Photograph 1 of 26 of Derrylea, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan
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Derrylea, Ballyjamesduff, Co. CavanA82AX28

€800,000

3 Bed~1 Bath~96 m²~BER G

What you'll like:

  • Substantial land holding: The property includes approximately 24.85 hectares or 61.40 acres of agricultural land, providing exceptional scale for farming operations or a large country estate.
  • Multiple distinct lots: The holding is offered in various lots, giving buyers incredible flexibility to acquire just the farmhouse, specific land parcels, or the entire estate.
  • Modern slatted shed: Includes a modern three-bay single slatted shed which is exceptionally useful for the efficient housing and handling of livestock right from day one.
  • Excellent road frontage: The lands and lots benefit from extensive public road frontage and accessibility, ensuring smooth movement for agricultural machinery and potential future access points.
  • Traditional farmhouse charm: The c.1900s detached two-storey dwelling features mature trees and private grounds, creating a tranquil setting with significant long-term potential after modernization.
  • Derelict cottage potential: Features a traditional derelict cottage with stone outbuildings that offer an exciting restoration or conversion project, subject to securing the necessary planning permissions.
  • Convenient local access: Positioned just approximately 2.5 kilometres west of Ballyjamesduff, the property provides easy access to established everyday town amenities, services, and local schools.
  • Strong commuting links: Located just off the R194 Ballyjamesduff to Granard road, ensuring straightforward regional connectivity for travel and transporting farm produce to wider markets.
  • Defined land divisions: The agricultural acreage is laid out in several well-defined divisions, making it ideally suited for efficient rotational grazing and modern grassland management practices.
  • Included bog plots: The property includes two additional bog plots situated in Kilcogy, which can provide a traditional source of turf or valuable local peatland resource.
  • Agricultural outbuildings: A collection of useful traditional and functional outbuildings accompanies the main residence, offering great versatility for hobby farming, workshops, or secure storage.
  • Development potential: The generous 0.25-hectare grounds around the main farmhouse provide ample outdoor space for potential future extensions or ancillary development, subject to planning.
  • Independent yard access: The farmyard benefits from independent access via the L7072 public road, keeping heavy agricultural traffic separate from the main residential entrance.
  • Versatile land use: The lands are suitable for a wide variety of agricultural uses ranging from intensive livestock grazing to silage production or general tillage ventures.
  • Privacy and maturity: The mature hedgerows and established trees surrounding the various structures provide natural shelter, privacy, and an established countryside aesthetic rarely found in new builds.
  • Established farming area: Located in a well-regarded rural farming community in County Cavan, surrounded by active agricultural enterprises and supportive local farming infrastructure.
  • Scalable investment: Buying the entire holding allows an investor or progressive farmer to immediately control a substantial agricultural block with multiple income or housing assets.
  • Renovation grants opportunity: Derelict structures on site may potentially qualify for government vacant property refurbishment grants, helping to offset the heavy costs of comprehensive restoration works.
  • Compact yard layout: The farmyard is centrally arranged around the primary slatted shed, ensuring daily feeding and livestock management tasks can be performed with maximum operational efficiency.
  • Clear folio divisions: The land holdings are properly mapped across distinct folios, which should help streamline the legal conveyancing process for the buyer's solicitor.

But keep in mind:

