Park House

A house representing an important component of the eighteenth-century domestic built heritage of the suburban outskirts of Wexford with the architectural value of the composition confirmed by such attributes as the deliberate alignment maximising on scenic vistas overlooking rolling grounds with the River Slaney estuary as a backdrop; the compact near-square plan form centred on a Classically-detailed doorcase; the diminishing in scale of the openings on each floor producing a graduated visual impression with the principal "apartments" or reception rooms originally showing so-called "Wexford Window" sash-and-overlight glazing patterns; and the decorative timber work embellishing a slightly oversailing roofline: meanwhile, aspects of the composition, in particular the sleek "stucco" dressings, clearly illustrate the continued development or "improvement" of the house in the later nineteenth century. Having been well maintained, the elementary form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the interior where encaustic tile work, contemporary joinery; rehung stained glass attributed to William Nagle (d. 1923) of the Harry Clarke Stained Glass Studios (closed 1973) of Dublin; restrained chimneypieces; and decorative plasterwork enrichments, all highlight the artistic potential of the composition. Furthermore, a walled garden showing a cruciform "parterre" (see 15607063); folly-like monuments (see 15607065; 15607066; 15607067); a tiered fountain reclaimed from the Castleboro House estate (see 15607033); nearby outbuildings (see 15607034); and a later gate lodge (see 15607035), all continue to contribute positively to the group and setting values of a self-contained estate having historic connections with the Harvey family including Captain James William Harvey (d. 1873) of Broomly Cottage (see 15703758; Lewis 1837 I, xxxii); and William Croker Harvey (d. 1872), one-time Treasurer of County Wexford (Lacy 1863, 717); Philip Savage Alcock (d. 1886), 'Colonel Wexford Militia late of Park House Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1886, 3); and the Pierce family including Martin Pierce (d. 1907), 'Agricultural Implement Manufacturer late of Park House Wexford County Wexford' (Calendars of Wills and Administrations 1907, 436; cf. 157037--); and John Pierce (d. 1926), 'Foundry Proprietor' (NA 1911).