Photograph 1 of 21 of Ardlonan, Carlanstown, Meath
1 / 21

Ardlonan, Carlanstown, MeathA82RR70

€199,000

3 Bed~2 Bath~BER G

What you'll like:

  • Dual cottage potential: Buying two semi-detached cottages as a single lot offers a unique opportunity to create a combined residence or a separate home and rental unit, significantly increasing future value.
  • Generous land holding: The property sits on approximately 1.55 acres of ground, providing ample space for extensive gardens, outbuildings, or potential landscaping projects to suit your lifestyle.
  • Existing outbuilding range: A range of sheds located to the rear offers practical storage space or potential structures for future workshops and hobby areas after proper refurbishment.
  • Strategic regional location: Situated close to the N52, the property provides good access to the main road network, making daily commuting and regional travel considerably easier.
  • Proximity to towns: Carlanstown, Kells, and Navan are all within easy reach, ensuring convenient access to local shops, schools, healthcare, and everyday amenities.
  • Attractive entry price: With an asking price of €199,000, buyers have a lower initial capital requirement, leaving more budget available for necessary structural and decorative renovations.
  • Renovation blank canvas: Both structures require a full overhaul, allowing the next owner to completely rethink the interior space and design a bespoke home from the ground up.
  • Grant funding possibilities: The derelict or vacant state of the cottages may potentially qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and other financial aids, subject to strict qualifying criteria.
  • Rural lifestyle appeal: Set in the Meath countryside, the location delivers a peaceful setting while maintaining close proximity to thriving neighboring towns for work and leisure.
  • Investment upside: Transforming two derelict structures on substantial acreage creates strong potential for capital appreciation once all modernization and renovation works are fully completed.
  • Flexible layout options: The semi-detached nature allows for creative architectural integration, enabling imaginative designs that blend historical cottage charm with modern open-plan living standards.
  • Outdoor space utility: The generous plot size gives ample room for potential extensions, polytunnels, or keeping domestic animals, enhancing the overall appeal of a country lifestyle.
  • Established site boundaries: Existing structures and outbuildings define the core footprint of the holding, helping to outline clear property lines for future landscaping and security enhancements.
  • Commuter accessibility: The convenience of nearby regional road links allows residents to travel toward Dublin or major employment hubs with manageable driving times during off-peak hours.
  • Local community integration: Being positioned near Carlanstown places buyers within a welcoming rural community with local sports clubs, community halls, and traditional village atmosphere.
  • Historical character retention: Restoring traditional Irish cottages preserves local vernacular architecture while upgrading modern thermal efficiency and internal comfort for modern occupants.
  • Project scale efficiency: Tackling two adjacent properties simultaneously avoids the hassle of managing separate projects, streamlining contractor schedules and material deliveries during construction.
  • Workshop and storage readiness: The existing sheds provide immediate shelter for storing tools, building materials, and contractor equipment securely on-site throughout the renovation process.
  • Future landscaping freedom: The 1.55-acre plot provides a blank slate for planting orchards, creating wildlife ponds, or designing formal gardens tailored to the buyer's personal tastes.
  • Independent utility potential: Substantial grounds offer plenty of space for positioning modern sustainable services, such as upgraded wastewater treatment systems or renewable energy setups.

But keep in mind:

  • Extensive structural overhaul: Both cottages need a complete and comprehensive renovation from top to bottom, which will require significant financial investment, architectural oversight, and extensive construction management.
  • Very poor energy rating: The property holds a G energy rating, indicating severe thermal inefficiency that will necessitate extensive insulation, window replacements, and heating system installations.
  • Unverified floor area: The total floor area is not provided in the listing details, making it difficult to accurately estimate building material costs and contractor quotes prior to viewing.
  • Unknown property classification: The exact property type is unspecified, meaning buyers must carefully verify local zoning rules and planning permissions regarding residential use and future expansions.
  • Grant eligibility uncertainty: Qualification for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is subject to strict rules and terms, meaning buyers should never assume funding approval is guaranteed.
  • Hidden structural defects: Derelict buildings often conceal severe issues such as rising damp, rotted roof timbers, or compromised foundations that can dramatically escalate repair expenses.
  • Wastewater treatment needs: Rural properties typically require private septic tanks or modern wastewater treatment systems, which must be inspected and likely upgraded to meet current environmental standards.
  • Private water supply check: Buyers must investigate whether the property relies on a private well and test the water quality and flow rate for safety and domestic reliability.
  • Electrical system replacement: The electrical wiring in both cottages is likely obsolete and non-compliant, requiring a complete rewiring to meet modern safety codes and regulations.
  • Roof and timber condition: Given their neglected state, the roofs may require complete re-roofing and structural timber replacements to ensure weather tightness and structural stability.
  • Asbestos material presence: Older unrenovated buildings frequently contain hazardous materials like asbestos in roof slates or insulation, requiring specialist identification and expensive safe removal.
  • Planning permission hurdles: Securing planning consent to renovate or extend protected or vernacular structures in rural Meath can involve complex local authority negotiations and delays.
  • Access and entrance quality: Buyers should inspect the existing vehicular entrance to ensure it meets modern safety sightlines and can accommodate heavy construction traffic securely.
  • Boundary fence verification: The exact boundaries of the 1.55-acre plot should be carefully verified with legal mapping and folio records to prevent any future boundary disputes with neighbors.
  • Utility connection costs: Reconnecting or upgrading electricity and telecommunication services to derelict rural dwellings can involve substantial connection fees and logistical coordination.
  • Project management burden: Managing a dual-cottage renovation requires substantial time, stress tolerance, and hands-on oversight, making it challenging for inexperienced owner-occupiers.
  • Contingency budget necessity: Unforeseen issues during a major overhaul routinely blow past initial estimates, requiring buyers to hold a substantial financial contingency fund ready.
  • Temporary accommodation needs: Because the property is entirely uninhabitable in its current state, buyers must factor in the cost of renting elsewhere while construction works take place.
  • Local planning restrictions: Rural housing controls in County Meath can impose strict occupancy conditions or design limitations on extensions and alterations to older structures.
  • Insurance availability challenges: Securing comprehensive buildings insurance for a vacant or derelict property can prove difficult and expensive until proper security and stabilization works are finished.

Price positioning

?
This comparison depends on limited public and listing evidence, which may be incomplete, outdated or not directly comparable. The score is not a percentage, professional valuation or guaranteed estimate. Ask an independent qualified valuer before relying on a property value.
The asking price looks somewhat undervalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price of €199,000 appears attractively positioned because the property comprises two semi-detached derelict cottages requiring a complete overhaul alongside extensive ground works, meaning acquisition costs must factor in very high construction outlay before becoming habitable or marketable again.
  • Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the combination of c.1.55 acres of land and outbuildings, which offer substantial spatial scope, though this is offset by the worst possible G energy rating and the intensive structural intervention needed to restore both dwellings.
  • Potential support for this pricing level relies heavily on qualifying for maximum state refurbishment grants and securing competent contractors, whereas unforeseen structural defects or escalating material costs could severely undermine the economic viability of the entire project.
  • Additional market relevance comes from the convenient accessibility to nearby towns via the N52 corridor, suggesting that once fully modernised, the dual-cottage layout on sizable grounds could yield strong long-term capital appreciation or rental returns.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property consists of two semi-detached cottages sold as a single lot requiring a full overhaul and complete renovation from the start.
  • Buyers should investigate the structural integrity of both cottages, the condition of the roof structures, and the state of the existing walls and foundations given their neglected state.
  • The site includes a range of sheds to the rear, which should be inspected for structural soundness and potential asbestos or hazardous materials.
  • Buyers must verify planning permission and compliance requirements for any proposed reconstruction, layout changes, or merging/redevelopment of the two structures.
  • Investigation into the availability and proximity of local utility connections (electricity, water, and waste management systems) is necessary.
  • The buyer should verify eligibility criteria for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and any other available renovation grants.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • Given the G BER rating and the fact that both cottages require a full, comprehensive overhaul and structural renewal, a deep retrofit combined with total property renovation is estimated to exceed €100,000 to €150,000 depending on the extent of structural repairs, installation of a modern heating system, extensive insulation, windows, doors, and rewiring needed to bring the buildings to a habitable standard.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 to €4,000+.
  • Explanation: The property currently holds a G BER rating and requires a full overhaul, meaning there is little to no existing thermal efficiency. Until extensive insulation, window upgrades, and a modern heating system are installed, heating costs will be exceptionally high.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in a predominantly rural agricultural area with no major industrial facilities or waste incinerators immediately nearby.
  • Any historical local land uses should be independently verified by the buyer as part of standard due diligence.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The general region is not widely known for severe or frequent urban tidal flooding, being set inland within County Meath.
  • Buyers should consult local flood maps and verify site-specific drainage conditions, particularly given the rural setting and extent of the 1.55-acre plot.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.

