Former school, 78 Belfast Road, Magheracranmoney, Downpatrick, Co Down, BT30 9AY

This former school house dates to around 1840 and was probably built by the Maxwells of Finnebrogue House, local landowners. It is recorded as 'Inch School' on the Ordnance Survey map of 1860. The building comprises a two-storey master's residence at its centre, flanked by single-storey gabled classrooms, all constructed in coursed rubble. The master's house was originally single storey but was raised in height during the 1920s. The school closed in 1982 and was subsequently converted to a dwelling between 1982 and 1984.

The property sits on the west side of Belfast Road, approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Downpatrick, with its front elevation facing east. The symmetrical front elevation is dominated by a recessed central bay housing the original residence, set behind a flat-roofed open porch. The porch is supported by four Ionic columns, each shaft cut from a single piece of granite, which support a plain entablature with cornice. The main entrance consists of a panelled timber double door with granite surround, surmounted by a granite entablature pediment on curved brackets. The tympanum is faced in coursed fieldstone rubble. To either side are sash windows with Georgian panes (6/6) and granite surrounds. The projecting gable sections of the former classrooms flank this central bay, each containing a large centrally located tripartite sash window with Georgian panes and granite surround. The gables have granite-fringed tympanums and granite quoins. The inner sides of each projecting section retain blocked-up panelled doorways that originally led to the classrooms.

Above the porch, set back in line with the central bay, is the first floor of the original house section. This is finished in unpainted rough cast and contains three casement windows with Georgian-like panes, with the outer windows being broader than the central example. The windows have smooth render surrounds.

The south elevation is in two sections, both finished in rough cast. The larger section to the right has four tall sash windows with Georgian panes (12/12), though the two centre windows were reduced in size during the 1980s conversion. The smaller, lower section to the left has its south façade now entirely covered by a lean-to conservatory, within which are a glazed door and casement window. The north elevation mirrors the south elevation in reversed fashion, with the lower section to the left having a blank north-facing wall.

The rear elevation is divided into three bays: a central recessed section and projecting outer bays corresponding to the former classroom gables. The gable to the left has two small casement windows, whilst the right gable has a broader single window opening. Both retain projecting sections of walling from a former toilet block. Behind these, parts of the gables of the larger sections are exposed, each with a small roundel window near its apex. The central recessed portion contains two casement windows, with a blocked-up former doorway between them, its granite surround still visible. Directly above is a large stairwell window with Georgian panes. To the upper left is a large dormer with a large casement window. The inner faces of the projecting bays each have small windows, and the south bay also has a modern glazed door. The rear elevation is finished in unpainted rough cast.

All roof sections are covered in natural slate. The roofs of the original house section and the lower sections to north and south have overhangs with plain barges. A Velux window is positioned to the rear of the original house section. This section also has two rendered gable chimney stacks with simple cornicing. Rainwater goods appear to be mainly metal.

The front of the property features a vehicle entrance with simple wrought iron gate and railings, now partially obscured by shrub growth. To the rear is a large tarmac-covered expanse of ground, which originally formed the school yard.