Photograph 1 of 21 of Burnchurch Cottage, Burnchurch, Cuffesgrange, Kilkenny
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Burnchurch Cottage, Burnchurch, Cuffesgrange, KilkennyR95D2H5

€255,000

2 Bed~69 m²~BER G

What you'll like:

  • Rural tranquillity: Enjoy a peaceful countryside setting that provides a quiet retreat while remaining within easy reach of urban conveniences, appealing to buyers seeking privacy.
  • Detached privacy: The detached nature of the home ensures no shared walls, offering greater independence and a quieter living environment compared to terraced or semi-detached alternatives.
  • Generous site size: The property sits on a substantial plot with private surrounding gardens, giving occupants abundant outdoor space for gardening, recreation, and leisure activities.
  • Extension potential: The sizeable garden footprint offers excellent potential for future property expansion, subject to securing the necessary local planning permissions from the council.
  • Commuter convenience: The proximity to the M9 motorway allows drivers to reach major employment hubs like Kilkenny City, Carlow, and Waterford within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Charming original beams: The interior features delightful original wooden ceiling beams in the living area, adding unique rustic character and visual warmth to the home.
  • Cosy stove fireplace: A central stove fireplace creates a welcoming and functional focal point in the main living space, ideal for keeping warm during colder winter evenings.
  • Functional kitchen layout: The fully fitted kitchen includes ample storage and integrated appliances, ensuring modern convenience and a ready-to-use culinary workspace for the new owner.
  • Walk-in shower: The main bathroom features a stylish walk-in shower and floor-to-ceiling tiling, offering a modern aesthetic and practical daily accessibility for residents.
  • Bright bedroom skylight: The first-floor bedroom benefits from a dedicated skylight that floods the upper level with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
  • Flexible upstairs space: The well-proportioned upper room with wooden flooring can easily serve as a comfortable second bedroom or a productive home office environment.
  • Spacious double room: The second bedroom offers generous proportions and wooden flooring, providing a comfortable and inviting private retreat for occupants or visiting guests.
  • Off-street parking: Dedicated parking space within the property boundaries ensures convenient and secure vehicle storage right outside your front door every single day.
  • First-time buyer appeal: The accessible asking price and manageable layout make this a fantastic entry-level opportunity for individuals looking to step onto the property ladder.
  • Downsizing suitability: The compact 69 square meter floor area is ideal for downsizers wishing to maintain a manageable home without sacrificing outdoor garden space.
  • Rental investment potential: High demand for rural yet connected housing near Kilkenny City suggests strong potential for investors looking to generate reliable long-term rental income.
  • Nearby educational facilities: A range of primary and secondary schools are located within a short drive, making the location convenient for families with school-aged children.
  • City amenities nearby: Kilkenny City is just a short drive away, offering a rich variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, and cultural attractions like Kilkenny Castle.
  • Oil fired heating: The installed oil-fired central heating system provides reliable thermal comfort throughout the cottage during the cooler autumn and winter months.
  • Mains water connection: Being connected to a mains water supply ensures a steady and reliable daily water flow without the maintenance worries of a private well.

But keep in mind:

  • Severe energy inefficiency: The property carries a very poor G BER rating, indicating that extensive thermal upgrades are urgently required to reduce high heating costs.
  • High retrofit costs: Achieving a modern and energy-efficient standard will demand significant financial investment in external insulation, windows, and heating system overhauls.
  • Compact floor area: Measuring only 69 square meters, the living accommodation is relatively small, which may feel restrictive for growing families or buyers with excessive belongings.
  • Private septic tank: The reliance on a private septic tank requires regular inspection, emptying, and potential compliance upgrades to meet current environmental standards.
  • AI-enhanced marketing photos: The listing explicitly notes that photos were edited using AI to enhance brightness, so buyers must inspect the property physically to verify true condition.
  • Upstairs ceiling heights: Cottages of this type often feature restricted headroom on the upper floor, which should be checked carefully to ensure comfortable living spaces.
  • Motorway distance variance: While transport links are generally good, the stated 10 to 15 minute drive to the M9 can vary significantly depending on local traffic conditions.
  • Single bathroom limitation: The cottage relies on a single main bathroom, which could create morning congestion if multiple occupants are sharing the living space.
  • Planning permission uncertainty: Any future plans to extend the cottage will depend entirely on successfully navigating the local planning authority regulations and approval timelines.
  • Potential damp risks: Older detached rural cottages frequently encounter moisture ingress or damp issues, making a thorough structural pre-purchase survey essential.
  • Roof condition unknown: The age and integrity of the roof structure should be professionally evaluated to ensure there are no hidden leaks or failing timber elements.
  • Electrical system check: Buyers must verify whether the home's wiring meets modern safety standards or if a complete electrical rewiring project is necessary.
  • Window thermal performance: Older windows may suffer from drafts or failing seals, contributing heavily to the poor BER rating and requiring costly replacements.
  • Road noise impact: Depending on the exact proximity to local rural roads, passing traffic could occasionally create noise disruption despite the peaceful setting.
  • Boundary line verification: Legal advisors should carefully inspect property deeds to confirm that all garden boundaries and parking areas match the official registry maps.
  • Heating system age: The oil-fired boiler should be inspected by a qualified technician to determine its remaining operational lifespan and efficiency levels.
  • Ventilation requirements: Added insulation to address the G rating must be balanced with proper ventilation systems to prevent condensation and indoor air quality issues.
  • Limited local public transport: The rural location means residents will almost certainly rely on private vehicles rather than immediate walking access to public transit.
  • Storage constraints: Aside from basic kitchen units, built-in storage appears limited, meaning buyers may need to invest in freestanding wardrobes and storage solutions.
  • Maintenance commitment: Owning a rural property with a private septic tank, oil heating, and large gardens demands ongoing time and financial maintenance commitments.

