
Burnchurch Cottage, Burnchurch, Cuffesgrange, KilkennyR95D2H5
€255,000
69 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Affordable entry price: Priced at €255,000, this detached cottage presents an accessible purchasing opportunity for first-time buyers or downsizers looking to enter the Kilkenny property market without overextending financially.
- Charming countryside setting: Situated in the peaceful area of Burnchurch, the property offers a tranquil rural lifestyle while maintaining close proximity to essential community amenities and scenic local surroundings.
- Convenient M9 access: The property benefits from being approximately ten to fifteen minutes away from the M9 motorway, ensuring smooth and direct commuting connections to Kilkenny City, Carlow, Waterford, and Dublin.
- Detached privacy: Being a detached home, residents enjoy greater acoustic privacy and independence from neighbors compared to semi-detached or terraced alternatives available at a similar price point.
- Generous site potential: Sitting on a spacious plot with private surrounding gardens, the property provides excellent outdoor living space and ample physical room for future extensions subject to planning permission.
- Off-street parking: The inclusion of dedicated off-street parking within the property boundaries ensures secure and convenient vehicle storage directly outside your front door for residents and visitors alike.
- Character living room: The bright living space features charming original wooden ceiling beams and a cosy stove fireplace, creating an inviting and warm focal point for daily relaxation.
- Fitted kitchen storage: The kitchen comes fully equipped with fitted under and overhead storage units alongside integrated appliances, offering modern convenience and immediate functionality for cooking enthusiasts.
- Stylishly tiled bathroom: The main family bathroom is finished with attractive floor-to-ceiling tiling and features a classic white suite complete with a modern walk-in shower enclosure.
- Flexible bedroom spaces: The first floor includes well-proportioned rooms with wooden flooring and skylights, which can easily double as comfortable bedrooms or productive home office environments.
- Proximity to schools: A variety of well-regarded primary and secondary schools are located within a short drive, making the location highly practical for families with school-aged children.
- Kilkenny City proximity: Being just a short drive from Kilkenny City allows residents to easily access diverse shopping, dining, cultural attractions, and comprehensive public transport links.
- Rental investment potential: The high demand for rural yet accessible rental properties near Kilkenny City makes this cottage a potentially lucrative addition for residential property investors.
- Oil-fired central heating: The installed oil-fired central heating system provides reliable and traditional warmth throughout the compact 69 square meter floor plan during colder winter months.
- Mains water connection: The property benefits from a direct connection to a mains water supply, ensuring a reliable and continuous flow of domestic water without private well maintenance worries.
- Compact maintenance footprint: With a floor area of 69 square meters, the cottage requires minimal upkeep and lower ongoing domestic cleaning effort, perfect for busy professionals or retirees.
- Natural light infusion: Large windows and skylights throughout the living and bedroom areas ensure the interior spaces feel bright, airy, and welcoming during daylight hours.
- Strong commuter appeal: Combining rural tranquillity with robust transport links, the home acts as an ideal base for professionals working in nearby urban hubs who prefer country living.
- Outdoor enhancement opportunities: The private gardens offer a blank canvas for gardening enthusiasts to design outdoor seating areas, vegetable patches, or landscaping projects to suit personal tastes.
- Established local community: Cuffesgrange and the surrounding Burnchurch area offer a welcoming local community atmosphere with active neighborhood engagement and traditional countryside charm.
But keep in mind:
- Extremely poor BER rating: The property holds a G energy rating with a high performance indicator of 375, indicating severe thermal inefficiency that will likely result in high heating bills.
- Substantial upgrade costs: Due to the G energy rating, the buyer should budget for significant immediate capital expenditure on insulation, windows, and heating system upgrades to achieve comfortable living standards.
- Private septic tank risk: The reliance on a private septic tank requires thorough pre-purchase inspection by a surveyor to ensure current regulatory compliance and avoid costly replacement expenses.
- Modest floor area: Measuring only 69 square meters, the cottage offers limited interior square footage, which may feel constrained for growing families or those requiring extensive storage solutions.
- Unverified bedroom count: The listing notes two bedrooms, but buyers must physically verify the exact room layouts and dimensions to ensure they meet modern building standards and personal needs.
- Bathroom count ambiguity: The exact number of bathrooms is omitted from the listing data, requiring confirmation to ensure adequate sanitary facilities are available for all household members.
- Property type omission: The listing fails to officially specify the property type classification, meaning buyers should verify structural details and title deeds with their legal representative.
- Potential extension limitations: While the site is generous, obtaining local planning permission for extensions in a rural setting can be unpredictable and subject to strict local development guidelines.
- Traffic noise considerations: Depending on the exact proximity to local rural connector roads, buyers should check for potential traffic noise during peak commuting hours.
- Septic tank maintenance costs: Owning a private sewage treatment system incurs ongoing desludging and maintenance costs that municipal-connected properties do not have to contend with.