  • Extremely poor BER: The dwelling carries a G energy rating with a very high energy performance indicator of 661.68, meaning a buyer must budget for an extensive, costly energy retrofit.
  • Derelict building condition: The separate cottage is described as derelict and requires complete renovation, which involves substantial capital expenditure and complex project management oversight.
  • Heating and insulation: Due to its c.1900s construction and low energy rating, the main house likely lacks modern wall insulation, double glazing, and efficient central heating systems.
  • Wastewater treatment unknown: The listing provides no details regarding the septic tank or private wastewater treatment system, requiring rigorous inspection to ensure current environmental compliance.
  • Private water supply risks: Buyers should thoroughly investigate whether the property relies on a private well and test its water quality, pressure, and general reliability.
  • Planning restrictions risk: Securing planning permission to renovate the derelict cottage or build on the lands is not guaranteed and requires careful local authority pre-planning consultation.
  • Agricultural lease encumbrances: Prospective buyers must verify if any portion of the 61.40 acres is currently subject to seasonal grazing leases or agricultural tenancies.
  • Shed structural compliance: The modern slatted shed should be independently inspected by an agricultural engineer to verify structural integrity, slurry storage capacity, and environmental standards.
  • Boundary fence maintenance: Extensive acreage means miles of traditional boundaries and hedgerows will require significant ongoing maintenance and fencing investment to contain livestock safely.
  • High capital outlay: At an asking price of €800,000 for the entire holding, buyers face a major financial commitment alongside subsequent heavy investment for upgrades and repairs.
  • Lot sales competition: Because the property is offered in multiple lots, interested buyers of the entire holding face the risk of competing against parties bidding for individual sections.
  • Title and rights of way: Legal due diligence must carefully examine all rights of way, wayleaves, and access paths associated with the various folios and bog plots in Kilcogy.
  • Outbuilding asbestos presence: Older agricultural outbuildings and farm structures may contain asbestos roofing materials, requiring specialist professional removal and safe disposal budgeting.
  • Surface water drainage: Low-lying or heavy Cavan soils across parts of the 61.40 acres may require additional field drainage improvements to prevent winter waterlogging and extend the grazing season.
  • Road safety considerations: The extensive road frontage onto busy local routes means buyers must plan safe vehicular access points with adequate sightlines for heavy farm machinery.
  • Rural isolation security: The remote nature of the outbuildings and derelict cottage increases vulnerability to rural crime, necessitating investment in security lighting and robust boundary gates.
  • Renovation inflation costs: Construction inflation and labor shortages in the current market could cause significant cost overruns when attempting to modernize both the house and outbuildings.
  • Single bathroom limitation: The 96-square-meter main residence features only one bathroom, which will likely need expanding or updating to meet modern family living expectations.
  • Lack of structural disclosures: The untrusted listing data omits detailed structural surveys, meaning buyers must commission comprehensive independent building surveys for all habitable and ruined structures.
  • Future proofing costs: Bringing a G-rated 1900s farmhouse up to a modern BER standard will require deep retrofitting including heat pumps, solar panels, and extensive external insulation.

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 strongly overvalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price appears ambitious when evaluating the combined scale of over sixty acres, a traditional dwelling, a derelict cottage, and modern farm infrastructure against typical regional agricultural and rural residential asset benchmarks.
  • Under-valuation signals are absent given the extensive capital expenditure required for deep energy retrofitting and structural renovation, whereas over-valuation risks stem from premium pricing applied to large multi-lot land assemblages.
  • The asking price could be strongly supported if competitive bidding from active local farmers materializes for individual land parcels, though it could be significantly undermined by the severe energy rating liability of the main dwelling.
  • Relevant considerations include the flexibility of purchasing the holding in multiple distinct lots versus acquiring the entire property, alongside potential planning complexities associated with modernizing both the farmhouse and secondary structures.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The main farmhouse was built circa the 1900s as a traditional two-storey detached dwelling extending to approximately 96 sq. m., meaning a buyer should investigate the structural integrity, damp proofing, insulation levels, and overall condition of the older fabric.
  • The property includes a range of traditional outbuildings, a hay shed, and a separate derelict cottage, which present significant restoration or redevelopment potential subject to necessary planning permission.
  • A buyer should verify the status, compliance, and structural condition of all outbuildings, as well as the septic tank and private water supply arrangements typical of older rural properties.
  • Given the G energy rating, a comprehensive survey regarding ventilation, roof condition, and potential rising or penetrating damp is strongly advised.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • The property has a G BER rating and an energy performance indicator of 661.68 kWh/m²/yr, indicating that the dwelling has extremely poor thermal performance and lacks modern insulation, heating, and double glazing.
  • Bringing a 96 sq. m. traditional c.1900s farmhouse up to a modern B2 BER standard typically requires extensive intervention, including comprehensive external wall insulation or internal drylining, roof insulation, floor insulation, installation of a modern renewable heating system (such as a heat pump), and high-performance double or triple-glazed windows and doors.
  • Estimated deep-retrofit costs for a property of this size and poor energy rating generally range from €50,000 to €80,000 or more, depending on the extent of structural repairs required for an older building and potential grant supports available through SEAI.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: €3,500 to €5,000+ per year. Explanation: The property has a G BER rating and a floor area of 96 m², indicating very poor energy efficiency and high thermal loss. Heating costs will be exceptionally high unless substantial insulation and energy upgrades are undertaken.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is situated in a rural agricultural setting in County Cavan, appearing well removed from major industrial plants, heavy manufacturing, or large-scale waste incineration facilities.
  • Any historical or localized agricultural waste management should be independently verified by prospective buyers during standard due diligence.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The holding is primarily agricultural land and elevated rural grounds, with a generally low apparent risk of widespread structural flooding based on regional topography.
  • Certain lower-lying agricultural divisions or bog plots included in the wider holding should be inspected for seasonal water retention or localized drainage patterns.

