
Cumberland Gardens, Emmet Street, Birr, Co. OffalyR42Y725
Price on application
3 Bed~3 Bath~140 m²~BER D1
What you'll like:
- Exclusive gated development: The property is set within an intimate scheme of only two detached homes off Emmet Square, offering enhanced privacy and reduced neighbourhood density for residents seeking a quiet environment.
- Central town location: Positioned just minutes from Birr Main Street, the residence provides exceptional walking distance access to local shops, schools, cafés, and everyday amenities.
- Generous floor area: Extending to approximately 1,510 square feet, the accommodation offers a spacious layout that comfortably accommodates families or those looking to downsize without compromising on room sizes.
- Historic walled garden: The grounds are uniquely set within what was formerly a historic walled garden, providing mature plantings, stone features, and an exceptionally private outdoor retreat.
- Excellent overall condition: The house is presented in pristine condition throughout with decorative attention to detail, meaning buyers can move in immediately without undertaking substantial preparatory renovations.
- Spacious reception room: The lounge features high ceilings, an open fireplace with a cast-iron surround, and sliding doors that open directly onto the rear garden, creating a bright and airy living space.
- Well-equipped kitchen and dining: The open-plan kitchen and dining area includes extensive cabinetry, a breakfast island, and dual aspect windows providing pleasant views over the front and rear gardens.
- Charming sunroom addition: A dedicated sunroom overlooks the rear garden with tiled flooring and direct outdoor access, offering a comfortable sun-lit spot to relax during warmer months.
- Convenient ground-floor bedroom: The inclusion of a downstairs double bedroom provides crucial flexibility for guests, multigenerational living, or future-proofing mobility needs for buyers.
- Dedicated utility room: A separate utility room is plumbed for laundry appliances and fitted with good storage cupboards, keeping noisy equipment out of the main kitchen area.
- Principal bedroom dressing area: The main upstairs bedroom benefits from a dedicated dressing area fitted with an extensive range of wardrobes and shelving, maximizing bedroom storage efficiency.
- Ensuite bathroom facilities: The primary bedroom includes a private ensuite featuring a bidet and an Aquastream Aqualisa power shower, adding daily convenience and privacy for occupants.
- Dual shower family bathroom: The main bathroom is exceptionally spacious, offering both a traditional bath with telephone shower attachment and a separate Triton T90sr electric shower.
- Abundant off-street parking: The gated entrance opens to a generous parking area capable of accommodating multiple vehicles, alongside designated visitor parking within the private enclave.
- Secure electronic gates: The development is accessed via electronic gates behind a charming old stone wall, providing an extra layer of physical security and vehicle access control.
- Bespoke entrance hallway: An impressively proportioned entrance hall features a bespoke staircase and decorative stained-glass windows, creating a grand and welcoming initial impression.
- Attic storage space: A large attic space is directly accessible from the main bathroom area, providing valuable surplus storage capacity for bulky household items and seasonal gear.
- Oil-fired central heating: The property is equipped with an established oil-fired central heating system, ensuring reliable thermal comfort throughout the colder winter months.
- Double glazed windows: All windows feature double glazing to improve thermal retention and help mitigate external street noise within the central town location.
- Broad purchaser appeal: The layout and prime location make this property exceptionally versatile, ensuring strong future resale or rental demand across families, investors, and downsizers.
But keep in mind:
- Energy rating limitations: The property holds a D1 BER rating, which indicates poor thermal efficiency and suggests that significant energy upgrades will be required to reduce heating costs.
- Upgrade capital expenditure: Bringing the building energy rating up to modern standards will likely require substantial financial investment in attic insulation, heating controls, or window retrofitting.
- Electric shower reliance: The main family bathroom relies on a Triton T90sr electric shower, which can consume significant electricity compared to pumped systems connected directly to a hot water cylinder.
- Single-pane aesthetic risks: The entrance porch features decorative stained-glass windows, which may lack modern double-glazing properties and could represent a thermal bridge or draft source.
- Gated development maintenance: Being part of an exclusive two-home gated development may entail shared informal maintenance agreements for electronic gates and common access areas.
- Historic wall maintenance: The historic stone wall surrounding the property adds great character but may require specialized stonemason repairs and ongoing upkeep by the owners over time.
- Oil heating volatility: Relying on an oil-fired central heating system exposes the occupant to fluctuating home heating oil prices and requires manual monitoring of fuel tank levels.
- Compact second bedroom: Bedroom two, while a functional double, has relatively compact proportions compared to the expansive principal suite, which might feel slightly tight for permanent twin occupancy.
- Ground floor bedroom scale: The third bedroom on the ground floor is relatively compact at approximately 2.9m by 3.05m, potentially limiting its use as a primary full-time double bedroom.
- Attic ladder requirement: The large attic space is accessed from the main bathroom rather than a dedicated landing hatch, which could make routine storage access awkward or inconvenient.
