The “Boathouse” (Pompeiian Temple) is located adjacent the duck pond and was formerly used as a tea house. During a recent restoration project The central pediment was taken down and rebuilt which also facilitated structural strengthening of a steel beam and the subsequent removal of the central steel pier (not an original detail).
The building overlooked the boating lake, which was planted with choice aquatic and bog plants. The exact date of its construction is currently unknown. There were designed views to Howth Head and Bull Island, lush ornamental planting with mainly non-natives and specimen trees and an island in the ornamental pond.
It is believed, by some, that the building was assembled from components salvaged from other buildings. It is designed in the Classical style of Italiannate temples, square in plan with a pedimented front facing south-east toward the pond.
