Bricklieve, Castlebaldwin, Ballymote, Co. SligoF52TH29
€139,000
2 Bed~1 Bath~80 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Elevated site position: The property sits on an elevated roughly one acre site, providing wonderful rural views and plenty of outdoor space for gardening and future expansion.
- Derelict property grant: This home appears to meet the criteria for the Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant, potentially offering significant financial assistance towards your renovation project costs.
- Convenient N4 access: Located just one kilometer from the main N4 route at Castlebaldwin, ensuring easy commuting access to nearby towns like Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon.
- Generous footprint size: Offering approximately eighty square meters of floor area, the cottage provides a solid foundation to reconfigure into a comfortable modern two or three bedroom home.
- Existing outbuilding structures: The inclusion of an existing timber outbuilding offers a ready-made space suitable for conversion into a home office, art studio, or practical workshop.
- Greenhouse and polytunnel: Gardeners will appreciate the onsite greenhouse and polytunnel already in place, giving you a head start on growing your own produce right away.
- Established water connection: The property benefits from an onsite connection to the local group water scheme, saving you the initial hassle and expense of drilling a new well.
- Existing septic tank: A septic tank is already installed onsite, though a buyer should verify its current condition and compliance with environmental standards before moving forward.
- Open plan potential: The open-plan living and dining area provides a flexible layout canvas, allowing you to design a contemporary kitchen and living space tailored to your lifestyle.
- Detached privacy: Being a detached cottage means you will enjoy greater privacy and independence from neighbors compared to semi-detached or terraced rural housing alternatives.
- Affordable asking price: Listed at one hundred thirty-nine thousand euros, the purchase price leaves financial headroom in your budget to tackle the extensive modernization work required.
- Country lifestyle appeal: Situated in the scenic Bricklieve area, the property delivers an authentic rural lifestyle surrounded by rolling countryside and peaceful community surroundings.
- Compact renovation project: As a smaller footprint dwelling, it represents a manageable scale for first-time renovators or builders looking for a straightforward restoration undertaking.
- Proximity to amenities: Castlebaldwin provides convenient local amenities nearby, reducing the need to travel long distances for everyday essentials and community services.
- Natural light opportunities: The detached nature of the building allows for window placements on all sides, maximizing natural sunlight throughout the interior living spaces daily.
- Extension potential: The generous one acre plot leaves ample physical space around the cottage to build a substantial modern extension, subject to acquiring the necessary planning permissions.
- Mature plot boundaries: The expansive site comes with established boundaries, reducing initial landscaping costs and providing a defined enclosure for pets and family outdoor activities.
- No upward chain: As a vacant property requiring complete refurbishment, it is typically sold without a complex chain of upward transactions, potentially speeding up your purchase timeline.
- Distinctive character charm: Traditional cottage properties offer immense architectural character and aesthetic appeal that modern builds struggle to replicate once fully restored and modernized.
- Investment upside: Successfully renovating this neglected dwelling in a accessible location can significantly increase the overall market value upon completion of the capital works.
But keep in mind:
- Abysmal BER rating: The property holds a terrible G energy rating with massive heat loss, meaning you must budget heavily for deep insulation, windows, and heating system upgrades.
- Complete interior overhaul: Requiring total refurbishment and modernization throughout, you will need to replace all finishes, wiring, plumbing, and fixtures before the home is habitable.
- Missing electricity connection: The listing explicitly notes that a brand new electricity connection is required, which can involve substantial connection fees and delays with utility providers.
- Unverified septic compliance: While a septic tank exists onsite, buyers must investigate its environmental compliance and structural integrity to avoid unexpected replacement or upgrade expenses.
- High energy consumption: The energy performance indicator sits at an alarming 644.1 kWh per square meter annually, indicating severe thermal inefficiency that demands immediate remediation.
- Extensive structural works: Given its derelict nature, hidden issues like damp, rot, or roof damage may emerge during renovation, potentially inflating your projected construction contingency fund.
- Grant approval uncertainty: Qualification for the Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant is subject to strict eligibility criteria and local authority approval, so funding is never guaranteed beforehand.
- Potential asbestos presence: Older cottages undergoing heavy refurbishment often contain hazardous materials like asbestos in roof tiles or insulation, requiring specialist removal and disposal oversight.
- Planning permission hurdles: Any major alterations, structural changes, or extensions will require local council planning permission, adding time, professional fees, and regulatory uncertainty to your plans.
- Water supply verification: Buyers should thoroughly test the group water scheme connection pressure and water quality to ensure it meets modern standards for domestic household consumption.
- Outbuilding condition checks: The timber outbuilding, greenhouse, and polytunnel may be weather-damaged or structurally compromised, meaning they could require repairs or total demolition prior to use.
- Site drainage evaluation: The elevated one acre site should be professionally assessed for proper surface water drainage to prevent pooling near the cottage foundations during heavy rains.
