Historic Gate Lodge in Bushmills Officially Recognised

East Gate Lodge at Ballylough House, located at 51 Castlecat Road, Bushmills, has officially been added to the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest in the Causeway Coast & Glens area as of 10th June 2024.

This recognition highlights the lodge’s architectural and historical significance, marking it as an important heritage site in Northern Ireland.

The East Gate Lodge, a one-and-a-half-story structure, is a picturesque example of 19th-century architecture. Its slightly rustic appearance, featuring an overhanging roof, indicates a remodelling or heightening that occurred around the 1840s to 1850s. Originally constructed in 1813, the lodge may have initially been designed in a classical style before undergoing these modifications.

Its status as a rare example of a palimpsest in gate lodge terms sets the East Gate Lodge apart. Despite some changes to the porch, the building has remained largely intact, preserving its historical integrity and offering insight into the architectural evolution over the years.

Accompanying the lodge is a gate screen from the mid- to late 19th century, featuring vernacular-style rounded piers and decorative handcrafted wrought-iron gates. These elements harmonise beautifully with the lodge, and both the gate screen and the lodge itself are well-preserved, enhancing the overall historical value of the site.

The inclusion of the East Gate Lodge in the list of buildings of particular interest ensures that this piece of Bushmills’ architectural heritage will be protected and celebrated for future generations.