Photograph 1 of 52 of Churchville, Church Street, Rathdowney, Co. Laois
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Churchville, Church Street, Rathdowney, Co. LaoisR32C8X2

€599,000

5 Bed~3 Bath

What you'll like:

  • Late Georgian Architecture: This magnificent property is an exquisite example of late Georgian and Regency design, offering a timeless home of immense style, charm, and historic luxury for discerning buyers.
  • Expansive Grounds: Sitting on over an acre of breathtakingly beautiful formal landscaped walled gardens, the estate provides a private, tranquil haven while maintaining excellent town centre convenience for daily life.
  • Grand Entrance Approach: Approached via wrought-iron gates, stone piers, and traditional coach lamps, an impressive crunch-gravel driveway provides a truly fitting and prestigious entrance to this distinguished historic residence.
  • Formal Reception Rooms: The magnificent entrance hall is flanked by two perfectly proportioned formal reception rooms, creating an immediate and lasting impression of elegance for family living and formal guest entertaining alike.
  • Modern Conservatory Extension: A dramatic conservatory-style living and dining room has been recently added, perfectly blending historic period design with tremendous modern comforts and natural light for contemporary family lifestyles.
  • Light-Filled Kitchen: The magnificent kitchen is designed to an exceptional standard, offering a bright and functional culinary space that seamlessly integrates with the extended ground floor layout for modern convenience.
  • Flexible Ground Floor: An adaptable office space on the ground floor can easily double as a fifth bedroom, providing crucial functional versatility for multi-generational families or those needing a home workspace.
  • Multiple Shower Rooms: The ground floor benefits from two well-appointed shower rooms, significantly enhancing daily household convenience and accommodating guests without requiring them to share upstairs family facilities.
  • Dedicated Utility Space: A fully appointed utility room and a separate mud room provide practical, hidden storage solutions that keep the main historic living areas clean and organized year-round.
  • Generous Upstairs Bedrooms: Four excellent, light-filled bedrooms are beautifully located off a central landing, each offering comfortable proportions and pleasant views of the surrounding mature gardens or the front approach.
  • Elegant Family Bathroom: The first floor features a sophisticated family bathroom complete with a luxurious sunken bath, adding a touch of spa-like relaxation to the upper level of this historic home.
  • Lofted Stone Coach House: A stunning lofted stone coach house sits within the grounds, offering incredible architectural character and potential for future adaptation subject to necessary planning permissions and design vision.
  • Second Vehicular Entrance: A second vehicular entrance affords a massive opportunity to further develop the grounds or manage vehicle access more flexibly if desired by the new homeowner.
  • Walled Street Access: A most impressive walled and railed garden offers convenient pedestrian access directly from the street, combining secure boundary enclosure with easy walkability into the local town center.
  • Town Centre Proximity: Despite offering a tranquil and private sanctuary, the property is exceptionally well-located within walking distance of local primary and secondary schools, supermarkets, and community sports clubs.
  • Recreational Amenities: Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate being close to local fishing at Grantstown and having golf facilities just minutes away from the doorstep for convenient weekend leisure activities.
  • Motorway Connectivity: The location enjoys excellent road connectivity, lying approximately five minutes from major motorways and allowing Dublin to be reached in little over an hour by car.
  • Rail Transport Access: Ballybrophy Railway Station is approximately fifteen minutes away, offering direct and reliable services to Dublin Heuston with convenient journey times of around one hour for commuters.
  • Pristine Condition: The property is noted to be in pristine condition throughout, reflecting careful restoration and upkeep that allows new owners to move straight in without undertaking immediate major renovations.
  • Gothic Spire Views: The grounds are punctuated with classic views of a picturesque gothic church spire, enhancing the romantic, historic atmosphere and deeply rooted sense of place found throughout the estate.