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 Ballyjamesduff area

  • KILMORE, BALLYJAMESDUFF, CO. CAVAN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €142,500.00
  • 38 OAKLANDS PARK BALLYJAMESDUFF, BALLYJAMESDUFF, CAVAN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €268,000.00
  • FINTAVIN, BALLYJAMESDUFF, CAVAN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €586,425.00
  • 5 COURT CRESCENT, VIRGINIA RD, BALLYJAMESDUFF

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €240,000.00
  • 23 OAKLANDS PARK, BALLYJAMESDUFF, CAVAN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €300,000.00

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 €80,000 based on the 10 percent non-residential or mixed-use rate for agricultural land and farms, or 1 percent to 2 percent if applicable to the residential portion only, which the buyer should verify with their solicitor.
  • Solicitor legal fees: Between €2,000 and €4,000 plus VAT and outlays, depending on the complexity of the title and multi-lot agricultural conveyancing.
  • Land registration fees: Approximately €600 to €800 for registering multiple folios and property mapping.
  • Property valuation fees: Around €150 to €300 for a standard mortgage valuation report.
  • Surveyor fees: Between €1,500 and €3,000 plus VAT due to the extensive acreage, farm buildings, and structural assessments required for a G-rated traditional farmhouse.
  • Annual home insurance: Approximately €800 to €1,500, varying significantly depending on the vacant or occupied status, age, and condition of the traditional structures.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in the Ballyjamesduff area frequently discuss the strong community spirit and the convenience of being close to local amenities while enjoying a countryside setting.
  • Agricultural and farming communities in County Cavan often share insights on land management, livestock handling facilities, and local mart updates via regional forums.
  • Discussions around rural properties often highlight the potential and challenges of renovating traditional farmhouses and older cottages with poor energy ratings.
  • Road maintenance and accessibility of rural secondary routes like the L7072 are occasional topics of interest among residents in outlying townlands.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The generous outdoor space and rural setting offer a safe and natural environment for young children to play, though the proximity to working agricultural land requires supervision.

    6/10
  • Teenagers

    While the property provides plenty of space for hobbies and outdoor activities, its rural location means teenagers may find it isolated from town-based amenities and public transport.

    5/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The inclusion of multiple lots, a traditional farmhouse, a derelict cottage with restoration potential, and extensive acreage offers strong potential for multi-generational living arrangements, subject to planning permissions.

    6/10
  • Single Buyers

    A large farm holding with extensive acreage is likely too vast and labor-intensive for a single buyer unless they specifically intend to run an agricultural enterprise.

    3/10
  • Couples

    Suited for couples looking for a substantial rural project or farming lifestyle, but the scale of the land and the need for significant renovations on parts of the holding require a strong shared commitment.

    5/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Provides a peaceful countryside retreat with great potential for gardening and quiet living, though the maintenance associated with a large holding and older buildings should be carefully considered.

    5/10
  • Retirees

    The tranquil setting is attractive for retirement, but the demanding maintenance of a traditional farmhouse, outbuildings, and extensive grounds may prove challenging over time.

    4/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    Provides a quiet environment ideal for a home office, but buyers should verify local broadband speeds and connectivity capabilities.

    5/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    The rural location in County Cavan makes regular commuting to major employment hubs like Dublin impractical for a standard hybrid work schedule.

