstrates group value as a notable example of Victorian architecture and incorporates elements of style, proportion, and ornamentation. Its setting also contributes to its significance.