Overview
Tucked away on a quiet stretch of Mussenden Road just outside the seaside village of Castlerock, Hezlett House stands as one of the finest surviving examples of early vernacular architecture in Ulster. Built around 1691, this single-storey thatched cottage is a structural marvel disguised as a humble farmhouse. While the rough-cast walls and low-pitched roofline blend unobtrusively into the coastal landscape, the interior reveals a sophisticated cruck-frame timber construction that is exceptionally rare for the period.
Managed by the National Trust since 1976, the property operates less like a traditional museum and more like a preserved slice of living history. Visitors are welcomed into a carefully restored mid-Victorian domestic setting, where period furnishings sit comfortably beneath the exposed, sweeping curves of the original roof beams. It is a quiet, contemplative space that rewards those with an interest in building craft, agricultural history, and the everyday lives of 18th- and 19th-century families.
History & Architecture
The cottage was originally commissioned as a rectory for the Archdeacon of Derry in the late 17th century. Its construction reflects the practical building methods of the time: uncoursed rubble stone walls with a rough-cast finish, filled with a core of earth and sand for insulation, and topped with a thick layer of thatch. The true architectural highlight, however, lies overhead. The roof is supported by a cruck frame, a medieval building technique where pairs of curved timbers are raised from the ground to support the roof ridge. This method allowed for wide, open interior spaces without the need for central support columns, making the house unusually spacious for its size.
In 1761, the property was purchased by Isaac Hezlett, a Presbyterian farmer. The Hezlett family owned and worked the land for over two centuries, navigating the economic shifts and political upheavals of the 18th and 19th centuries. They lived through the turbulent years of the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion and gradually expanded the property to suit a growing farming family. A two-storey extension was added later in the century, reflecting the changing needs of rural households and serving as an early example of multi-generational living arrangements.
The house endured a serious fire in 1987, which threatened to destroy the historic fabric entirely. Thanks to meticulous restoration efforts led by the National Trust, the original structure was saved. Restorers prioritised the reuse of surviving timber and masonry, and the thatch roof was completely replaced in 2000 using traditional techniques. Today, the cottage stands as a tangible link between the agricultural heritage of County Londonderry and modern conservation practices.
What to See Inside
Visiting Hezlett House is an exercise in looking up and looking closely. The interior is deliberately divided between furnished and unfurnished spaces, allowing visitors to appreciate both the domestic history and the architectural skeleton of the building.
- The Cruck-Truss Roof: As you enter, your attention is drawn to the massive, curved timber beams that span the ceiling. These cruck trusses are left exposed in several rooms, showcasing the joinery techniques used nearly 350 years ago. The scale of the timber is impressive, having been sourced from local forests and shaped entirely by hand.
- Victorian Domestic Life: The furnished rooms have been styled to reflect the mid-19th century, when the Hezlett family was at the height of their tenure. A drop-leaf table, a heavy linen press, hand-woven rag rugs, and simple wooden chairs paint a picture of practical, no-nonsense rural living. The layout reveals how families maximised light and heat during long coastal winters.
- The Downhill Marbles: Scattered around the cottage and garden are fragments of the Downhill Marbles collection. These broken pieces of 18th-century Italian sculpture were once part of a grand collection owned by the Earl Bishop of Downhill. Displayed as they were found, the marbles offer a fascinating contrast to the rustic cottage, hinting at the artistic ambitions and wealth of the nearby aristocratic estates.
Exploring the Grounds & Nearby
The cottage sits within a small, well-maintained plot that includes a lawn and a short walking path. It is an ideal spot for a quiet picnic, particularly when the Atlantic sun breaks through. The grounds are level and accessible, providing a gentle introduction to the wider Causeway Coast landscape.
Hezlett House is perfectly positioned for combining with other local highlights. A short walk brings you to the coastal cliffs, where the Atlantic winds sweep over dramatic rock formations. Just a few hundred metres away stands Mussenden Temple, the iconic neoclassical monument perched on the edge of a cliff, which was originally built as a library for the Downhill estate. From there, you can follow the coastal path down to Downhill Strand, a wide, golden beach that offers excellent swimming and walking conditions in summer. Cyclists will appreciate that the house is easily accessible from the Causeway Coast Cycle Route, making it a convenient rest stop on a longer ride.
Practical Information & Visiting Tips
Hezlett House operates primarily as an event and guided-tour venue rather than a daily open attraction. This controlled access helps preserve the delicate historic fabric and ensures visitors receive proper context for what they are seeing.
Opening Times & Booking Regular public openings are scheduled on Mondays and Sundays, though specific times vary depending on the seasonal programme and event calendar. The house also participates in major heritage initiatives like the European Heritage Open Days, where it typically opens for free public access. Because capacity is limited, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer months and holiday periods. Check the National Trust website for the current schedule.
Admission & Facilities Entry is generally free or operates on a voluntary donation basis for event days, but it is wise to verify any changes before travelling. On-site parking is free and located just steps from the entrance. Basic facilities include toilets and baby-changing rooms.
Accessibility The exterior grounds, parking area, and garden are level and wheelchair-friendly. However, the interior of the cottage presents challenges for visitors with mobility impairments. The historic nature of the building means doorways are narrow, ceilings are low, and there are uneven wooden floors. Those using wheelchairs or walking frames may find the interior difficult to navigate, though the exterior and marbles display remain accessible.
Getting There Located on Mussenden Road, Castlerock (BT51 4RP), the cottage is easily reached via the A2 coastal road. If you are arriving by public transport, Ulsterbus services stop in Castlerock village, and the house is a manageable walk from the town centre. Castlerock railway station is also within a 10-minute walk. For those driving from further afield, the A2 provides a scenic route from both Derry-Londonderry and Coleraine.
Plan your visit around the Trust’s event calendar, allow time to walk over to Mussenden Temple, and bring a light jacket – the coastal air keeps temperatures cool even on summer days. Hezlett House rewards patience and curiosity, offering a quiet, authentic encounter with Ireland’s architectural past.