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Photograph 1 of 12 of Freynestown, Dunlavin, Wicklow
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Freynestown, Dunlavin, WicklowW91W3P8

€195,000

2 Bed~1 Bath~BER G

What you'll like:

  • Generous site size: The property sits on approximately one acre of land, providing ample outdoor space for landscaping, gardening, or recreational use. This substantial plot offers considerable privacy and room for outdoor activities.
  • Potential for extension: Being an original cut stone structure, the cottage provides a solid character base and physical layout suitable for future extension. Buyers can expand the footprint to create a modern family home subject to planning permissions.
  • Detached country setting: Enjoying a detached configuration in Freynestown, Dunlavin, the home offers a peaceful rural environment without immediate party walls. This provides privacy and a quiet lifestyle away from congested urban centers.
  • Original stone character: The structure features authentic cut stone construction, giving it appealing traditional aesthetic charm that is highly sought after by renovation enthusiasts. Preserving these historical elements can add significant long-term property value.
  • Attached garage space: The inclusion of a garage structure to the side of the dwelling offers convenient secure storage or potential workshop space. This addition saves immediate capital outlay for outbuilding construction.
  • Compact initial layout: The two-bedroom arrangement provides a manageable starting point for phased renovations, allowing occupiers to live on-site or manage budgets effectively. This smaller scale reduces initial heating and maintenance overheads during early stages.
  • Attic room utility: The presence of an upper attic room expands the functional usable zones beyond the ground floor footprint. This area could serve multiple storage or creative purposes with proper insulation and finishing work.
  • Clear land boundaries: The roughly one-acre holding provides distinct perimeter lines which can be clearly fenced off for pets, livestock, or family security. Buyers should have their legal representative confirm the exact folio maps match on-site fencing.
  • Rural development opportunities: Purchasing a fixer-upper in Wicklow allows buyers to tailor every interior finish and mechanical system to their exact personal specifications. You avoid paying a premium for someone else design choices.
  • Strategic county location: Situated in the scenic County Wicklow region, residents benefit from beautiful surrounding landscapes while remaining within reach of local towns. This balances rural tranquility with practical access to regional amenities and services.
  • Independent toilet building: The detached external WC arrangement preserves interior living space and offers an interesting footprint for a future integrated bathroom extension. Buyers can plan a seamless indoor plumbing upgrade during major renovations.
  • Compact kitchen space: The combined kitchen dining and living area offers an efficient open concept core for a cozy country cottage atmosphere. This intimate space is easy to heat and forms a practical foundation for re-modeling.
  • Private entrance hallway: The dedicated entry zone prevents cold drafts from blowing directly into the main living spaces and provides a buffer for coats and boots. This structural feature enhances day-to-day practical comfort.
  • Renovation project appeal: Offering a blank canvas for comprehensive modernization, this property allows tradespeople or DIY enthusiasts to implement modern green technologies from scratch. This ensures all upgrades meet current high living standards.
  • Standalone garage utility: The side garage provides a secure spot for housing garden machinery, bicycles, or vehicles safely away from the elements. This extra infrastructure is a valuable asset for rural property owners.
  • Scenic Wicklow address: Being located in Dunlavin connects residents to a rich local community and traditional village atmosphere with historic roots. This enhances long-term desirability and neighborhood character.
  • Manageable floor footprint: The modest overall size makes budgeting for insulation, windows, and heating upgrades much more predictable for first-time renovators. It minimizes the risk of runaway construction costs.
  • Direct agent representation: Working with the designated selling agency ensures straightforward scheduling of private viewings to assess structural conditions thoroughly. Prospective buyers can obtain direct guidance regarding the local purchasing process.
  • External storage options: The separate outbuilding housing the WC indicates potential auxiliary space that could be repurposed into a utility room or workshop. This maximizes the utility of the immediate backyard zone.
  • Investment upside potential: Purchasing a poorly rated home at an accessible entry price allows for substantial value creation through strategic energy and structural upgrades. This can yield strong equity growth upon completion.