But keep in mind:

  • Exempt BER Status: The property is listed as BER exempt, so the buyer should verify the official energy rating and assess potential heating efficiency upgrades for this historic structure.
  • Unstated Floor Area: The total square meterage of the floor area is not provided in the listing details, requiring the buyer to measure or confirm exact dimensions independently.
  • Unspecified Property Type: The official property type classification is omitted from the raw data, meaning buyers should verify how it is registered for local property tax and insurance purposes.
  • Missing Agent Contacts: Both agent name and agent phone fields are left blank in the listing data, forcing buyers to source contact channels directly through external channels to arrange viewings.
  • Historic Maintenance Costs: Period homes often carry higher ongoing maintenance and specialist repair expenses, so buyers should budget for the upkeep of traditional lime render, timber sash windows, and masonry.
  • Protected Structure Status: Given its late Georgian heritage, the building may be subject to architectural conservation guidelines or protected structure regulations that restrict certain types of exterior and interior alterations.
  • Coach House Conversion Potential: While the lofted stone coach house offers great potential, buyers must thoroughly investigate structural integrity and local planning constraints before undertaking any residential or commercial conversion.
  • Gravel Driveway Upkeep: The extensive crunch-gravel driveway provides a classic aesthetic but can require regular raking, weed control, and top-up material replenishment to maintain its pristine visual appeal.
  • Drainage and Plumbing Age: Older properties can feature aging underground drainage networks and legacy internal plumbing lines, meaning a comprehensive CCTV drain survey and plumbing inspection are strongly recommended.
  • Electrical System Verification: The buyer should verify the age and safety certification of the domestic electrical wiring system to ensure it meets modern safety standards throughout the extended and original sections.
  • Roof Structure Inspection: Historic roofs require careful examination of timbers, slates, and flashing details to ensure there are no hidden leaks or historic woodworm issues impacting the attic spaces.
  • Window Insulation Performance: Traditional windows on period homes can be drafty or single-glazed, so buyers should check whether original sashes have been upgraded or secondary glazing installed for thermal comfort.
  • Boundary Wall Integrity: The extensive formal walled garden boundaries should be inspected by a surveyor to check for any structural shifting, frost damage, or pointing degradation along the historic masonry.
  • Second Entrance Permissions: The second vehicular entrance should be checked against local council zoning and access regulations to ensure its continued legal use and future development viability.
  • Heating System Efficiency: Buyers must investigate the type, age, and fuel efficiency of the primary central heating boiler installed to warm the substantial multi-room footprint of this large residence.
  • Garden Upkeep Demands: Maintaining over an acre of formal landscaped gardens, manicured lawns, and tree-lined paths requires significant time, labor commitment, or ongoing professional gardening service expenses.
  • Flood Risk Assessment: Although set on high ground near town, buyers should conduct standard environmental and local flood risk due diligence as part of their conveyancing process for the Laois area.
  • Insurance Premiums: Insuring a large, historic, and non-standard period property can attract higher premiums or require specialized heritage insurance policies that should be quoted in advance.
  • Traffic and Street Proximity: Despite its private walled grounds, the property sits on Church Street near the town approach, meaning potential exposure to local traffic noise during peak hours.
  • Future Expansion Restrictions: Strict local planning controls regarding development within historic settlement cores could limit any future footprint extensions or major structural additions the buyer might envision.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a late Georgian or Regency period residence, which means a buyer should investigate structural integrity, timber health (checking for woodworm or rot in original beams), and dampness management in older solid-wall masonry.
  • The listing notes recent extensions and refurbishments, including a conservatory-style living/dining room and a kitchen; a buyer should verify that proper planning permission, building control compliance, and structural certifications were obtained for these works.
  • Given its historic nature as a former vicarage, potential protected structure status or local architectural heritage guidelines should be checked to understand any restrictions on future alterations or maintenance.
  • The presence of a lofted stone coach house offers development or adaptive reuse potential, subject to verifying structural conditions and local planning regulations.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: 2,500 to 4,000 euro.
  • Explanation: Because floor area and BER details are not provided for this large 5-bedroom period Georgian/Regency home, heating costs are uncertain and the buyer should verify the heating system efficiency and insulation levels. Older historic homes often feature higher energy consumption due to high ceilings and older construction styles.

