7 Abbey Yard, Newry, Co Down, BT34 2EG

7 Abbey Yard, Newry

This is the right-hand property of a terrace of three houses, standing three storeys high with basement and attic accommodation. Unlike its neighbours, whose main elevations face west, this building's principal façade fronts the north side of Abbey Yard. The mansard roof, hipped to the south, is covered in natural slate with lead trimmings. A cement render chimney sits on the party wall shared with number 8, and the roof is lit by a metal skylight to the east pitch and a modern skylight to the west pitch. A parapet gutter runs along the south and east elevations, with a metal downpipe to the right of the east elevation.

The walls of both the south and east elevations are faced with painted, lined cement render, topped with granite coping. An unpainted, chamfered granite stringcourse runs between the basement and ground floor levels. The south elevation features stepped, vee-jointed quoins at either side, as does the right side of the east façade. Heritage records indicate this façade was previously slate hung before restoration work.

The main entrance occupies the centre of the ground floor of the south elevation. It is reached by five granite steps leading to a granite paved bridge that spans the basement passage. The door itself is a reproduction six-panel timber door with raised and fielded panels, beaded muntin, and modern furniture. It sits within two granite demi-columns supporting a moulded granite entablature, above which is a segmental reproduction peacock tail fanlight. The entire composition is set within a pole-mould chamfered segmental-headed opening. A modern coach lamp is mounted on the wall to the right of the fanlight.

To either side of the door at ground floor are single 6/6 sliding sash windows with horns and granite cills; this sash configuration is used throughout the building unless otherwise noted. At basement level, a modern twelve-pane glazed door with fixed glazed side lights occupies the space directly beneath the front steps, whilst a 6/6 sliding sash window is positioned to its right, set within a three-piece granite lintel and jamb opening with keyblock and granite cills, protected by security bars.

Three equally spaced windows punctuate each upper floor, diminishing in height at second floor level and aligning vertically with the ground floor openings. The first floor windows are enhanced with decorative cast iron balconettes. The basement passage is accessed by steps from the ground floor right side and is enclosed by plain spiked railings with urn-topped posts rising from a chamfered granite base wall. A modern polished granite commemorative plaque has been inserted into the basement retaining wall beneath the front door steps.

The west elevation carries a single window to each floor, all matching the style of those on the south elevation. The north gable forms the shared party wall with number 8.

On the east elevation, painted lined cement render faces the wall. At ground floor level, a single-storey outbuilding (recorded as HB 16/28/55F) abuts the left side. To the right of this abutment sits a 6/6 sliding sash window with granite cill at ground floor level. The basement contains two 4/4 sliding sash windows with security bars. Single 6/6 sliding sash windows occupy the first and second floors, with the upper window diminished in height. The rear basement passage is enclosed with modern railings and planters, accessed from the courtyard by modern concrete steps.