Flax Visitor Centre
Upperlands BT46 5RN
Coles Cottage:
What the planners say...
What we say...
The Magherafelt Area Plan allocated this part of Upperlands a US 03 Designation:
An Area of Townscape Character (ATC)
Key Features Have Been Clearly Identified
* The late Victorian/early Edwardian Boyne Row and Railway Yard
* The Beetling Mill on the Kilrea Road
* The Gate Lodge to Ampertaine House (known locally as Coles Cottage)
Boyne Row
​"The late Victorian/early Edwardian Boyne Row - red brick and black stone built terraces with pitched slate roofs, which retain their original form and proportions, and much original detailing;
• The visually prominent setting of Boyne Row on high ground overlooking the river and the surrounding area of the settlement;
• The long front gardens to Boyne Row emphasise and enhance the form of the terrace, and their physical and visual link to the Kilrea Road industrial complex."
To date, policy has been successful in maintaining the visual importance of Boyne Row while ensuring that, through sensitive extension, improvement and updating, these beautiful terraced buildings continue to fulfil their original role as homes for villagers.
Beetling Mill
(Road Engines)
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"The beetling mill building on the Kilrea Road, a solid Victorian stone-built industrial building, and the adjacent mill race and weir represent the history of industrial use"
As a result of past work by Upperlands Community Development Group, The Beetling Mill building has not only been beautifully preserved but serves as a highly important resource nationally and for our community. Housing the Upperlands Flax Visitors' Centre, it offers a window into the past.
On the lower level, the Flax Kitchen provides an important community focal point for all.
Whilst BEETLING in its original form still takes place, part of our project is to potentially bring the experience of beetling to a much, much wider audience.
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Ampertaine House Gate Lodge
(Coles Cottage)
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"Ampertaine House Gate Lodge on the Kilrea Road, a late 18th Century single storey hipped roof building with canted bay windows, and the entrance to the Clark’s estate and Ampertaine House; walls, gates, pillars and surrounding vegetation"
Coles Cottage ( as locals know it) is in a very, very sad state. It is quite possible that its protected status has frightened off those with aspirations.
Our Community Group has taken decisions regarding land /access etc. which we hope will see Coles Cottage returned to its former glory at the very centre of our village.
Once again, a building to be proud of.
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