Pollution Safe

8/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is situated in a predominantly residential and historic town setting, appearing well removed from major heavy industrial plants or active large-scale landfills.
  • Any prospective buyer should verify local historical land uses or legacy commercial activities in the immediate town centre as part of standard due diligence.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The regional topography around Rathdowney generally indicates a low overall susceptibility to widespread coastal or major riverine flooding hazards.
  • Localised surface water drainage or minor pooling during extreme weather events should be visually assessed or verified through local environmental maps.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

  • CHURCH STREET, RATHDOWNEY, CO. LAOIS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €40,000.00
  • 3 CHURCH ST, RATHDOWNEY, LAOIS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €155,000.00
  • 2 CHURCH STREET, RATHDOWNEY, CO LAOIS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €180,000.00
  • APARTMENT 1, CHURCH STREET, RATHDOWNEY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €11,000.00
  • APARTMENT 2, CHURCH STREET, RATHDOWNEY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €22,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Rathdowney area

  • 12 THE GLEBE, RATHDOWNEY, PORTLAOISE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €280,000.00
  • 18 MOOREVILLE, RATHDOWNEY, LAOIS

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €285,000.00
  • NAOMH JUDE, CONOBORO RD, RATHDOWNEY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €130,000.00
  • 4 ST KIERANS PLACE, ERRILL, RATHDOWNEY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €232,000.00
  • TARA, 15 MOORE ST, RATHDOWNEY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €122,000.00

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 5,990 euro, calculated at 1% of the asking price.
  • Solicitor legal fees: roughly 1,500 to 2,500 euro (plus 23% VAT and outlays).
  • Land registration fees: approximately 600 to 800 euro depending on the property value and registration type.
  • Property valuation fees: roughly 150 to 300 euro, typically required if obtaining a mortgage.
  • Surveyor fees: around 500 to 1,200 euro, varying based on whether a standard structural survey or a detailed historic/period property assessment is chosen.
  • Annual home insurance: approximately 600 to 1,200 euro, which should be independently verified given the period nature and large footprint of the property.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Local residents highlight Rathdowney as a quiet and tight-knit community with convenient access to local schools and amenities.
  • Discussions regarding the surrounding Co. Laois area frequently focus on excellent regional connectivity via nearby M7 and M8 motorways.
  • Community forums note steady local interest in heritage properties and period homes requiring sensitive restoration.
  • General local chatter mentions good proximity to outdoor recreation such as fishing at Grantstown and local golf facilities.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property sits on over an acre of breathtaking formal landscaped walled gardens with manicured lawns, offering a secure and spacious environment for young children, alongside the convenience of primary and secondary schools within walking distance.

    8/10
  • Teenagers

    With 5 bedrooms, multiple reception rooms, and independent spaces like a conservatory-style living-dining area, teenagers will have plenty of room to grow and relax, complemented by nearby GAA and sports clubs.

    8/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The expansive floor plan includes a flexible layout on the ground floor with an office/fifth bedroom and multiple shower rooms, making multi-generational living quite feasible, though buyers should verify individual bedroom configurations.

    7/10
  • Single Buyers

    At €599,000 for a large 5-bay late Georgian period residence spanning over an acre, this property is significantly oversized and priced well above the typical needs or budget of a single buyer.

    3/10
  • Couples

    Provides an exquisite, luxurious living environment with ample space for couples who love to entertain or desire distinct home-working areas, though maintenance of the extensive grounds should be considered.

    7/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Offers a magnificent, manageable haven of tranquility with town centre convenience, though the size of the 5-bedroom historic home and its large walled gardens might require ongoing upkeep management.

    7/10
  • Retirees

    While the single-level ground floor capabilities and town-centre convenience are appealing for retirement, the historic multi-story nature of the late Georgian home and extensive garden maintenance mean buyers should verify suitability for ageing in place.

    6/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    Includes a dedicated ground floor office space that can easily function as a private workspace, coupled with a peaceful environment conducive to working from home.

    9/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Benefits from excellent connectivity, lying approximately 5 minutes from the M8 and M7 motorways, with Dublin reachable in just over an hour and Ballybrophy Railway Station 15 minutes away.

    8/10
  • Retired

    Well-suited for retirement due to local healthcare, shopping convenience, and a manageable luxury layout, though upkeep of the historic structure should be factored in.

    7/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    The ground floor features accessible rooms including a potential fifth bedroom and shower rooms, but buyers should investigate retrofitting options for multi-story historic architectural elements.