But keep in mind:

  • Poor energy rating: The property holds a G energy rating, which is the lowest possible tier and indicates severe thermal inefficiency. Buyers should budget heavily for comprehensive insulation, window replacements, and heating system overhauls.
  • External toilet facilities: The main water closet is located in a separate building to the rear, which creates inconvenience during inclement weather. Integrating an indoor bathroom will require significant plumbing and structural alterations.
  • Extensive renovation required: As a derelict or heavily dated cut stone cottage, the property likely requires a complete gut renovation to meet modern habitation standards. Buyers must prepare for substantial financial outlay beyond the initial purchase price.
  • Unverified floor area: The total floor area is not provided in the listing details, making it difficult to calculate per-square-meter acquisition costs accurately. Prospective purchasers should commission an independent measured survey before making formal offers.
  • Unknown property condition: Critical structural elements such as the roof, foundations, and stone walls require professional engineering inspection to rule out damp or subsidence. Hidden defects could substantially inflate rehabilitation expenses.
  • Heating system absence: The listing details do not specify a functional central heating system, implying that modern heating infrastructure must be entirely installed. This will add considerable cost and time to the renovation schedule.
  • Planning permission hurdles: Extending an original rural cottage or adding modern wastewater treatment systems will require strict local planning approval from the county council. Buyers should consult an architect regarding local planning restrictions.
  • Wastewater treatment unknown: The property description does not mention the status or compliance of a septic tank or private effluent treatment system. Purchasers must verify current environmental compliance and percolation test results.
  • Water supply verification needed: It is unclear whether the property relies on a private well or a public mains water connection for its daily supply. Independent testing of water quality and flow rates is strongly recommended.
  • Restricted bedroom dimensions: The front and rear bedrooms feature very compact dimensions that may limit furniture placement and comfort. Expanding these rooms will require reconfiguring the existing internal stone partition walls.
  • Attic compliance questions: The attic room is listed without explicit confirmation of building control compliance for habitable use or fixed stair access. Buyers must check if this space meets legal standards for bedrooms or storage.
  • Roof structure integrity: Original stone cottages often feature aging timber roof trusses that may be sagging, uninsulated, or affected by woodworm. A thorough attic inspection is essential to determine if re-roofing is necessary.
  • Dampness and ventilation risks: Cut stone buildings lacking damp-proof courses frequently suffer from rising or penetrating dampness requiring specialized remedial treatments. Budgeting for lime plaster and damp mitigation is critical.
  • Electrical wiring age: Older rural cottages often retain outdated electrical installations that fail to meet current safety regulations and require total rewiring. This necessitates certified electrician services throughout the property.
  • Site boundary verification: Buyers must inspect the legal folio maps carefully with their solicitor to confirm the exact boundaries of the one-acre plot. Discrepancies between fenced areas and legal titles can cause future disputes.
  • Access and infrastructural constraints: Rural lanes leading to the property may be narrow, potentially complicating heavy construction traffic during major renovation works. Delivery of building materials should be carefully planned with contractors.
  • Lack of property type detail: The listing does not specify the precise legal classification or structural type, which could impact mortgage lending availability. Most high-street lenders require properties to be habitable before releasing standard funds.
  • No active kitchen appliances: The basic kitchen facilities described will likely need complete replacement with modern units, sinks, and white goods. This contributes to the overall capital expenditure required upfront.
  • Boundary hedging and maintenance: A one-acre site requires ongoing grounds maintenance, hedge trimming, and boundary upkeep to prevent overgrowth. Buyers should assess the physical labor or ongoing cost required for land upkeep.
  • Limited local amenities access: Being in a rural townland implies heavy reliance on private transport for daily shopping, schools, and medical services. Commuting costs and vehicle dependency should be factored into ongoing household budgets.

