Photograph 1 of 23 of Druids Cottage, Calary Lower, Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow
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Druids Cottage, Calary Lower, Kilmacanogue, Co. WicklowA98H584

€295,000

2 Bed~2 Bath~BER G

What you'll like:

  • Attractive Asking Price: The competitive entry price of €295,000 provides an accessible entry point for buyers looking to purchase a detached home in County Wicklow.
  • Generous Floor Area: Spanning approximately 197 square meters, the two-bedroom detached house offers ample spatial potential for a creative architectural redesign.
  • Sought After Location: Situated roughly 7km from Greystones, 4km from Kilmacanogue, and 9km from Bray, the property combines rural tranquility with urban convenience.
  • Picturesque Mountain Setting: Nestled directly at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, the property offers stunning natural scenery and a peaceful, scenic environment.
  • Detached Privacy: Unlike semi-detached or terraced options, this standalone house ensures greater acoustic privacy and independence from immediate neighbors.
  • Vacant Possession: The property is offered with vacant possession, streamlining the closing process and allowing immediate access for contractors and project planning.
  • Garden Space Included: Featuring a rear garden, the plot gives owners an opportunity to design private outdoor living spaces and landscaped garden retreats.
  • Off Street Parking: The provision of dedicated off-street parking adds everyday convenience and security for residents and visiting guests alike.
  • Refurbishment Blank Canvas: Being sold as a refurbishment opportunity allows buyers to customize every finish, layout detail, and modern amenity to personal tastes.
  • Strong Capital Growth: Transforming a run-down property in a high-demand commuter region can yield significant long-term value appreciation upon completion.
  • Commuter Friendly Proximity: Close driving distances to major regional hubs ensure that future residents can easily commute to Dublin via nearby transport corridors.
  • Scenic Coastal Access: Short drives to coastal towns like Greystones and Bray provide future occupants with ready access to beaches, harbors, and seaside dining.
  • Outdoor Recreation Proximity: Immediate access to the Wicklow Mountains creates endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts.
  • Independent Utility Setup: Owning a standalone rural cottage allows for straightforward implementation of modern independent heating and micro-generation technologies.
  • No Onward Chain: Vacant possession minimizes the typical friction and lengthy delays associated with complex property chains involving dependent sellers.
  • Development Potential: The substantial footprint leaves room for creative spatial reconfigurations, potentially optimizing the two-bedroom layout for modern open-plan living.
  • Established Neighborhood Context: Located in a recognized residential pocket of Calary Lower, ensuring a charming countryside community feel close to amenities.
  • Investment Upside: Low acquisition cost relative to floor size means that well-managed renovation budgets can result in high equity multiples.
  • Private Countryside Living: Enjoy freedom from urban noise pollution while remaining within comfortable striking distance of major commercial and retail centers.
  • Flexible Phased Works: Buyers can potentially inhabit or stage construction phases logically, making the project manageable for owner-occupier renovators.

But keep in mind:

  • Poor Energy Rating: The property carries a very inefficient G BER rating, indicating severe thermal leakage and high baseline energy consumption.
  • Extensive Renovation Required: Listed strictly as a refurbishment opportunity, the dwelling will demand comprehensive structural and cosmetic capital investment before occupation.
  • Heavy Retrofit Costs: Bringing the thermal envelope up to modern standards from a G rating will incur substantial insulation, glazing, and heating upgrade expenses.
  • Unverified Internal Condition: Because the property was not internally inspected by marketing agents, hidden structural flaws or damp issues may exist.
  • Unverified Floor Area Accuracy: The stated 197 square meters is based on vendor information rather than independent measurement, requiring professional verification.
  • Heating System Overhaul: A G-rated building likely features obsolete or dysfunctional heating infrastructure, necessitating a complete modern central heating installation.
  • Potential Structural Deficits: Older rural cottages undergoing heavy refurbishment frequently encounter timber rot, roof leaks, or substandard historic extensions.
  • Wastewater Treatment Verification: Buyers must investigate the status of septic tanks or local sewage systems to ensure compliance with modern environmental regulations.
  • Water Supply Due Diligence: Rural locations in Wicklow frequently rely on private wells or local spring sources that require rigorous water quality testing.
  • Planning Permission Complexities: Any major structural alterations or extensions in a rural scenic zone will require careful navigation of local planning guidelines.
  • High Finishing Budgets: Revamping an entire 197 sqm footprint will involve significant expenditure on kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and rewiring.
  • Access and Road Conditions: Rural approach roads in Calary Lower can be narrow or winding, potentially complicating heavy plant machinery access during renovations.
  • Potential Insulation Deficiencies: Traditional walls and roofs may lack cavity insulation, requiring expensive internal or external dry-lining solutions.
  • Electrical Safety Inspection: Older vacant properties often feature outdated wiring systems that fail modern safety codes and need complete replacement.
  • Window and Door Replacement: Single-glazed or rotting timber joinery will likely need total replacement to eliminate drafts and improve thermal performance.
  • Vermin and Damp Risk: Prolonged vacancy can lead to severe moisture accumulation, mold growth, and potential pest infestations requiring specialist remediation.
  • Uncertain Insurance Terms: Insuring a vacant property with a G BER rating and heavy refurbishment needs can attract higher premiums or restricted coverage.
  • Local Authority Levies: Extensive rebuilding works might trigger local council development contributions or stringent building control compliance fees.
  • Commuter Transport Dependency: Public transport options from Calary Lower are sparse, meaning future occupants will rely entirely on private vehicles.
  • Online Auction Pressure: Selling via an online platform like BidX1 requires strict pre-auction legal vetting, secured financing, and non-refundable deposit 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 moderately undervalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The property carries an asking price of €295,000 for a detached two-bedroom house requiring substantial refurbishment and layout updates across its floor area.
  • Comparative market indicators and prior price positioning for this specific asset previously pointed toward a higher guide level around €400,000.
  • The poor energy efficiency indicated by a G BER rating entails considerable capital expenditure for a buyer to achieve acceptable modern standards.
  • Given the substantial discount relative to initial guide expectations and local property values, prospective purchasers should investigate structural integrity.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a detached two-story cottage spanning approximately 197 sq. m (2,120 sq. ft) and is offered as a refurbishment opportunity, indicating that it has been vacant and may suffer from structural neglect, damp, or outdated systems.
  • Given the G BER rating and the detached nature of the building, a buyer should thoroughly investigate the condition of the external walls, roof structure, and windows, as they likely lack modern insulation and airtightness.
  • As the interior was not inspected or measured by the selling agents, a comprehensive structural survey is essential to identify hidden defects, dry or wet rot, and the integrity of the ground and upper floors beneath the pitched roof.
  • The buyer should verify compliance with local planning and building regulations for any previous extensions or modifications, especially given its rural setting near the Wicklow Mountains.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • Bringing a G-rated property of approximately 197 sq. m up to a modern, energy-efficient standard (such as a B2 BER or higher) requires an extensive deep retrofit.
  • Estimated costs typically range from €50,000 to €90,000+ depending on the extent of internal stripping required, and would involve comprehensive external wall insulation or internal dry-lining, attic and roof insulation, window and exterior door replacements, and the installation of a low-carbon heating system like a heat pump along with ventilation upgrades.
  • While SEAI grants can offset a portion of these capital expenses, a buyer should budget for significant expenditure due to the large floor area and poor baseline energy performance.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: Between €7,000 and €10,000+ per year.
  • Explanation: The property carries a G Building Energy Rating, which indicates severe energy inefficiency and high heat loss. Given the stated floor area of approximately 197 sq. m (2,120 sq. ft), a G rating implies high specific energy consumption per square meter. Because the property is noted as a refurbishment opportunity requiring significant upgrades, actual heating costs will remain exceptionally high until comprehensive retrofitting—such as insulation, window replacement, and heating system modernization—is carried out.