Price positioning

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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 mildly overvalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price appears somewhat elevated relative to the baseline given the very poor energy rating, which will necessitate substantial capital investment to achieve modern habitation standards and acceptable thermal efficiency.
  • Under-valuation signals are largely absent, though the detached countryside setting and proximity to the regional city provide a baseline level of intrinsic demand that partially justifies the quoting figure.
  • Potential support for the price stems from strong commuter accessibility and rural lifestyle appeal, while severe underwriting risks include heavy retrofitting costs required to upgrade the deeply inefficient energy profile.
  • General market dynamics for rural detached properties indicate that buyers heavily penalize properties with exceptionally weak energy ratings, making extensive modernization outlays a critical factor for future valuation.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a detached cottage featuring original wooden ceiling beams, indicating older construction methods that may require careful inspection for structural integrity, dampness, and ventilation.
  • The floor area is compact at approximately 69 square metres, which may limit future expansion potential without securing relevant planning permission.
  • Services include a private septic tank and mains water; a buyer should investigate the condition, registration, and compliance of the septic tank with current environmental standards.
  • Heating is provided by an oil-fired system, and given the G BER rating, the overall thermal envelope, insulation levels, and window efficiency will require a comprehensive upgrade.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • Estimated deep-retrofit cost: €45,000 to €65,000.
  • Reasoning: The property has a G BER rating, indicating very poor energy performance. Bringing the home up to a modern B2 standard or higher will likely necessitate extensive external wall insulation or internal dry-lining, attic insulation upgrades, window and door replacements, and potentially a complete overhaul of the heating system away from older oil-fired methods to a heat pump or high-efficiency alternative.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: €2,200 to €2,800.
  • Short explanation: Given the 69 m² floor area and the very poor G energy rating indicating high heat loss, the oil-fired heating system will require significantly more fuel to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature compared to more energy-efficient homes.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in a peaceful rural countryside setting in Cuffesgrange, well away from heavy industrial zones, major waste incinerators, or large modern landfills.
  • As with any rural location, prospective buyers should verify local agricultural practices or older localized waste management arrangements during their standard due diligence.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • National river mapping indicates that modelled flood zones are located a short distance away from the property, suggesting a reasonable buffer from primary river flood hazards.
  • The countryside setting in Cuffesgrange generally benefits from elevated topography compared to nearby low-lying river corridors, reducing overall vulnerability to widespread inundation.
  • While mapped flood extents do not directly encompass the site, local drainage capacity during intense rainfall events should still be considered by prospective buyers.
Supporting evidence: Medium
Map sources: OPW · Current scenario
  1. National river mapping (NIFM)

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

  • Estimated stamp duty: €2,550 — 1% of €255,000.
    ?
    Based on the asking price shown on this page, using standard residential stamp-duty rates. No adjustments are made for VAT, reliefs, mixed-use property or additional land. The final purchase price and your circumstances may change the amount payable.
  • Solicitor legal fees: Approximately €1,500 to €3,500 plus VAT, depending on the practice used.
  • Land registration fees: Approximately €400 to €800 for property registration and mapping.
  • Property valuation fees: Approximately €150 to €300 for mortgage or general valuation reports.
  • Surveyor fees: Approximately €500 to €1,200 depending on the level of structural survey required.
  • Annual home insurance: Approximately €400 to €800 per year depending on the policy and coverage level.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Local residents in the Cuffesgrange and broader Kilkenny rural areas frequently discuss the appeal of countryside living combined with proximity to Kilkenny City.
  • Community discussions often highlight the convenience of the M9 motorway access for commuters traveling towards Carlow, Waterford, and Dublin.
  • Buyers in rural Kilkenny frequently share tips on managing septic tanks and upgrading older properties with low BER ratings, such as the G rating noted for this cottage.
  • Local forums note strong demand for smaller detached rural homes and cottages among first-time buyers and downsizers seeking privacy and outdoor space.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property offers a secure private garden and a peaceful countryside environment suitable for young children, though the two-bedroom layout and G-rated energy performance require careful consideration for family comfort.