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 asking price appears attractively positioned because it falls significantly below regional transaction benchmarks, reflecting the substantial capital expenditure required to address the poor energy rating and limited internal accommodation.
  • Undervaluation signals are clearly evident in the exceptionally low energy performance category and the detached rustic layout, which necessitate comprehensive retrofitting and modernizing before achieving comfortable residential standards.
  • Such an appealing entry price could be strongly supported by the generous acre site and rural charm, though overall value realization remains heavily dependent on navigating complex renovation costs.
  • Relevant market dynamics suggest that rural properties requiring extensive structural and energy upgrades typically trade at distinct discounts compared to turnkey alternatives located within nearby village centres or fully serviced residential developments.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is described as an original cut stone cottage, which indicates traditional masonry construction that may lack modern damp-proofing, insulation, and cavity walls.
  • The floor area is not explicitly provided in the listing, and a buyer should verify the exact dimensions and legal boundaries of the c. 1.0-acre site.
  • The WC is located in a separate building to the rear, which is unusual for modern residential living and suggests internal plumbing and sanitary facilities will require significant reconfiguration and investment.
  • The presence of an attic room should be investigated regarding its planning compliance, building regulations approval, and structural suitability for habitable use.
  • The property includes a garage to the side, and a buyer should check its structural condition and any planning implications for future integration or extension of the main dwelling.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • The property has a poor BER rating of G, which triggers the need for a comprehensive deep-retrofit to achieve modern energy efficiency standards.
  • A full deep retrofit typically costs between €50,000 and €80,000 or more depending on the extent of works required.
  • Key cost drivers will include installing internal or external wall insulation suited to the cut stone structure, upgrading the roof and floor insulation, replacing windows and doors, installing a modern heating system, and potentially addressing ventilation and damp issues.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 - €3,500.
  • Explanation: Given the G energy rating, the property has very poor thermal efficiency and lacks modern insulation, meaning significantly higher energy consumption is required to heat the home compared to a standard modern build.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is situated in a quiet rural townland in West Wicklow, appearing well removed from major heavy industrial zones, large-scale incinerators, or active landfills.
  • Any historical agricultural practices or localized waste management should be verified by the buyer as part of standard pre-purchase investigations.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The surrounding topography in Freynestown generally consists of elevated rural land, which typically reduces the direct risk of widespread river or coastal flooding.
  • Buyers should consult local drainage maps and environmental agency records to confirm whether localized surface water accumulation affects the immediate site or access roads.

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 Dunlavin area

  • 3 MERCHANTS PLACE, STEPHEN ST, DUNLAVIN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €329,000.00

  • 47CHURCH TERRACE, DUNLAVIN, WICKLOW

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €275,000.00

  • TORNANT LOWER, DUNLAVIN, CO WICKLOW

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €515,000.00

  • 5 MERCHANTS PLACE, STEPHEN ST, DUNLAVIN

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €377,500.00

  • LOGATRINA, DUNLAVIN, WICKLOW

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €400,000.00

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 1% of the purchase price, equalling €1,950 for a property priced at €195,000.
  • Solicitor legal fees: roughly €1,500 to €3,000 plus outlays and VAT.
  • Land registration fees: approximately €175 to €700 depending on the registration type and mapping requirements.
  • Property valuation fees: around €150 to €300 typically required for mortgage approval.
  • Surveyor fees: approximately €500 to €1,000 depending on the depth of the structural survey, which is especially important to investigate for an older detached stone cottage.
  • Annual home insurance: roughly €400 to €800 depending on the level of coverage and property specifics.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in the Dunlavin and wider West Wicklow area frequently discuss rural community initiatives and local events via regional social media groups.
  • Residents often highlight the peaceful countryside setting and the strong sense of community within the rural townlands near Dunlavin.
  • Traffic calming measures and rural road maintenance are occasional topics of discussion among drivers commuting through the local county roads.
  • There is active community interest in the preservation of traditional rural cottages and historical dwellings characteristic of the Wicklow countryside.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property requires significant modernization and has a poor BER rating, meaning it may not offer the immediate comfort and energy efficiency preferred for young children.

    3/10
  • Teenagers

    With only two bedrooms and limited indoor space, accommodating teenagers long-term would likely be challenging without substantial extensions.

    3/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The compact layout and separate outdoor WC structure make multi-generational living impractical in its current condition.