    6/10
  • Low Maintenance

    As a beautifully restored late Georgian period residence sitting on over an acre of formal landscaped walled gardens with a stone coach house, ongoing maintenance requirements will be substantial.

    3/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Approached via impressive wrought-iron gates, stone piers, and traditional coach lamps with a crunch-gravel driveway and walled perimeter providing a strong sense of privacy and security.

    9/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The property is characterized by classic late Georgian / Regency architecture, period features, formal design, and detailed historic character rather than minimalist aesthetics.

    2/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Recent extensions and refurbishments provide a versatile layout, including a ground floor office that doubles as a fifth bedroom and multiple reception configurations.

    8/10
  • Heritage Home

    An exquisite example of late Georgian / Regency design, featuring a pristine 5-bay period residence, historic stone coach house, and classic architectural detailing throughout.

    10/10
  • Ecological Setup

    Being a historic period structure, energy efficiency and ecological setups (BER details not provided) should be carefully investigated by the buyer.

    4/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Features over an acre of breathtaking formal landscaped walled gardens, manicured lawns, tree-lined paths, and a magnificent lofted stone coach house with dual vehicular access.

    10/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    A dream setup featuring over an acre of breathtaking formal landscaped walled gardens, manicured lawns, tree-lined paths, and a historic lofted stone coach house.

    10/10
  • Walking

    The location allows for immediate walking access to local town amenities, schools, and nearby scenic spots, with rich countryside surroundings to explore.

    8/10
  • Gym

    While there is plenty of space inside the home to set up a private home gym, dedicated commercial fitness centers or specialized health clubs are limited in the immediate rural town area.

    4/10
  • Cycling

    Positioned in an accessible regional area with quiet local roads surrounding Rathdowney that offer pleasant cycling routes, though regional traffic on main roads should be navigated with care.

    7/10
  • Golf

    Golf enthusiasts will appreciate that a golf course is located just minutes away from the property.

    8/10
  • Fishing

    Fishing opportunities are conveniently located close by at Grantstown.

    8/10
  • Horse Riding

    The extensive grounds, inclusion of a historic stone coach house, and rural County Laois setting offer good potential context for equestrian interests, subject to local stable availability.

    7/10
  • Water Sports

    There are no major water sports facilities, large lakes, or coastal waters immediately nearby.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    Exquisitely designed for guest entertaining, featuring two formal reception rooms, a dramatic conservatory-style living-dining room, a light-filled kitchen, and stunning walled gardens.

    10/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Set within over an acre of stunning formal landscaped walled gardens and private grounds creating a tranquil haven, despite its convenient position at the approach to Rathdowney.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    Features expansive country-style grounds with a lofted stone coach house and classic views of a gothic church spire, though it remains situated right at the town center approach.

    7/10
  • Village Living

    Commanding a prime setting in Rathdowney with schools, supermarkets, and local amenities within walking distance, perfectly capturing quintessential Irish town and village lifestyle.

    9/10
  • Coastal Living

    The property is located inland in County Laois, completely removed from any coastal environments or beaches.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    Located in a small town setting rather than a major urban center, lacking the high-density infrastructure or city-center amenities of large cities.

    3/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Proximity to local schools, GAA, and sports clubs ensures strong integration opportunities within the vibrant local community of Rathdowney.

    8/10
  • Café Culture

    Basic local town amenities are within walking distance, but extensive café culture offerings are more limited compared to larger urban hubs.

    5/10
  • Nightlife

    Rathdowney is a quiet historic town offering a peaceful lifestyle rather than active late-night entertainment or extensive nightlife venues.

    3/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Local sports clubs and community initiatives provide standard wellness avenues, though specialized pilates & stretching studios or wellness collectives should be verified locally.

    6/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking is sparse locally, though the strong transport links to Dublin offer reasonable access for regional commuters.

    4/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    While remote work is supported by physical office space in the house, buyers should verify local high-speed broadband infrastructure capabilities for tech-heavy roles.

    4/10

Listing information

Agent
Hume Auctioneers
Phone
057 868 1111
Published on HouseDelve
1 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-5D5BE9HouseDelve · 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.