- Insulation deficiencies: A G-rated rating strongly suggests older cavity or solid wall insulation issues that could lead to dampness or condensation challenges if not professionally remedied.
- Single bathroom constraint: If the home contains only one main family bathroom, busy households may experience morning congestion and limited convenience.
- Heating efficiency concerns: Oil-fired heating can be subject to volatile fuel price fluctuations, and older boiler systems associated with low BER ratings may require replacement.
- Ventilation requirements: Improving insulation to combat the G rating may necessitate installing new ventilation systems to prevent indoor air quality and moisture accumulation issues.
- Limited indoor storage: The compact 69 square meter footprint lacks dedicated utility rooms or built-in attic storage, which may lead to clutter in main living areas.
- Roof and skylight inspection: The presence of roof skylights in the first-floor bedrooms requires careful surveyor checks to ensure watertight seals and prevent future weather leaks.
- Boundary verification needed: Buyers must instruct their legal counsel to carefully examine mapping and title boundaries to confirm the exact extent of the private garden plots.
- Future retrofit grants research: Buyers should investigate whether the property qualifies for current government SEAI home energy upgrade grants to help offset the heavy insulation costs.
- Resale value considerations: A G-rated property may experience slower capital appreciation or reduced buyer demand in the future if energy efficiency standards become heavily regulated.
- Rural connectivity dependency: While transport links are praised, reliance on private vehicles for daily errands, shopping, and schooling is absolute given the rural countryside location.
Price positioning
?
Not enough reliable market evidence is available to position this asking price.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached cottage with a floor area of 69 m² featuring original wooden ceiling beams, suggesting an older traditional build that may require ongoing maintenance and specialized care.
- The heating system relies on oil, and the home utilizes a private septic tank and mains water, meaning the buyer should investigate the condition and regulatory compliance of the septic system.
- The listing mentions potential for further enhancement or extension subject to planning permission, which the buyer should verify with the local authority.
- Given the small footprint and cottage style, the buyer should check for adequate insulation, ventilation, and potential dampness issues typical of older rural properties.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property holds a G BER rating, indicating very poor energy efficiency requiring a comprehensive deep retrofit.
- A full deep retrofit typically includes external or internal wall insulation, upgraded roof and floor insulation, high-performance double or triple-glazed windows, and the installation of a modern renewable heating system such as a heat pump.
- Estimated costs for a deep retrofit on a small 69 m² cottage generally range from €45,000 to €70,000 or more, depending on the extent of structural works needed, contractor availability, and potential grants available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,200 to €2,800.
- Short explanation: The property has a poor BER rating of G and an energy performance indicator of 375 kWh/m²/year over a 69 m² floor area, combined with oil-fired heating, which will result in very high energy consumption and heating expenses.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
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
SUNHILL, BURNCHURCH, CUFFESGRANGE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €1,200,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Cuffesgrange area
BALLYBUR, CUFFESGRANGE, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €507,500.00
BAUNLUSK, CUFFESGRANGE, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €550,000.00
BALLYMACK, CUFFESGRANGE, KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €425,000.00
CASTLEVIEW, BALLYBUR UPPER, CUFFESGRANGE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €510,000.00
BALLYKEEFFE CASTLE, CUFFESGRANGE, CO. KILKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €230,000.00
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 €2,550 based on 1% of the asking price for residential property under €1 million.
- Solicitor legal fees: Estimated between €1,500 and €2,500 excluding outlay and VAT.
- Land registration fees: Around €170 to €400 depending on the property value and registration method.
- Property valuation fees: Roughly €150 to €300 for mortgage purposes.
- Surveyor fees: Approximately €500 to €1,000 for a detailed structural survey.
- Annual home insurance: Estimated between €400 and €800 per year depending on the policy level and provider.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Cuffesgrange and broader Kilkenny rural areas frequently discuss the appeal of quiet country living paired with easy access via the M9.
- Community groups note strong demand for rural cottages that offer potential for renovation or extension among first-time buyers.
- Residents often mention the importance of maintaining private septic tanks and managing oil-fired heating efficiently in older rural homes.
- Traffic connectivity towards Kilkenny City is generally viewed positively by commuters living in the surrounding townlands.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The generous private site and peaceful countryside setting offer plenty of outdoor space for young children to play, though parents should verify if the road proximity or internal layout requires any child-safety modifications.
- Teenagers5/10
While the two well-proportioned bedrooms provide personal space, the 69 m² floor area is compact for teenagers, and the rural location means they will rely on parents for transport to social and recreational activities.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
With a floor area of only 69 m² and just two bedrooms, the cottage lacks the space and separation required to comfortably accommodate multiple generations under one roof.
- Single Buyers8/10
Representing an affordable entry point at €255,000, this detached two-bedroom cottage is ideal for single buyers looking to step onto the property ladder or secure a manageable rural home.
- Couples8/10
The property offers a cosy and characterful living environment with a stove fireplace and private gardens, making it well-suited for couples seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle close to Kilkenny.