- Town centre noise potential: Despite the private development setting, proximity to the town centre and local amenities could occasionally introduce ambient traffic or pedestrian noise.
- Undeveloped attic utility: The large attic is described as ideal for storage, meaning buyers cannot easily convert it into habitable living space without substantial engineering work.
- Sunroom thermal fluctuation: Sunrooms often experience significant temperature swings, becoming very warm in summer and cool in winter unless effective secondary heating or shading is installed.
- Missing asking price: The listing does not state an asking price, requiring prospective buyers to engage directly with the auctioneer to determine the market value expectations.
- Exclusively detached pairing: The development consists of only two homes, meaning owners have very few neighbours to share potential estate management insights or collective repair costs.
- Garden maintenance demands: The extensive grounds featuring lawns, rockeries, and mature plantings will require regular gardening upkeep to prevent the landscape from becoming overgrown.
- Bidet space allocation: The ensuite includes a bidet which, while a luxury feature for some, permanently consumes valuable floor space that could otherwise be used for larger shower dimensions.
- Downstairs guest WC size: The ground-floor guest WC is relatively compact, providing basic facilities with a tight footprint that may feel restrictive for visiting guests.
- Potential boundary disputes: Buyers should carefully verify the exact legal boundaries and shared access rights associated with the electronic entrance gates and common parking zones.
- Future retrofit disruption: Undertaking insulation and energy efficiency works to improve the D1 rating will inevitably cause temporary domestic disruption and require careful contractor coordination.
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 three-bedroom home extending to approximately 140 square metres (1,510 sq. ft.) within an exclusive gated development of just two properties.
- Features include oil-fired central heating, double-glazed windows, a sunroom, and a converted-style layout with a ground-floor bedroom and three bathrooms.
- The setting is notable for being positioned within a historic walled garden, offering mature landscaping and privacy.
- A buyer should investigate the compliance and maintenance status of the shared or gated entrance, as well as any management structures in place for the two-home development.
- Given the D1 BER rating, a buyer should inspect the roof space, window seals, and overall insulation levels to identify potential areas for thermal improvement.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property currently holds a D1 BER rating, indicating that the thermal performance falls below modern standards and would benefit from a deep retrofit to achieve a B2 rating or higher.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit for a 140 square metre detached home typically costs between 35000 and 55000 euros, depending on the extent of works required.
- Key measures would likely include upgrading the existing oil-fired heating system to a more efficient renewable source such as a heat pump, improving attic and wall insulation, and potentially upgrading external doors or windows to enhance heat retention.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 1800 to 2200 euro.
- Explanation: This detached property has a floor area of approximately 140 square metres and a BER rating of D1, indicating moderate energy efficiency. Given the oil fired central heating system and typical winter weather conditions, heating costs will be higher than average compared to modern A-rated homes.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in an established residential and town-centre setting in Birr, appearing well removed from heavy industrial facilities, large-scale manufacturing sites, or active landfills.
- Any minor localized environmental concerns or historical land uses should be independently verified by the purchaser through local environmental searches.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property is situated in the heart of Birr within an established gated development, generally appearing removed from major river flood plains, though local drainage should be checked.
- Prospective buyers are advised to consult official OPW flood maps and carry out comprehensive flood risk assessments to verify local conditions.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
EMMET ST, BIRR, OFFALY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €130,000.00
27 EMMET ST, BIRR, OFFALY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €255,000.00
1 EMMET COURT, EMMET ST, BIRR
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €85,000.00
4 MINERAL WATER COURT, EMMET ST, BIRR
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €305,000.00
EMMET ST, BIRR, OFFALY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €160,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Birr area
CASTLETOWN, FORTAL, BIRR
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €350,000.00
CLONBRONE, FORTAL, BIRR
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €162,000.00
7 LISMOONEY COURT, KINNITY, BIRR
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €211,453.70
3 RIVERSIDE HOUSE, BIRR, COUNTY OFFALY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €200,000.00
14 BALLINCUR, KINNITY, BIRR
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €205,000.00
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
- Solicitor legal fees: approximately 1500 to 3000 euro plus outlay and VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately 600 to 800 euro depending on the property value.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 250 euro.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1200 euro depending on the depth of the survey required for a 140 square metre detached home.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 400 to 800 euro per year.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents in Birr frequently discuss local heritage conservation, noting the charm and appeal of the town's Georgian architecture and historic sites.
- Community forums often highlight local events and social gatherings centred around Emmet Square and the surrounding town centre.
- Local discussions touch upon the convenience of living within walking distance of Birr's main commercial streets, schools, and amenities.
- Traffic management and parking availability in central Birr are occasionally raised by locals on community social media pages.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children7/10
The property features three bedrooms, a secure gated environment, and enclosed lawned gardens suitable for young children. However, buyers should verify safety aspects of the internal layout and stairs.
- Teenagers7/10
With three bedrooms, generous living spaces including a large lounge and sunroom, and a central town location close to local amenities, this home offers good independence for teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living6/10
The inclusion of a ground-floor double bedroom and guest WC provides good accessibility options, though overall floor space may be limited for large multi-generational households.