Pollution Safe

8/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is situated in a scenic, mountainous rural area of County Wicklow characterized by low industrial density and general freedom from heavy commercial pollution sources.
  • Buyers should verify local septic tank registration compliance and check for any legacy agricultural runoff concerns typical of rural countryside settings.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • Mapping models generally place elevated inland rural locations like Calary Lower outside of primary flood-risk zones, reflecting a low apparent risk of fluvial or coastal flooding.
  • Buyers should verify localized surface water drainage patterns during periods of heavy rainfall, given the sloping topography at the foot of the mountains.

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 Kilmacanogue area

  • 8 THE LODGE, LOCKEY VALLEY CRESCENT, KILMACANOGUE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €440,000.00
  • JACKS HOLLOW, POWERSCOURT PADDOCK, KILMACANOGUE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €1,028,000.00
  • THE MEWS, KILMURRY GROVE, KILMACANOGUE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €144,400.00
  • 50 ROCKFIELD PARK, KILMACANOGUE, WICKLOW

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €421,000.00
  • 3 THE STABLES, KILMURRY GROVE, KILMACANOGUE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €115,520.00

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 €2,950, calculated as 1% of the €295,000 asking price for residential property in Ireland.
  • Solicitor legal fees: Generally range from €1,500 to €3,000 (plus 23% VAT and outlays/search fees) for standard residential conveyancing.
  • Land registration fees: Around €400 to €800 depending on the property value and registration type with Tailte Éireann.
  • Property valuation fees: Typically between €150 and €300 if required for mortgage purposes.
  • Surveyor fees: Roughly €350 to €600 depending on whether you opt for a standard structural survey or a more detailed inspection.
  • Annual home insurance: Generally ranges from €400 to €800 per year depending on the rebuilding cost, coverage level, and location.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Local community groups and buyer forums frequently highlight rural properties near Calary and Kilmacanogue as attractive for scenic, mountain-foot lifestyle settings while noting that older detached houses often require extensive structural and energy retrofitting due to low BER ratings.
  • Discussions regarding the wider Kilmacanogue and Bray commuter belt emphasize strong demand for detached character homes, though prospective buyers often exchange advice on navigating rural wastewater treatment systems and local road access conditions.
  • Property commentators note that homes requiring total modernization, such as rural cottage fixer-uppers in Wicklow, typically attract competitive interest via online auction platforms when priced below regional medians.
  • Local residents frequently share updates on regional planning applications, emphasizing the strict enforcement of county guidelines regarding rural housing design and environmental preservation near the Wicklow Mountains.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property features a rear garden and a scenic rural setting, but requires extensive refurbishment due to its G BER rating, meaning buyers with young children should verify the safety and heating conditions before moving in.

    4/10
  • Teenagers

    Located remotely in Calary Lower near the Wicklow Mountains, teenagers would likely find it isolated with limited access to public transport or local youth amenities.

    3/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    With only two bedrooms and approximately 2,120 sq. ft. of space requiring a full refurbishment project, accommodating multiple generations would be difficult without major reconfiguration.

    3/10
  • Single Buyers

    Offering an attractive price point of €295,000 for a detached home, it suits single buyers looking for a project, though the heavy renovation needed must be factored in.

    5/10
  • Couples

    A great fixer-upper opportunity for couples wanting a picturesque rural retreat near the Wicklow Mountains, provided they have the budget and time for major upgrades.

    6/10
  • Empty Nesters

    The peaceful, scenic location suits empty nesters looking to downsize to a detached cottage, though the G energy rating and necessary renovation works require careful management.

    5/10
  • Retirees

    While the rural quietness is appealing, the heavy refurbishment required and potential isolation in Calary Lower mean retirees should carefully consider accessibility to medical and daily services.

    4/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The rural seclusion is ideal for working from home in a quiet environment, though buyers should verify local broadband availability and connection speeds.

