Photograph 1 of 28 of "Dolly's Cottage", Ballyvaloo, Blackwater, Wexford
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"Dolly's Cottage", Ballyvaloo, Blackwater, WexfordY21H864

€315,000

3 Bed~1 Bath~102 m²~BER D2

What you'll like:

  • Generous site size: The property sits on approximately 0.54 acres of mature grounds, providing ample outdoor space for families and gardening enthusiasts alike.
  • Proximity to beaches: The house is located within easy reach of several popular sandy beaches, offering wonderful opportunities for coastal walks and swimming year round.
  • Substantial detached workshop: Includes a large 46 square meter shed equipped with both electricity and water, making it ideal for hobbies or storage.
  • South facing garden: The rear garden and sunroom benefit from a desirable south orientation, maximizing natural light and warmth throughout the day.
  • Bright sunroom extension: An adjoining sunroom opens directly via French doors to the rear garden, creating a pleasant additional living and dining space.
  • Modernized kitchen space: The kitchen features recently resprayed contemporary cabinetry complemented by a marble worktop and Belfast sink, adding a touch of quality.
  • Included appliances: All kitchen appliances are included in the sale price, reducing immediate setup costs and inconvenience for incoming buyers.
  • Inviting sitting room: The main living room features a charming bay window and an open fireplace with a back boiler for alternative heating options.
  • Fiber broadband connectivity: Modern high speed fiber broadband is installed, which is a significant advantage for those who need to work remotely from home.
  • Outdoor garden room: A dedicated garden room sits within the mature grounds, providing a versatile independent space for relaxation or creative pursuits.
  • Side paddock area: The inclusion of a side paddock offers unique potential for small scale hobby farming, keeping pets, or expanding recreational grounds.
  • Recent oil tank upgrade: The oil fired central heating system benefits from a recently replaced oil tank, lowering near term capital maintenance liabilities for buyers.
  • Comfortable floor area: Extending to approximately 102 square meters, the layout provides well proportioned rooms suited for family living or a coastal retreat.
  • Mature landscaping: The grounds feature established gardens complete with apple trees, offering immediate privacy and character that new builds lack.
  • Tarmacadam driveway: A tidy tarmac driveway provides clean off street parking and easy vehicle turnaround space well clear of the main road.
  • Peaceful rural setting: Situated in the quiet countryside of Ballyvaloo, the location offers a tranquil escape from urban noise while remaining accessible.
  • Village convenience: The local amenities of Blackwater Village are within comfortable driving distance, ensuring daily essentials are never too far away.
  • Wexford town access: Wexford town is within a convenient driving radius for comprehensive shopping, healthcare, schools, and professional services.
  • Stable asking price: The asking price has remained stable at 315000 euros since tracking began, suggesting a consistent vendor expectation without erratic fluctuations.
  • Detached privacy: Being a detached home built in 1995, buyers will benefit from fewer shared boundary issues and better overall acoustic privacy.

But keep in mind:

  • Modest energy rating: The property carries a D2 BER rating, indicating that energy efficiency is suboptimal and heating costs could be relatively high.
  • Single bathroom constraint: There is only one family bathroom servicing all three bedrooms, which may cause morning congestion for larger households or guests.
  • Private septic tank: The home relies on a septic tank for wastewater, requiring the buyer to inspect its capacity and ensure current regulatory compliance.
  • Reliance on oil heating: The primary heating relies on oil fired central heating, exposing the household to volatile fossil fuel market price fluctuations.
  • Rural car dependency: The countryside location means residents will be entirely dependent on private vehicles for daily errands, school runs, and commuting.
  • Insulation upgrade needed: Achieving a comfortable modern warmth may require the buyer to invest in substantial attic or wall insulation upgrades.
  • Workshop structure check: The large 46 square meter shed should be inspected by a professional to verify structural integrity and electrical safety standards.
  • Boundary fence verification: The buyer should carefully check the legal mapping for the side paddock and garden to confirm exact boundary lines and ownership.
  • Back boiler efficiency: Using the open fireplace back boiler requires manual labor and should be checked for efficiency and safety by a certified plumber.
  • Roof and attic check: Built in 1995, the roof timbers and attic insulation should be thoroughly examined by a surveyor for any signs of wear or damp.
  • Window glazing age: Prospective buyers should check the age and thermal performance of the window joinery throughout the house to plan future replacements.
  • Septic tank maintenance: Owning a septic tank incurs periodic desludging costs and requires diligent management regarding what household products are washed down drains.
  • Surface water drainage: Given the large garden and rural site, the buyer should verify that surface water drains away efficiently without pooling near foundations.
  • Plumbing system age: Components like the Triton electric shower and internal pipework dating back decades should be tested for reliability and potential leaks.
  • Electrical compliance: The electrical distribution board and wiring should be professionally tested to ensure they meet contemporary safety standards and regulations.
  • Garden maintenance demands: A 0.54 acre site with mature trees and a side paddock requires significant ongoing weekend labor and gardening upkeep.
  • Limited public transport: There is a lack of robust local public transport infrastructure, making a car essential for every member of the household.
  • Potential damp risks: The presence of a sunroom and older extension points means flashing and seals should be inspected for any risk of water ingress.
  • Future retrofit costs: Upgrading the D2 energy rating to a modern sustainable standard will require a significant capital investment by the new owner.
  • Local planning restrictions: Being in a rural Wexford area, any future plans to extend the property may face strict local planning authority guidelines.

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 appears broadly in line, with a slight undervaluation signal.
  • The asking price of three hundred fifteen thousand euros appears broadly aligned with local market expectations, reflecting a balanced valuation for a detached rural home situated within close proximity to popular coastal amenities and sandy beaches in County Wexford.
  • Valuation signals are supported by generous site dimensions of over half an acre, a substantial detached workshop with utilities, and a south-facing rear sunroom, though tempered slightly by a moderate D2 building energy rating requiring future efficiency upgrades.
  • This price point could be supported by strong seasonal demand for coastal retreats and family residences in scenic areas, while potential downward pressure might stem from proximity to rural infrastructure limits and necessary modernisations to enhance overall living comfort.
  • Relevant contextual factors include stable pricing trends for detached rural properties in the wider locality, alongside well-proportioned interior accommodation featuring a recently updated kitchen that enhances immediate move-in appeal for prospective buyers.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a detached bungalow built in 1995, extending to approximately 102 sq.m on a 0.54-acre site.
  • Features oil-fired central heating with a new tank and an open fireplace featuring a back boiler in the sitting room.
  • Services include mains water and a private septic tank; a buyer should verify the registration, capacity, and condition of the septic tank system.
  • Includes substantial external structures, notably a c. 46 sq.m. shed/workshop with electricity and water, which a buyer should check for appropriate planning permission and compliance.
  • Given the 1995 construction date, a structural survey is recommended to assess insulation levels, roof space ventilation, and any potential dampness.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • The property has a D2 BER rating, indicating that the energy performance falls below current standards and a deep retrofit is advisable to improve comfort and reduce heating costs.
  • A comprehensive deep retrofit for a 102 sq.m. detached home—including upgraded external wall insulation, roof insulation, high-performance windows and doors, and possibly a renewable heating system such as a heat pump—is estimated to cost between €35,000 and €55,000, depending on contractor rates and the extent of fabric upgrades undertaken.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: €1,800 to €2,400
  • Explanation: Given the 102 square metre floor area and a D2 BER rating indicating moderate energy efficiency, heating will rely primarily on oil-fired central heating alongside the open fireplace with a back boiler.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in a predominantly rural coastal setting, appearing largely free from major industrial pollution sources, heavy manufacturing, or large-scale waste facilities.
  • Any historical or localized environmental concerns, such as the management of on-site services like septic tanks, should be verified through standard conveyancing and local environmental checks.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The setting near the Wexford coastline and local beaches means prospective buyers should review regional flood maps to understand localized surface water or coastal risks.
  • Elevated rural positioning generally reduces immediate riverine flood threats, though specific low-lying approach roads or localized drainage should be investigated as part of the survey.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estateExtra effort was used to find nearby sales here