- Empty Nesters7/10
The single-level elements and manageable size make it attractive for downsizers, though buyers should verify the extent of future maintenance required for a detached cottage and its private septic tank.
- Retirees6/10
The peaceful countryside setting and private gardens are appealing for retirement, but the presence of stairs to the first-floor bedrooms and a G BER energy rating mean retirees should investigate potential heating costs and accessibility.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
One of the bedrooms is ideal as a potential home office space, though buyers must verify the reliability and speed of broadband connectivity available at the property.
- Hybrid Commuting8/10
With the M9 motorway approximately 10 to 15 minutes away providing direct routes to Kilkenny City, Carlow, Waterford, and Dublin, hybrid commuting is highly feasible.
- Retired8/10
The peaceful environment and manageable property size make it a strong candidate for those looking to enjoy their retirement years in the countryside.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place5/10
While the cottage offers manageable proportions, the presence of stairs and a private septic tank mean buyers should evaluate whether modifications would be needed for long-term ageing in place.
- Low Maintenance6/10
The 69 m² floor area keeps interior cleaning manageable, though the private septic tank and older cottage upkeep require ongoing attention.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property features off-street parking within its boundaries, but there is no mention of a secure gated entry system.
- Minimalist Design6/10
The cottage layout is straightforward and compact, though original features like wooden ceiling beams add traditional character rather than strict minimalism.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
With two bedrooms—one adaptable as an office—and potential for extension subject to planning permission, there is moderate flexibility for a small footprint.
- Heritage Home7/10
Featuring charming original wooden ceiling beams and a classic cottage aesthetic, the home carries historical character, though buyers should verify its exact age and structural status.
- Ecological Setup2/10
The property has a G BER rating, indicating poor energy efficiency, oil-fired heating, and a private septic tank, meaning significant upgrades would be required for a truly ecological setup.
- Outdoor areas8/10
The cottage sits on a generous site with private gardens surrounding the home, offering ample outdoor space and excellent potential for extension subject to planning permission.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening8/10
The property sits on a generous site with private gardens surrounding the home, offering excellent potential for gardening enthusiasts to cultivate outdoor spaces.
- Walking7/10
The rural surroundings provide pleasant countryside roads for walks, though buyers should investigate local pedestrian infrastructure and footpaths.
- Gym4/10
There are no gyms within immediate walking distance, requiring a drive into Kilkenny City for fitness facilities.
- Cycling6/10
Quiet rural roads offer scenic cycling routes, though riders should be mindful of rural traffic speeds on country lanes.
- Golf5/10
Golf courses can be accessed with a short drive into Kilkenny City and the surrounding area, though none are directly on the doorstep.
- Fishing5/10
While the region features regional rivers, buyers interested in fishing should verify the proximity of specific local angling spots.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural setting is conducive to equestrian interests, with potential local stables and hacking routes to be investigated in the wider Kilkenny area.
- Water Sports2/10
The inland location lacks immediate access to lakes suitable for major water sports or coastal marine activities.
- Entertaining7/10
The bright living room with a cosy stove fireplace and the generous outdoor garden areas provide lovely spaces for hosting guests, despite the modest indoor footprint.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Located in a peaceful countryside setting in Cuffesgrange, the property offers a quiet and tranquil environment away from urban congestion.
- Rural Living9/10
Positioned on a generous site surrounded by private gardens with a private septic tank and oil-fired heating, this property delivers a true rural living experience.
- Village Living6/10
While the cottage is rural, it benefits from being within a short drive of local schools, amenities, and Kilkenny City, offering a balance between country and community access.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is located inland in County Kilkenny and has no proximity to the coast or marine amenities.
- Urban Living4/10
While Kilkenny City is a 10 to 15-minute drive away, the immediate location is distinctly rural rather than urban.
Social
6 areas- Tech-Hub Connectivity4/10
The rural location lacks local tech hubs, meaning remote tech workers will rely entirely on their home internet connection.
- Community Involvement6/10
Proximity to Cuffesgrange and Kilkenny City allows residents to engage with local community groups, clubs, and volunteer organizations.
- Café Culture5/10
While local cafés require a short drive into Kilkenny City, residents can easily access a vibrant café culture there.
- Nightlife4/10
The immediate rural setting offers zero nightlife, meaning residents must travel into Kilkenny City for pubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Health and wellness classes, pilates, and stretching groups can be found in nearby Kilkenny City rather than the immediate rural townland.
- Networking Opportunities4/10
Professional networking is minimal in the immediate rural surroundings, requiring travel into nearby urban centers.
Listing information
- Agent
- DNG Ella Dunphy
- Phone
- 056 7786000
- Published on HouseDelve
- 5 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-984E26HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland* Estimate — not advice. Actual costs and outcomes can vary materially. Obtain current quotations and professional advice before making financial or property decisions.