- Boundary fence verification: You should inspect all site boundary markers and legal title deeds carefully to confirm exact property ownership lines and prevent future neighbor disputes.
- Access road maintenance: Investigate who is legally responsible for maintaining the approach roads leading to the property to ensure reliable year-round vehicle access during winter months.
- Lack of built-in storage: The existing layout lacks modern storage closets or utility rooms, requiring you to incorporate smart storage solutions into your overall interior redesign plans.
- Bathroom facilities upgrade: The single bathroom will need a complete rip-out and refit with modern sanitary ware, proper ventilation, and waterproofing to meet current living standards.
- Kitchen replacement required: The rear kitchen space is basic and in need of total replacement, adding significant appliance and cabinetry costs to your initial renovation budget.
- Professional team required: Managing a derelict property overhaul demands hiring qualified architects, engineers, and reliable builders, increasing your overall project management overhead costs significantly.
- Temporary alternative housing: Because the cottage is completely uninhabitable in its current state, you will need to pay for alternative accommodation throughout the duration of the renovation works.
- Resale market risks: Renovating a rural property carries localized market risks, meaning future resale values might not fully reflect the total capital invested in the upgrade works.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears slightly ambitious given that the detached cottage requires complete refurbishment and modernization throughout, evidenced by its exceptionally poor energy rating of G and the requirement for a brand new electricity connection onsite.
- Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the potential eligibility for the Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant, which could significantly offset the substantial capital expenditure required to bring the dwelling up to modern living standards.
- Factors that could support this price level include the attractive elevated one-acre site and useful outbuildings like a timber studio, whereas severe structural deficits and high renovation costs might undermine the overall investment value.
- Additional considerations involve the convenient rural location just one kilometre from a major national road, offering strong accessibility while maintaining a countryside lifestyle that frequently appeals to buyers seeking renovation projects.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is described as a detached cottage in need of complete refurbishment and modernisation, indicating that structural elements, roof, damp proofing, and insulation should be thoroughly inspected by a surveyor.
- Services include an on-site septic tank and water connection, but the listing notes that a new electricity connection will be required, so buyers should investigate the costs and feasibility of reinstating power.
- Potential buyers should investigate eligibility for the Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant, as the property appears to qualify subject to meeting specific criteria.
- The presence of outbuildings, a greenhouse, and a polytunnel offers additional functional space, though their physical condition should be verified.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a BER rating of G, which indicates the highest level of energy inefficiency and necessitates a comprehensive deep retrofit.
- A full deep retrofit typically includes external wall insulation, upgraded windows and doors, roof insulation, installation of a modern renewable heating system, and ventilation upgrades.
- Given the total floor area of approximately 80.1 square metres and the requirement for complete modernisation, estimated deep-retrofit costs could range significantly from €50,000 to €80,000 or more, depending on the extent of structural repairs needed and contractor pricing.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 to €3,500
- Explanation: The property currently holds a G BER rating with a high energy performance indicator of 644.1 kWh/m2/yr for an 80.1 m² floor area, meaning it is severely uninsulated and inefficient, resulting in very high heating demands until major energy upgrades are carried out.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a quiet rural countryside setting in County Sligo, appearing largely distant from major industrial pollution sources or active heavy manufacturing.
- No major modern landfills or incinerators are prominently reported in the immediate vicinity, though standard rural septic tank presence should be verified by survey.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
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 Ballymote area
ACHONRY, BALLYMOTE, CO SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €55,000.00
42 CASTLE GROVE, BALLYMOTE, SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €197,000.00
30 CORNMILL PARK, BALLYMOTE, SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €202,000.00
KEENEGHAN HOUSE, BALLYMOTE, SLIGO
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €385,000.00
LARKHILL, KEASH, BALLYMOTE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €40,000.00
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% of the purchase price (around €1,390)
- Solicitor legal fees: €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT
- Land registration fees: approximately €170 to €400
- Valuation fees: €150 to €300
- Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,000 depending on the depth of the survey
- Annual home insurance: €400 to €800, though comprehensive coverage should be verified once refurbishment is complete
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local discussions in the Castlebaldwin and Ballymote areas frequently highlight the scenic rural lifestyle and the convenience of proximity to the N4 route.
- Residents often discuss community updates, local road maintenance, and infrastructural improvements along the main Sligo-Dublin corridor.
- There is ongoing local interest in rural housing renovation projects, particularly regarding the uptake of government grants for derelict and vacant properties.
- Community forums occasionally share updates regarding local group water schemes and rural electricity connection upgrades.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children3/10
The property requires complete refurbishment and modernisation, including a new electricity connection, making it unsuitable for young children until significant renovation works are finished.
