Downpatrick Gate Lodge, Seaforde House, 175 Newcastle Road, Seaforde Demesne, Downpatrick, Co.Down

This small, rustically picturesque gate lodge dates to the 1860s and is situated at the eastern ('Downpatrick') entrance to Seaforde Demesne, on the west side of Newcastle Road, approximately half a mile north of Seaforde and five miles west of Downpatrick. It stands where a larger lodge previously stood, between approximately 1834 and 1858. The lodge’s design may be based on the work of English architect Peter Frederick Robinson (1776-1858), who had previously been employed by the Forde family, with it being suggested it is a posthumous execution of a Robinson design.

The front façade faces south and is symmetrical. A timber-sheeted door is centrally positioned, with a hood moulding above. To the left of the door is a six-light casement window with lattice panes to the three upper lights and conventional panes to the three lower lights; a simple label moulding sits above this window. A similar window is positioned to the right of the door. The eastern façade features a sash window with 6/6 Georgian panes. The front and eastern facades are finished in lined render, some of which has been lost over time. The slated, hipped roof has a large overhang with exposed rafter ends, and a central rendered chimney stack. The western façade and rear of the lodge are obscured by dense tree and shrub growth. The lodge is currently vacant. It has group value with the other buildings on the Seaforde estate.