  • BALLYVALOO, BLACKWATER, CO. WEXFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €150,000.00
  • 1 BALLYVALOO UPPER, BLACKWATER, WEXFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €310,000.00
  • LITTLE THATCH, BALLYVALLOO, BLACKWATER

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €160,000.00
  • SANDERLING, BALLYVALLOO, BLACKWATER

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €380,000.00
  • THE CART HOUSE, BALLYVALLOO, BLACKWATER

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €240,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Blackwater area

  • MARYVILLE, BLACKWATER, WEXFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €227,000.00
  • KNOCKNASILLOGUE, BLACKWATER, CO WEXFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €780,000.00
  • ARD NA MARA, BALLYCONNIGAR UPR, BLACKWATER

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €342,000.00
  • KILLAVILL HOUSE, INCH, BLACKWATER

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €450,000.00
  • 10 RIVERSIDE, BLACKWATER, WEXFORD

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €305,000.00

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: €3,150 — 1% of €315,000.
    ?
    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: €1,500 to €3,000
  • Land registration fees: €400 to €800
  • Property valuation fees: €150 to €300
  • Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,000
  • Annual home insurance: €400 to €700

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals and residents in the Blackwater and Ballyvaloo areas frequently highlight the peaceful, scenic countryside atmosphere paired with proximity to renowned coastline spots like Ballyvaloo Beach and Curracloe.
  • Community discussions often focus on the convenience of rural living while remaining within a comfortable driving distance of Wexford Town for broader amenities and services.
  • Property owners in the wider Wexford coastal region often note strong seasonal interest from holiday home seekers and retirees looking for detached properties with generous outdoor space.
  • Infrastructure conversations in rural parts of County Wexford typically center around the benefits of newly rolled-out fibre broadband and the maintenance of local rural road networks.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The generous 0.54-acre site with mature gardens, a side paddock, and a safe outdoor environment offers fantastic space for young children to play safely.

    8/10
  • Teenagers

    The detached 46 sq.m. shed/workshop and separate garden room provide excellent hobby spaces, though the rural location means teenagers will rely heavily on parents for transport to social activities.

    7/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    With 102 sq.m. across three bedrooms and one bathroom, the home is somewhat compact for extended multi-generational living, though the generous plot size offers potential for future extension subject to planning.

    5/10
  • Single Buyers

    Affordable relative to urban centers with an asking price of €315,000, though single buyers seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle may find the rural Blackwater setting too isolated.

    6/10
  • Couples

    An ideal coastal retreat for couples looking to enjoy country charm, proximity to beaches, and a peaceful environment with a home office or hobby potential.

    8/10
  • Empty Nesters

    A manageable single-story footprint of 102 sq.m. combined with wonderful gardens makes this a very attractive option for empty nesters downsizing from larger properties.

    8/10
  • Retirees

    Single-level accommodation and a tranquil rural setting suit retirees well, provided they are comfortable with rural driving and maintaining a larger 0.54-acre plot.

    8/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    Fibre broadband is connected, making remote work entirely viable from this peaceful country setting.

    8/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Feasible for hybrid workers commuting to Wexford town or further afield, though the rural location means travel times to major employment hubs should be factored in.

    6/10
  • Retired

    An exceptional layout and environment for those fully retired and looking to enjoy a slower pace of life near the coast.

    9/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    Single-story bungalow-style layout avoids interior stairs, though buyers should verify if minor modifications to doorways or the bathroom would be needed for long-term accessibility.

