house, 2, Grianan Park · NIAH 40815086

This substantial terraced house, of early twentieth-century date, retains its early form and character. Its integrity and visual appeal is enhanced by the retention of all its salient fabric including timber sliding sash windows and timber panelled door; this is the only building along this terrace that retains its original fabric to the openings. The plain front elevation is enlivened by the gable-fronted bay with canted bay window at ground floor level, and by the overhanging eaves supported on moulded brackets. The battened timber panel to the gable-fronted bay with timber spear finial over adds additional interest to the front elevation. The irregular plan with canted bay window is a feature of many houses of its type and date in Ireland. It forms part of an attractive and imposing formal terrace of four houses along with its neighbour to the north (see 40815087) and the buildings adjoining to the south (see 40815084-85). This terrace of four buildings may be the one built to designs by the Derry architect Robert Eccles Buchanan (b. 1864/5) in 1901 (Irish Builder). This building originally dates from the period when Buncrana was a popular seaside resort, frequented by the middle classes of Derry, particularly following the opening of the railway line to the town in 1864. Its forms part of an interesting group of substantial houses and villas built to the west and south-west of Buncrana during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. This building is an integral element of the architectural heritage of Buncrana, and is an attractive feature in the streetscape to the west of the town centre. The attractive hooped wrought-iron railings, and the pedestrian gateway with hooped wrought-iron railings and cast-iron gate posts, add significantly to the setting and context, and complete this composition.