- Single Buyers6/10
While spacious at 140 square metres, single buyers seeking a manageable yet exclusive home close to town amenities will find the gated setting appealing, though maintenance of the extensive gardens should be considered.
- Couples8/10
An exceptional three-bedroom detached residence with refined reception rooms, a master ensuite, and a tranquil walled garden offering a sophisticated environment for couples.
- Empty Nesters8/10
The property provides single-level sleeping options via the ground-floor bedroom and bathroom facilities, making it attractive for downsizers wanting a central location without sacrificing privacy.
- Retirees8/10
Benefit from a secure gated development, ground-floor bedroom convenience, and proximity to town centre amenities, though retirees should verify the long-term upkeep of the large private garden.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working8/10
The generous floor area of 140 square metres, a separate utility room, and quiet residential setting provide ample space to set up a comfortable home office environment.
- Hybrid Commuting6/10
Birr offers a central midlands base for regional travel, though buyers should verify public transport connectivity and commuting times to major employment hubs.
- Retired8/10
An ideal setup for retirees looking for a secure, low-density development with town-centre convenience and single-level living potential.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place8/10
Includes a ground-floor double bedroom, guest WC, and accessible layout options, making it well-suited for ageing in place with minor potential adaptations.
- Low Maintenance7/10
Presented in excellent condition throughout with double-glazed windows and oil-fired central heating, though the large landscaped gardens require ongoing maintenance.
- Secure Gated Entry10/10
Set behind electronic gates within an exclusive development comprising only two detached homes, offering exceptional privacy and security.
- Minimalist Design6/10
Features traditional architectural elements such as high ceilings, decorative cornicing, a dado rail, and a historic walled garden rather than ultra-minimalist modern styling.
- Flexible Floor Plans7/10
The 140 square metre layout includes a lounge, sunroom, kitchen/dining room, utility, and a ground-floor bedroom offering versatile living arrangements.
- Heritage Home8/10
Incorporates unique historic character, notably the setting within a former historic walled garden and charming decorative architectural details.
- Ecological Setup5/10
Equipped with standard oil-fired central heating and a BER rating of D1, indicating potential scope for future energy-efficiency upgrades.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Outstanding outdoor space featuring a large lawned front garden with parking, and beautifully landscaped side and rear gardens within a historic walled setting.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
A standout feature is the beautifully maintained garden set within a former historic walled garden, complete with mature planting, colourful shrubs, and feature rockeries.
- Walking8/10
Being situated right in the heart of Birr provides immediate access to local walking routes, heritage sites, and town amenities.
- Gym7/10
Proximity to local leisure facilities and town amenities ensures good access to fitness options, though there is no dedicated home gym space.
- Cycling7/10
The town-centre location allows for easy cycling around local roads and nearby heritage attractions, with secure parking available on site.
- Golf7/10
Birr Golf Club is located nearby, making this a convenient base for golf enthusiasts.
- Fishing6/10
The surrounding region offers access to local rivers and angling spots, though buyers should verify specific local permits and distances.
- Horse Riding5/10
Equestrian facilities are available in the broader County Offaly countryside, though not directly adjacent to the property.
- Water Sports3/10
Limited immediate water sports opportunities locally, though major lakes and rivers in the wider midlands region can be accessed by car.
- Entertaining9/10
Features a spacious lounge with sliding doors to the garden, a well-proportioned kitchen and dining area, a sunroom, and extensive outdoor lawn areas ideal for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Discreetly positioned off Emmet Square behind electronic gates and historic stone walls, the property offers a surprisingly peaceful and private retreat despite its central location.
- Rural Living3/10
Located in the heart of Birr town centre rather than a rural setting, though the mature historic walled garden provides a leafy, nature-focused atmosphere.
- Village Living7/10
Positioned just minutes from Birr Main Street, offering convenient access to local shops, cafés, and community services typical of a vibrant heritage town.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is located inland in County Offaly and has no proximity to coastal areas.
- Urban Living8/10
Excellent central town position offering walking-distance access to local conveniences, services, and leisure facilities.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement8/10
A central location in Birr encourages active participation in local heritage, community groups, and town events.
- Café Culture8/10
Minutes away from Birr Main Street, providing easy access to local cafés, restaurants, and social spots.
- Nightlife6/10
Proximity to town pubs and local venues offers convenient evening entertainment options within walking distance.
- Health/Wellness groups7/10
Good access to local health services, wellness groups, and community facilities in the town centre.
- Networking Opportunities5/10
While local business and community networking exists within the town, major corporate networking hubs require travel to larger cities.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity5/10
Buyers should verify local broadband speeds and digital infrastructure capacities for intensive tech-hub connectivity.
Listing information
- Agent
- Donal Boyd Auctioneers Ltd
- Phone
- 087 255 4412
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 24 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-833082HouseDelve · 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.