    8/10
  • Low Maintenance

    The house itself is a manageable 102 sq.m. with a D2 BER rating that may warrant future energy upgrades, while the 0.54-acre mature garden requires ongoing upkeep.

    6/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property features a tarmac driveway and generous grounds, but buyers should verify existing boundary security and gate installations.

    4/10
  • Minimalist Design

    Features traditional cottage and 1990s bungalow aesthetics, including an open fireplace and pitched roof lines, rather than ultra-minimalist architecture.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Good separation of living spaces with an open flow between the kitchen, dining room, and sunroom, alongside three well-proportioned bedrooms.

    7/10
  • Heritage Home

    Built in 1995, it is a modern detached home offering country charm rather than a protected historic period property.

    4/10
  • Ecological Setup

    Features a septic tank, mains water, and oil-fired central heating; buyers should investigate potential upgrades to improve the D2 BER rating and incorporate renewable energy.

    6/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Outstanding outdoor assets including a 0.54-acre site, south-facing rear garden, garden room, mature apple trees, and a substantial 46 sq.m. workshop with power and water.

    10/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    The c. 0.54-acre site includes mature gardens, apple trees, and ample space for dedicated horticultural projects or vegetable growing.

    9/10
  • Walking

    Fantastic opportunities for coastal and rural walks with nearby sandy beaches like Ballyvaloo and Curracloe providing miles of scenic terrain.

    9/10
  • Gym

    There is no commercial gym on the doorstep, though the 46 sq.m. shed provides ample indoor floor space to set up a private home gym.

    4/10
  • Cycling

    Quiet country roads surrounding Ballyvaloo offer pleasant cycling routes, though riders should account for local rural traffic conditions.

    7/10
  • Golf

    While local golf courses in Co. Wexford are within driving distance, there are none immediately adjacent to the property.

    6/10
  • Fishing

    The coastal location offers excellent proximity to sea fishing spots along the Wexford coastline.

    8/10
  • Horse Riding

    The inclusion of a side paddock and the rural countryside setting make this a strong option for equestrian enthusiasts, subject to setting up appropriate stables.

    8/10
  • Water Sports

    Proximity to Curracloe and local sandy beaches makes this an exceptional base for swimming, surfing, and other coastal water activities.

    9/10
  • Entertaining

    The flow from the kitchen/dining room into the sunroom and out to the south-facing rear garden, alongside a garden room, provides great hosting spaces.

    8/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Set in the peaceful countryside at Ballyvaloo with mature private grounds, offering a remarkably quiet and tranquil living environment.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    Features a country setting with a side paddock, mature gardens with apple trees, and a substantial workshop, perfectly capturing rural life.

    9/10
  • Village Living

    Located within easy reach of Blackwater Village for everyday local amenities, striking a nice balance between countryside and community access.

    7/10
  • Coastal Living

    Superb proximity to the Wexford coastline, with Ballyvaloo Beach, Ballinesker Beach, and Curracloe Beach all within easy reach.

    9/10
  • Urban Living

    Very low urban connectivity as the property is deeply rooted in a rural, coastal countryside setting rather than a town or city center.

    3/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Proximity to Blackwater Village allows residents to easily integrate into local community groups, clubs, and village life.

    7/10
  • Café Culture

    Limited café options directly outside the door, requiring a short drive to Blackwater Village or larger towns for a thriving café scene.

    5/10
  • Nightlife

    True rural setting with minimal nightlife options locally, though traditional village pubs can be found nearby.

    3/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Local wellness activities are primarily community-led or require traveling into nearby towns, though the natural surroundings naturally support outdoor wellness.

    5/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking is minimal in this rural location, making it much better suited for remote corporate workers or retirees.

    3/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    While fibre broadband is present for home offices, there are no physical tech hubs in the immediate rural vicinity.

    4/10

Listing information

Agent
Kehoe & Associates
Phone
053 9144393
Published on HouseDelve
11 October 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-FE63B4HouseDelve · 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.