History

In C17 the area was known as Conigre (rabbit warren). This house was built c 1834 for Thomas Reece, agent of ironmaster Crawshay Bailey. In 1851 census it was the highest rated residence in Usk.

Exterior

Villa in classical style. Stucco rendered with shallow-pitched slate roof behind a corniced parapet; tall, long and narrow corniced rendered cross-ridge stacks. Near rectangular plan comprising main block with entrance porch and narrower, and lower, side wing to left. Two storeys. The main block has a three-window range of 12-pane sashes in reveals with narrow glazing bars to first floor; tripartite to ground floor under a moulded bracketed hood; side bays are slightly advanced. Two steps up to central porch with heavy entablature, Doric columns in antis, the latter created by engraving the stucco; set back is a very large doorcase comprising double 4-panelled doors, margin lights and a large overlight with margin-type glazing; stone flagged floor. To left is the two storey two-window range wing. The rear elevation to river is similarly configured to the front, except for the doorway which has a shallow moulded surround incorporating paired pilasters each side and an entablature with wreathed motifs; recessed 4-panelled door. N elevation has large 12-pane windows on ground floor, smaller above, blind to centre.

Interior

Said to retain contemporary furnishings such as 6-panelled doors, moulded surrounds with paterae, shutters, panelled reveals and shelved recesses, moulded plaster cornices and marble fireplaces.

Reasons for Listing

Graded II* as amongst the best of a small number of grander early-mid C19 houses in the town, especially interesting as a comparison with near-contemporary Plas-newydd opposite. Group value with listed buildings in Porthycarne Street.

External Links

• Cadwr Listing
• Porth-y-carn at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q17739124

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Liverpool: Pevsner City Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
• 
  Kent: North East and East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Old House Care and Repair
• 
  Specifications for Building Conservation: Volume 1: External Structure: Practical Examples v. 2
• 
  London 4: North: North v. 4 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Cork: City and County (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)