Recent sales in the wider Carlanstown area

  • 15 THE VILLAGE GREEN, CARLANSTOWN, KELLS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €274,000.00
  • 23 CURRAGH PARK, CARLANSTOWN, KELLS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €370,000.00
  • 21 CURRAGH PARK, CARLANSTOWN, KELLS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €350,000.00
  • 20 BORORA CRESCENT, CARLANSTOWN, KELLS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €340,000.00
  • 21 VILLAGE GREEN, CARLANSTOWN, MEATH

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €305,000.00

Source: Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA), Residential Property Price Register (PPR). Matching uses address information published by the PPR rather than measured map distance. It may omit nearby properties on differently named streets.

Last Sale

A confidently matched previous PPR transaction for this property

No confidently matched previous sale was found in the Property Price Register.

Buyer fees*

Associated expenses guide

  • Stamp duty: approximately 1 percent of the purchase price, roughly €1,990.
  • Solicitor legal fees: generally ranging from €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT and outlay.
  • Land registration fees: approximately €130 to €700 depending on the registration type.
  • Property valuation fees: around €150 to €300 for mortgage purposes.
  • Surveyor fees: approximately €500 to €1,200 depending on the depth of the survey required for a full renovation project.
  • Annual home insurance: roughly €400 to €800, though availability and cost may vary significantly given the current G BER rating and vacant state.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in the Carlanstown and Kells areas frequently discuss the convenience of the N52 for commuting toward Navan and other major hubs.
  • Community discussions often highlight rural property projects and the growing interest in utilizing the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for older cottages.
  • Residents appreciate the quiet rural setting of Ardlonan while remaining within easy reach of local village amenities.
  • There is ongoing community interest in rural site developments and land management for properties with larger garden or outbuilding footprints.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property requires a full overhaul, meaning it is currently a hazardous construction site entirely unsuitable for young children until extensive renovations are completed.

    2/10
  • Teenagers

    With two semi-detached cottages needing a complete gut and rebuild, there are no habitable rooms or privacy for teenagers at present.

    2/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The offering of two semi-detached cottages on 1.55 acres provides a fascinating opportunity for multi-generational living once fully developed, but it requires a massive capital investment and heavy renovation first.

    4/10
  • Single Buyers

    A project of this scale is a daunting undertaking for a single buyer unless they possess substantial building experience, a large budget, or trade skills.

    3/10
  • Couples

    A daring couple looking for a long-term Grand Design-style project could find immense reward here, but the path to a finished home will be long and stressful.

    4/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Empty nesters typically look to downsize into comfort, whereas this property offers the exact opposite: a heavy, demanding structural and cosmetic overhaul.

    2/10
  • Retirees

    Retirees should carefully consider whether they want to manage a major rural building project requiring a G-rated property to be brought up to modern standards.

    2/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    While the rural quiet suits remote work, buyers must investigate and verify local broadband infrastructure and speeds before committing.

