Overview
Hezlett House sits at a quiet crossroads just outside the seaside village of Castlerock, a short walk from the dramatic cliffs of the Causeway Coast. The single‑storey thatched cottage, built around 1691, is one of the oldest domestic structures still in use in Ulster. Its modest exterior hides a sophisticated timber‑frame (cruck) construction that is rare for the period, making the house a point of interest for anyone fascinated by early Irish architecture.
Managed by the National Trust since 1976, Hezlett House is presented as a living museum. Visitors step into a cosy, mid‑Victorian interior that has been carefully restored and furnished with period pieces, while several rooms are deliberately left bare to showcase the original cruck trusses and other structural details. The site also houses the fragmented Downhill Marbles collection – broken relics from an 18th‑century Italian sculpture collection once owned by the Earl Bishop of Downhill.
History
The cottage was originally erected as a rectory for the Archdeacon of Derry in the late 17th century. Its walls are built of uncoursed rubble with a rough‑cast finish and a core of earth and sand, typical of vernacular building methods of the time. In 1761 the property passed into the hands of Isaac Hezlett, a Presbyterian farmer, and remained in the Hezlett family for more than two centuries. The Hezletts expanded the farm, adding a two‑storey extension that can be seen as a precursor to the modern “granny flat,” and lived through turbulent episodes such as the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion.
The house survived a serious fire in 1987; restoration work reused as much of the original fabric as possible, and the thatch was replaced in 2000. Today, Hezlett House stands as a tangible link between the agricultural life of 18th‑century County Londonderry and the heritage‑preservation ethos of the National Trust.
What to See & Do
- Cruck‑Truss Roof – Walk through rooms where the massive curved timber beams are exposed, allowing a clear view of the building’s structural heart.
- Victorian Interiors – Period furniture, a drop‑leaf table, a linen press and a rag rug illustrate domestic life in the mid‑1800s.
- Downhill Marbles – Scattered fragments of the once‑grand sculpture collection are displayed in the garden, offering a glimpse of the artistic ambitions of the nearby Downhill Demesne.
- Guided Tours – Trained National Trust guides lead regular tours, explaining the architectural techniques, the Hezlett family story and the wider historical context of the Causeway Coast.
- Picnic Area – A small, well‑maintained lawn beside the house provides a pleasant spot for a packed lunch, especially on sunny days.
- Nearby Attractions – The house is within walking distance of Mussenden Temple, the iconic cliff‑top neoclassical monument, and Downhill Strand, a golden sandy beach. The Castlerock‑to‑Mussenden Temple Signature Walk is a popular route that links these sites.
Events & Seasonal Highlights
Hezlett House is primarily an event venue. Regular public openings occur on Mondays and Sundays, with times varying according to the programme. In addition, the house participates in European Heritage Open Days – for example, it was open to the public for free on Saturday and Sunday, 9‑10 September 2023. These open‑day events are free of charge and usually require advance booking. The National Trust also hosts occasional craft workshops, seasonal celebrations and community talks throughout the year. Check the Trust’s website for the latest calendar.
Practical Information
Hezlett House is open for events only, with regular public openings on Mondays and Sundays. Times vary according to the event programme, so it is advisable to check the National Trust website before you travel.
| Day | Opening Details |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open for events – see website for times |
| Sunday | Open for events – see website for times |
Admission – No entry fee is listed; most National Trust properties operate on a donation‑based model for event days, but visitors should verify any charges on the official site.
Facilities – On‑site parking is free, and there are toilet facilities and baby‑changing rooms. The garden and parking area are level and wheelchair‑friendly, though the historic cottage interior has narrow doorways and low ceilings that may limit access for those with mobility impairments.
Accessibility – While the surrounding grounds are accessible, the interior of the house may be challenging for wheelchair users due to its historic fabric.
Getting There
- By Car – The house is located on Mussenden Road, Castlerock (BT51 4RP) and is easily reachable via the A2 coastal road. Parking is available on‑site.
- Public Transport – Local Ulsterbus services stop in Castlerock; from the bus stop it is a short walk to the house.
- Rail – Castlerock railway station (Northern Ireland Railways) is a 10‑minute walk away.
- Cycling – The Causeway Coast Cycle Route passes nearby, making Hezlett House a convenient stop for cyclists exploring the coastal trail.
Nearby Points of Interest
- Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne – A 0.3 mi walk brings you to the dramatic cliff‑top temple and the landscaped grounds of the former estate.
- Downhill Strand – A 0.5 mi stroll leads to a wide, sandy beach ideal for a post‑visit walk.
- Tunnel Brae, Castlerock – A picturesque lane offering photo‑op opportunities and a taste of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Plan Your Visit
Because Hezlett House is primarily an event venue, checking the National Trust’s calendar is essential. If you wish to attend a guided tour, booking in advance during peak summer months is recommended. The site also hosts occasional craft workshops and seasonal celebrations, which are advertised on the Trust’s website and local tourism portals.
Contact – For the most up‑to‑date information, call 028 7084 8728 or visit the National Trust page linked above.
Enjoy the rare chance to walk inside a living piece of 17th‑century Irish architecture, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Causeway Coast.