GEORGIAN 1714 - 1837

The Future

Today, Georgian architecture is respected and admired although much Georgian architecture was demolished at the beginning of the twentieth century. The foundation of the Georgian Group in 1937 and the Irish Georgian Society in 1958 helped to raise awareness and stem the loss. Many Georgian buildings are protected by listing, which prevents demolition and unauthorised alterations.

'Drum Gate Lodge, Bushmills
Whe this Grade B1 listed lodge appeared as a building at risk in BAR Volume 3,p.2, it was in a considerable state of disrepair and sported an ominous looking crack running the length of the building. A unique survivor in Ulster it was built c.1800 by the Traill family and is part of the
Ballylough estate.The Irish Landmark Trust was able to acquire a lease of the structure and by adding a modest extension, linked to the old structure by a curving glass hall, creating a romantic hideaway which can accommodate two people. Traditional techniques were employed throughout the project and reversible features were used in order to respect the original fabric and integrity of the building.' Buildings at Risk Northern Ireland, Volume 7.

Careful sympathetic restoration combined with the knowledge to recognise original features and how to look after them is crucial. Minimal intervention is often the key. Keeping a building well maintained should reduce the major expenditure of extensive repairs. Any alterations should be sensitive to the original style of the building with the correct proportions, tried and trusted building methods and good quality materials.