    2/10
  • Single Buyers

    At an asking price of €195,000, this detached cottage offers an affordable entry point for a single buyer willing to take on a renovation project.

    6/10
  • Couples

    Well-suited for a couple looking for a country project home on a generous one-acre site, provided they have the budget to renovate.

    6/10
  • Empty Nesters

    The single-level footprint could appeal to empty nesters wanting a rural retreat, though the poor G BER rating and renovation needs should be factored in.

    5/10
  • Retirees

    While it offers rural peace, the separate outdoor WC and dilapidated state of certain facilities may pose practical challenges for retirees.

    4/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The quiet rural setting is ideal for home working, but buyers should verify local broadband speeds and connectivity before committing.

    5/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Commuting from a rural Wicklow location to major employment hubs like Dublin will involve significant travel time.

    4/10
  • Retired

    Appealing for retirees seeking a rural project, though the home's condition requires careful planning for maintenance.

    6/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Outdoor areas

    Features a generous c. 1.0 acre site with a garage to the side, offering great potential for outdoor living once landscaped.

    8/10
  • Ageing in Place

    The need for major renovation, a G BER rating, and a separate outdoor WC mean the property is currently poorly suited for ageing in place without substantial adaptation.

    3/10
  • Low Maintenance

    As an original cut stone cottage requiring extensive work and sitting on an acre of land, maintenance demands will be high.

    2/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    The property currently features an open rural frontage rather than a secure gated entry system.

    3/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The compact footprint has a simple traditional cottage layout, but achieving a true minimalist finish requires a full renovation.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    Options are somewhat limited by the original stone structure, though the listing notes it is suitable for extension subject to planning.

    4/10
  • Heritage Home

    As an original cut stone cottage, it possesses genuine heritage character and traditional architectural appeal.

    8/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The property currently carries a G BER rating, indicating very poor energy efficiency that will require significant ecological upgrades.

    2/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    The c. 1.0 acre site provides a fantastic canvas for keen gardeners to develop extensive lawns, vegetable patches, or landscaping.

    9/10
  • Walking

    The rural country roads surrounding the property offer pleasant routes for walking, although amenities are car-dependent.

    7/10
  • Gym

    Commercial fitness facilities and gyms are not within convenient walking distance from this rural location.

    2/10
  • Cycling

    Quiet country roads can be appealing for cyclists, though regional traffic speeds and road conditions should be considered.

    7/10
  • Golf

    While County Wicklow has golf courses, players will need to travel by car to reach the nearest clubs.

    4/10
  • Fishing

    Proximity to local rivers and angling spots in Wicklow depends on specific travel, but the rural location places nature close by.

    5/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural setting and one-acre site with a garage/outbuilding potential make this area attractive for equestrian enthusiasts.

    8/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland location means water sports require significant travel to lakes or the coast.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    While the outdoor space is generous, the indoor accommodation is currently very restricted and requires upgrading before it is suitable for hosting guests.

    4/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Located in Freynestown, Dunlavin, the property is situated in a peaceful rural setting offering exceptional quiet and privacy.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    Set on approximately 1.0 acre of land in the County Wicklow countryside, this is a quintessential rural property.

    10/10
  • Village Living

    The property is rural but within reach of nearby villages for local conveniences, though day-to-day amenities require driving.

    5/10
  • Coastal Living

    County Wicklow has a coastline, but this inland location is far removed from the coast.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    This is a strictly rural setting far from urban centers and city conveniences.

    1/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Rural communities in Dunlavin tend to be tight-knit, offering local clubs and community engagement for residents.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Cafés are sparse in the immediate vicinity and require a drive to nearby towns or villages.

    2/10
  • Nightlife

    There is no local nightlife to speak of in this rural townland.

    1/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Access to local health and wellness groups, such as pilates & stretching classes, will require traveling to nearby population centers.

    3/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Professional networking is virtually non-existent in this rural pocket.

    1/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    Not located near any established tech hubs, making local physical networking impractical.

    2/10

Listing information

Agent
Appleton Property
Phone
045 482 759
Published on HouseDelve
16 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-1888FCHouseDelve · 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.