    5/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    The proximity to the N52 provides good access to the main road network connecting to Navan and onward commuting routes.

    6/10
  • Retired

    Managing a massive two-cottage renovation project is rarely compatible with a relaxing retirement unless project-managed entirely by professionals.

    3/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    With a G BER rating and two derelict cottages needing full overhauls, the property is entirely unsuited for ageing in place without comprehensive retrofitting and accessibility adaptations.

    2/10
  • Low Maintenance

    This is the polar opposite of low maintenance; it represents a major heavy-duty construction project involving two structures and 1.55 acres of overgrown grounds.

    1/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property currently lacks formal secure gated entry, though the rural plot size allows for fencing and gates to be installed during the project.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The blank canvas provided by two derelict shell cottages allows a buyer to design a clean, minimalist layout from scratch, subject to planning.

    4/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Because both semi-detached cottages need a complete overhaul, the next owner has maximum scope to rethink, combine, or rework the floor plans entirely.

    9/10
  • Heritage Home

    The properties have a traditional cottage character, though buyers should verify if any specific historic preservation or planning restrictions apply.

    6/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The G BER rating indicates poor current energy efficiency, but the extensive grounds and renovation scope provide a prime opportunity to install modern eco-friendly heating, solar, and insulation systems.

    6/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Featuring c.1.55 acres of ground and a range of sheds to the rear, the property offers fantastic outdoor space for storage, landscaping, or outbuildings.

    8/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    The c.1.55-acre site provides abundant outdoor space, excellent for a buyer eager to design and cultivate large gardens or grow their own produce.

    8/10
  • Walking

    The rural roads surrounding the property offer peaceful country walking routes, though walkers should keep in mind the lack of continuous footpaths.

    6/10
  • Gym

    Access to dedicated gym facilities will require traveling into nearby towns like Kells or Navan.

    3/10
  • Cycling

    Country roads provide cycling routes, though local traffic on regional roads requires vigilance.

    6/10
  • Golf

    There are golf courses within reasonable driving distance in County Meath, though not immediately adjacent.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    Meath features various rivers and angling spots within driving distance, though buyers should verify local club memberships and exact river access.

    5/10
  • Horse Riding

    The c.1.55-acre plot and rural Meath setting offer potential space for equestrian interests, subject to setting up appropriate stabling in the existing sheds.

    7/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland County Meath lacks major local facilities for serious water sports, requiring travel to lakes or the coast.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    Currently, the properties are derelict and uninhabitable, making entertaining impossible until extensive renovations are completed.

    3/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Set on c.1.55 acres in a rural location near Carlanstown, the setting offers a peaceful countryside atmosphere away from heavy urban noise.

    8/10
  • Rural Living

    Positioned on a generous plot of c.1.55 acres with outbuildings and sheds, this is a quintessential rural property project.

    9/10
  • Village Living

    The property is within reach of Carlanstown, offering access to local village amenities while retaining its distinct rural separation.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    The location is inland in County Meath, far removed from any coastal amenities or marine views.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    While Kells and Navan are within easy reach, the immediate surroundings are strictly rural and car-dependent.

    2/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Being close to Carlanstown allows for integration into local community life and events once settled.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Local café options are limited right at the doorstep, requiring trips into Kells or Navan for social coffee spots.

    3/10
  • Nightlife

    This is a quiet rural location with no nightlife offerings nearby; residents must head to larger nearby towns for evening entertainment.

    2/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Wellness groups and classes are centered in nearby towns rather than the immediate townland.

    3/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking opportunities locally are sparse given the rural setting.

    2/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Tech hubs are absent locally, requiring travel to major urban centres or reliance on home internet setups.

    3/10

Listing information

Agent
Keenan Auctioneers
Phone
042 966 7224
Published on HouseDelve
5 October 2026
Correction
Report an issue
Property reference: HD-1BE26EHouseDelve · Republic of Ireland

Report checks

Sources used: Public marketplace, Property Price Register, and grounded web research where available.

Automated quality checks: Passed

Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.