    5/10
  • Teenagers

    With only two bedrooms and a compact floor area of 69 square metres, space for growing teenagers to study and socialize independently is quite limited.

    4/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The compact 69 m² footprint and single-bathroom arrangement mean there is very little scope for multi-generational living without substantial extension.

    2/10
  • Single Buyers

    An affordable asking price of €255,000 and manageable proportions make this a very attractive option for a single buyer looking to enter the market.

    8/10
  • Couples

    The two-bedroom layout is ideal for a couple starting out or downsizing, offering a cozy countryside lifestyle within easy reach of Kilkenny City.

    8/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Downsizers will appreciate the manageable one-level-friendly living spaces and peaceful rural setting, though the G-rated energy efficiency should be evaluated for future-proofing.

    7/10
  • Retirees

    The rural cottage setting is peaceful and private, but retirees should investigate potential upgrade costs related to the G BER rating and the private septic tank.

    6/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The second bedroom or skylit upper room serves as an ideal home office space, though broadband speeds should be verified by the buyer.

    7/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Proximity to the M9 motorway (10-15 minutes away) provides practical access for commuters traveling toward Dublin, Carlow, or Waterford.

    7/10
  • Retired

    The property suits retirement for those seeking a tranquil country home, subject to evaluating maintenance needs and the G energy rating.

    7/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    While the ground floor offers accessibility, buyers should assess the existing bathroom layout and potential modifications needed for long-term accessibility.

    5/10
  • Low Maintenance

    The G-rated energy performance and the presence of a private septic tank indicate that ongoing maintenance and upgrade works should be investigated.

    4/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property features off-street parking within its boundaries, but lacks automated or secure gated entry infrastructure.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The cottage features clean lines and neutral finishes, though traditional elements like ceiling beams give it a rustic rather than minimalist character.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    The 69 m² floor area is compact, though the upper floor bedroom offers versatility as a home office.

    5/10
  • Heritage Home

    Charming original wooden ceiling beams add historic character and traditional cottage aesthetic to the interior living space.

    7/10
  • Ecological Setup

    A G energy rating and oil-fired heating mean the property currently has a high carbon footprint, requiring significant energy upgrades.

    2/10
  • Outdoor areas

    The generous site with private surrounding gardens offers ample outdoor space and potential for future extensions, subject to planning permission.

    8/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    The generous site with private gardens surrounding the home offers plenty of scope for keen gardeners to cultivate outdoor spaces.

    8/10
  • Walking

    The rural surroundings offer pleasant local country roads for walking, though the lack of dedicated footpaths directly outside should be noted.

    7/10
  • Gym

    Dedicated fitness facilities and commercial gyms are not within walking distance and require a drive into Kilkenny City.

    3/10
  • Cycling

    The local country roads can be scenic for cycling enthusiasts, though varying road widths and rural traffic speeds are factors to consider.

    6/10
  • Golf

    Golfers will need to travel toward Kilkenny City or surrounding areas to access nearby courses.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    Buyers should investigate local river access and angling clubs in the wider Kilkenny region for fishing opportunities.

    4/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural setting in County Kilkenny is traditionally favorable for equestrian activities, with local stables potentially accessible nearby.

    6/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland Kilkenny lacks immediate access to major water sports facilities, which are generally situated further afield.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    The open-plan living and kitchen areas combined with the private outdoor gardens offer decent hosting potential for small gatherings.

    5/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Located in a peaceful countryside setting in Cuffesgrange, the property provides an exceptionally quiet and tranquil living environment.

    10/10
  • Rural Living

    Surrounded by private gardens and rural landscapes while remaining connected via nearby regional roads, this property embodies classic countryside living.

    9/10
  • Village Living

    While not directly in a village hub, the cottage is within a short drive of local amenities and schools in the surrounding area.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

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

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    Urban conveniences require a 10 to 15-minute drive into Kilkenny City, meaning daily life relies heavily on car travel.

    4/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Rural townlands typically foster tight-knit communities, with broader social and civic groups accessible in nearby Cuffesgrange and Kilkenny City.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Local coffee shops and café culture are not present immediately outside the door and require a drive into the city.

    3/10
  • Nightlife

    Evening entertainment and nightlife options are essentially absent in the immediate rural townland, requiring travel into Kilkenny.

    2/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Wellness classes, fitness groups, and holistic centres are primarily clustered in the nearby urban areas.

    4/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking hubs and business groups are sparse locally and best accessed in larger commercial centres.

    3/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    The rural location lacks local technology incubators or co-working hubs, making reliance on home internet essential.

    2/10

Listing information

Agent
DNG Ella Dunphy
Phone
056 7786000
Current status
active
Published on HouseDelve
5 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-984E26HouseDelve · 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.