Iconic property on the verge of collapse
The landmark Easkey property Templview is on the brink of collapse with this photograph from 2023 highlighting its sad decline. Picture: David Hicks
The Irish Georgian Society has made a representation to Sligo County Council over the continued dilapidation and decline of an iconic Easkey house.
The move comes after Ballina-based architect David Hicks highlighted the precarious condition of Templeview House.
The imposing 19th-century property, located outside the seaside village of Easkey, has become a local landmark but there are fears that the crumbling house could soon be beyond saving.
Mr Hicks, the author of , has been documenting the rapid decline of the building since 2018.
“Everyone who has driven up and down that road will be familiar with the house. It would be top of many people’s lists of a house to buy if they ever won the Lotto,” said David.
Templeview House has an intriguing Mexican backstory. The construction of the house in the 1800s by Easkey native Peter Hale was funded by money made in the banking industry in Mexico. From a well-connected family, Hale had lived in Mexico for 20 years and also had considerable assets in New Orleans and Louisiana in the United States.
When built in 1855, the demesne around Templeview extended to 54 acres which was surrounded by a high wall, Templeview has passed through generations of the family and was put on the market in 2004 when it went unsold. It was again put up for sale in 2010 with a guide price of €350,000.
David now fears for the future of Templeview House.
“By the winter of 2023, a large section of the roof had collapsed and the hugely ornate decorative barge boards are no more,” said Mr Hicks. “Usually with these types of houses when the roof goes, the support of the wall goes and they begin to collapse,” he added.
He has urged Sligo County Council to intervene but his pleas have so far fallen on deaf ears.
“Even if they tried to at least engage with the owner it would be something,” said David.
The architect is heartened by the interest the Irish Georgian Society has shown in the plight of the building.
“Sligo County Council seems to have a very complacent attitude to this house in particular. I would hope that a national organisation such as the Irish Georgian Society, who have a huge national profile, by making contact with Sligo County Council might actually galvanise them into doing something about the house.”
He has urged the local authority to at the very least collect and record the unique features of the house that could be utilised if the house is ever sold and restored. David said if structural supports are put in place now it could prevent the house from falling to the ground.
“If simple things could be put in place like supporting the gables and the chimneys. Put supports in place that will mean the house won’t just fall down because that is the next phase. Once the roof goes the house will collapse,” David warned.
