[Extracts from the Craigavon list by C E B Brett, Lady Dunleath, R Oram and A J Rowan, published by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society in 1970.]
The Cragigavon List covers Portadown, Lurgan and Moira with the rural area around them.
Started 1836; William Playfair, (of Edinburgh) architect. Not
strictly a public building - originally it was the mansion of
the Brownlow family; now used for occasional functions by its
owners, the Orange Institution - but crucial to the character
of the town.
A remarkable structure of soft golden sandstone in the Elizabethan-revival
style pioneered by Nash and Repton and popularised by Sir Walter
Scott, with numerous tall spiralled chimney-pots, great oriel
windows summounted by pierced, pinnacled and curlicued balustrades,
and a delightful romontic tower with lantern and dome. Playfair
had already worked in Ireland on the rebuilding of Drumbonager
House, Poyntzpass, for the Close family about 1829, though this
house was in the Italian style. The design here has some kinship
to Donaldson's Hospital in Edinburgh, by the same architect (begun
1842).
It stands in some need of repair.
Refs: Bassett; O.S. 1859 (as now); earlier house shown 1750 ond
1835. Plans in Lurgan Estate Office.
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Early 19th Century dwelling in single storey traditional form
but constructed of coursed blockstone rubble with galletting;
openings have rubbed brick arches; quoins and plinth are stucco;
roof thatched; the windows are the original 12 pane sashes and
there is a diamond glazed fanlight over the entrance door. The
whole group with outbuildings is exceptional .
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