    6/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Located approximately 7km from Greystones and 4km from Kilmacanogue, commuting is feasible via car or nearby transport links, though heavily reliant on driving.

    5/10
  • Retired

    A peaceful escape for retirees, though the extensive modernization needed for a G-rated property should be factored into retirement plans.

    7/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    The property has an upper floor and requires heavy refurbishment, meaning significant adaptation would be required to make it suitable for ageing in place.

    4/10
  • Low Maintenance

    With a G BER rating and described explicitly as a 'refurbishment opportunity', maintenance and upgrade requirements will be high initially.

    2/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property offers off-street parking, but there is no mention of a secure gated entry system.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    A traditional detached two-bedroom cottage structure rather than a modern minimalist build, though a blank canvas for a redesign.

    4/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Spanning approximately 2,120 sq. ft. across two floors, the generous scale gives buyers a lot of structural room to alter the layout during renovations.

    5/10
  • Heritage Home

    While presenting as a traditional cottage style at the foot of the mountains, buyers should verify if any specific historical or structural preservation constraints apply.

    6/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The property currently holds a G BER rating (517.41 kWh/m2/yr), indicating poor energy efficiency and requiring extensive green retrofitting.

    1/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Features a garden to the rear and off-street parking, complemented by an exceptional natural backdrop at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains.

    7/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    Includes a garden to the rear and a picturesque mountain setting, providing ample outdoor space for enthusiastic gardeners to redesign.

    8/10
  • Walking

    Positioned right at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, opening up an abundance of scenic walking and hiking trails nearby.

    9/10
  • Gym

    Commercial fitness facilities and gyms are located further away in nearby towns like Greystones or Bray rather than within immediate walking distance.

    3/10
  • Cycling

    The scenic country roads around the Wicklow foothills offer great routes for experienced cyclists, though traffic-free cycle lanes are limited locally.

    7/10
  • Golf

    Several golf courses are accessible within a reasonable drive across County Wicklow and North County Dublin.

    6/10
  • Fishing

    Proximity to local rivers and the east coast provides decent options for fishing enthusiasts willing to travel short distances.

    6/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural Wicklow setting is traditionally popular for equestrian activities, with stables and hacking trails located in the wider region.

    8/10
  • Water Sports

    Coastal towns such as Greystones and Bray offer water sports facilities, but they require a short drive from the property.

    5/10
  • Entertaining

    The house provides a rear garden and off-street parking, but its current interior state requires substantial refurbishment before it is suitable for hosting guests.

    5/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated in a picturesque setting at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, the location offers exceptional peace, privacy, and low ambient noise.

    10/10
  • Rural Living

    Deeply rural location in Calary Lower, surrounded by the natural landscape of the Wicklow Mountains.

    10/10
  • Village Living

    Kilmacanogue is approximately 4km away, offering close proximity to small village amenities and community features.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    Greystones and Bray are within a short driving distance (roughly 7km and 9km respectively), giving reasonable access to coastal environments.

    5/10
  • Urban Living

    The property is entirely rural and distant from major urban centers, offering virtually no city-style convenience on the doorstep.

    2/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    While Calary Lower is quiet, nearby Kilmacanogue and surrounding communities offer active local groups and community events.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Local café options are minimal right outside the door, requiring a drive into Kilmacanogue, Greystones, or Bray for a wider selection.

    4/10
  • Nightlife

    There is virtually no nightlife in the immediate rural vicinity; residents must travel to nearby towns for pubs, clubs, and evening entertainment.

    2/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Wellness classes, pilates & stretching studios, or health groups will necessitate traveling toward Greystones or Bray.

    4/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Local professional networking is extremely limited due to the remote, residential nature of the immediate area.

    2/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    The property is far removed from any formal urban tech hubs, placing full reliance on remote digital infrastructure.

    2/10

Listing information

Agent
Agent details not available.
Published on HouseDelve
2 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-B3DBC2HouseDelve · 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.