- Teenagers3/10
With a BER rating of G and the need for substantial capital investment and repairs, living here with teenagers would be very challenging during the modernization phase.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
Offering only 80.1 square metres of floor area and one bathroom, the home lacks the space required for comfortable multi-generational living without major extensions.
- Single Buyers6/10
An affordable asking price of €139,000 and potential eligibility for the Derelict Property Refurbishment Grant present an exciting project for a capable single buyer.
- Couples6/10
Couples looking for a rural renovation project will find strong potential on a c. 1-acre site, provided they have the budget and vision to restore the cottage.
- Empty Nesters4/10
The extensive renovation workload, including plumbing, heating, and structural updates, may prove overly demanding for empty nesters seeking a straightforward move.
- Retirees3/10
The poor energy efficiency (BER G) and derelict condition require heavy physical and financial management, which might not suit retirees looking for comfort and low stress.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The inclusion of a timber outbuilding suitable for a home office or studio is a major plus, though buyers should verify broadband connectivity options in the area.
- Hybrid Commuting6/10
Being just 1km from the N4 at Castlebaldwin provides good road connectivity, facilitating hybrid commuting options to larger hubs.
- Retired4/10
Retirees may find the heavy modernization requirements daunting, despite the peaceful appeal of the rural setting.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place3/10
The property requires extensive upgrading and has a poor BER G rating, meaning significant adaptations would be needed to comfortably age in place.
- Low Maintenance1/10
In need of complete refurbishment and modernisation, plus a new electricity connection, this property demands intensive ongoing maintenance and project management.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property is set on an open rural site and would require new fencing or gates to achieve secure entry.
- Minimalist Design4/10
A traditional cottage layout that offers a blank canvas for renovation, but currently far from a minimalist aesthetic.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
The 80.1 m² footprint includes an open-plan living/dining room and three bedrooms, offering some flexibility for re-configuration during refurbishment.
- Heritage Home8/10
This detached traditional cottage presents classic heritage character, ideal for buyers looking to restore an older rural home.
- Ecological Setup7/10
Features a greenhouse, polytunnel, and c. 1-acre plot which provide an excellent foundation for growing food and sustainable living, though the home itself requires energy efficiency upgrades from its current BER G status.
- Outdoor areas9/10
An elevated c. 1-acre site complete with a greenhouse, polytunnel, and timber outbuilding provides fantastic outdoor potential.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The c. 1-acre site comes exceptionally well-equipped with a greenhouse and polytunnel, making it a paradise for keen gardeners.
- Walking7/10
The surrounding scenic countryside offers great opportunities for walking, though rural roads generally lack dedicated pedestrian pathways.
- Gym2/10
Commercial gym facilities will require significant travel into nearby towns, though the timber outbuilding could potentially be converted into a home gym.
- Cycling5/10
Local rural roads offer quiet cycling routes, but the lack of cycling infrastructure and proximity to higher-speed roads require caution.
- Golf4/10
Golf enthusiasts will need to travel some distance to access nearby courses in County Sligo.
- Fishing6/10
The rural Sligo region features numerous lakes and rivers, making it a viable location for fishing hobbyists with a vehicle.
- Horse Riding6/10
The c. 1-acre site and rural surroundings could potentially accommodate equestrian interests, subject to setting up proper facilities.
- Water Sports3/10
While County Sligo has great coastal and lake water sports, they are not immediately on the doorstep of this inland property.
- Entertaining4/10
The house is currently uninhabitable and requires complete refurbishment before it can be used for hosting or entertaining guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Set on an elevated c. 1-acre rural site in County Sligo, the location offers exceptional peace, quiet, and privacy away from urban noise.
- Rural Living10/10
This is a quintessential rural property featuring an elevated site, greenhouse, polytunnel, and open countryside views close to Castlebaldwin.
- Village Living6/10
While rural, the property is conveniently located just 1km from the N4 at Castlebaldwin, offering reasonable access to nearby village amenities.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is located inland in County Sligo and offers no proximity to the coast or marine activities.
- Urban Living1/10
Located in a deeply rural setting, this home is far removed from city centers and urban conveniences.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Rural Sligo offers traditional community engagement, though integration relies heavily on active participation in local village life.
- Café Culture2/10
Cafés are sparse in the immediate vicinity, requiring a drive to nearby towns for café culture.
- Nightlife1/10
There is virtually no nightlife in the immediate rural surroundings.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Structured wellness classes will require travel to larger nearby settlements.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
Professional networking is extremely limited locally, making this location best suited for remote workers or commuters.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
Buyers should verify local high-speed broadband availability, as tech-hub connectivity depends entirely on rural fiber rollout.
Listing information
- Agent
- E & M Scanlon Auctioneers & Estate Agents
- Phone
- 0719189224
- Published on HouseDelve
- 4 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-7386FDHouseDelve · Republic of IrelandReport 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.