Ballymaclary House, Seacoast Road, Magilligan, Limavady, Co Londonderry

Ballymaclary House is a fine mid-Georgian neo-classical building of circa 1760, probably built as a summer residence by the Cather family of Newtownlimavady. It demonstrates excellent provincial architectural detailing and an interesting L-plan arrangement.

The building is 1½ storeys with a complex footprint: an L-shaped main block with further extensions contained within the angle. The principal facade, set at right angles to Seacoast Road, presents a symmetrical five-bay composition in the neo-classical style. A shallow breakfront encloses the central doorway, with notably dominant walling above window head level, creating a pleasing classical impression despite improper eaves treatment.

Architectural detailing is of high quality. Bold sandstone quoins terminate the walls and define the breakfront. The principal windows feature top and bottom lugged sandstone architraves with timber sashes divided into 15 panes. The central doorway is particularly handsome, with a cornice and frieze topped by a closed pediment, flanked by ¾ engaged Ionic columns with small pedestals. The cornice and frieze extends to enclose narrow sash windows on either side, completed by matching Ionic pilasters, all in finely coloured ashlar sandstone. The wooden door has six panels, though clearly renewed. Walls are smooth rendered and lined to imitate ashlar, making the masonry detailing stand out strikingly against the vernacular treatment of other elevations.

The gables of the main block are similarly detailed, though attic windows vary: the west gable contains two 12-pane sash windows, while the east gable features a tripartite window of three sliding sashes with eight panes each. The main roof is slated in natural slates with two central chimneys flanking the entrance hall.

The return wing facing Seacoast Road is also 1½ storeys but with a lower roof. Four bays long, it contains three segmented-headed windows and one door, with smooth rendered walls and a slated roof. One brick chimney serves this wing, and a single sash window occupies the gable. This facade is festooned with timber diagonal lattice work, which continues onto the gable of the main block.

Extensions within the angle of the L are of nondescript character, comprising two and single-storey structures with asbestos-slated pitched roofs and modern windows.

The building is set well back from the road beyond a screen of trees, beautifully positioned beneath the shadow of the Binevenagh headland. The setting includes a front and side car park, with ample lawn accommodating it, extending beyond a basalt wall to form outdoor sitting and eating areas.

The building was restored by a previous owner in the late 1970s. The current owner, in tenure for four years at the time of listing, made no alterations. The building currently functions as a public house.