    3/10
  • Retired

    Well-suited for active retirees interested in hobby farming, gardening, or managing a countryside estate, provided they are prepared for property upkeep.

    7/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    The two-story farmhouse layout with stairs and the extensive maintenance required across a large farm holding make it less than ideal for ageing in place without significant adaptation.

    4/10
  • Low Maintenance

    With a G-rated energy profile, a traditional c.1900s farmhouse requiring updates, a derelict cottage, outbuildings, and over 61 acres of land, this property demands high ongoing maintenance.

    1/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Benefiting from good road frontage and independent access points, though formal secure gated entry systems would need to be installed by the buyer.

    4/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The property features traditional, rustic architecture rather than clean, modern minimalist lines.

    3/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    The farmhouse has a standard three-bedroom layout, but the additional outbuildings and derelict cottage offer substantial scope for creative redevelopment and flexible future use subject to planning.

    5/10
  • Heritage Home

    Built in the 1900s, the traditional farmhouse and stone outbuildings possess genuine historical character and rural heritage appeal.

    8/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The extensive agricultural lands, mature trees, hedgerows, and bog plots offer natural ecological value, though the current G BER rating indicates poor energy efficiency requiring substantial upgrades.

    6/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Features an expansive 24.85 hectares (61.40 acres) of grazing lands, mature grounds around the farmhouse, traditional outbuildings, and a hay shed.

    10/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    Generous grounds around the farmhouse framed by mature trees offer vast potential for extensive landscaping, vegetable gardens, and horticultural projects.

    9/10
  • Walking

    The extensive private lands and surrounding quiet country roads provide ample opportunities for walking and exploring the local rural landscape.

    8/10
  • Gym

    There are no commercial fitness facilities nearby, meaning residents would need to set up a home gym in one of the outbuildings.

    2/10
  • Cycling

    The surrounding regional and local roads offer scenic routes for cycling enthusiasts, though care must be taken on rural stretches.

    7/10
  • Golf

    Rural County Cavan features some regional golf courses, but players will need to travel a moderate distance from this location.

    4/10
  • Fishing

    County Cavan is renowned for its lakelands and angling opportunities, offering reasonable access to fishing spots in the wider region.

    6/10
  • Horse Riding

    With over 61 acres of land, traditional outbuildings, and suitable terrain, the property is exceptionally well-suited for keeping horses and equestrian pursuits.

    9/10
  • Water Sports

    Lacking immediate access to major water sports facilities, though regional lakes offer basic recreational boating and water activities.

    3/10
  • Entertaining

    The spacious grounds and outdoor areas provide a lovely backdrop for hosting gatherings, though the interior living space of the 96 m² farmhouse is relatively modest.

    6/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Set amidst mature trees and open countryside, the property offers an exceptionally peaceful and private rural environment away from urban noise.

    10/10
  • Rural Living

    This is a quintessential rural holding featuring a traditional farmhouse, outbuildings, a derelict cottage, and over 60 acres of working agricultural land.

    10/10
  • Village Living

    Located approximately 2.5 km from the market town of Ballyjamesduff, providing convenient access to local everyday services while maintaining a countryside feel.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    The property is located inland in County Cavan and is entirely landlocked with no proximity to the coast.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    Situated in a strictly rural agricultural area far removed from city centers or urban environments.

    1/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Proximity to Ballyjamesduff allows for active participation in local community groups, sports clubs, and rural organizations.

    7/10
  • Café Culture

    Local amenities in nearby Ballyjamesduff include traditional cafes and pubs, but vibrant cafe culture is limited compared to larger urban centers.

    4/10
  • Nightlife

    Nightlife options are minimal locally, restricted mainly to local town pubs rather than clubs or evening entertainment venues.

    2/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Access to organized wellness classes or health groups will typically require traveling into the nearby town or regional center.

    4/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    The rural agricultural setting offers very few professional networking opportunities outside of local farming circles.

    2/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    There are no tech hubs in the immediate vicinity, making this location entirely dependent on remote digital connectivity.

    1/10

Listing information

Agent
Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods
Phone
049 438 0038
Published on HouseDelve
13 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-4B1AA1HouseDelve · 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.