Gortnalahee, Carrignavar, CorkT34NW63
€380,000
4 Bed~1 Bath~134 m²~BER F
What you'll like:
- Spacious detached bungalow footprint: Offering approximately 134 square metres of single-level accommodation, this four-bedroom home provides comfortable long-term living without the physical constraint of internal staircases.
- Dual aspect living room: The main reception room features windows on two sides, flooding the space with natural light and creating a bright environment for daily family activities.
- Scenic countryside views: The rear of the property and specific bedrooms overlook picturesque rolling fields and mature forestry, ensuring a tranquil and relaxing rural backdrop daily.
- Substantial private gardens: Enclosed by established hedges, both the front and expansive rear lawns offer secure outdoor recreational space for children, pets, and keen gardeners.
- Integrated garage space: Measuring over six metres in length, the internal garage provides exceptionally convenient secure storage or potential future expansion subject to planning consent.
- Dual driveway parking: The property benefits from two separate driveways, easily accommodating multiple vehicles off-street and preventing parking congestion for large visiting households.
- Versatile fourth bedroom: The flexible fourth room includes a feature fireplace and dual aspect views, allowing buyers to seamlessly utilize it as a formal dining space or home office.
- Stove insert fireplace: The primary living area includes a fitted stove insert within the feature fireplace, offering efficient and cozy heating during cold winter evenings.
- Solid pine kitchen units: Installed in 2002, the kitchen features durable solid pine cabinetry paired with an extensive worktop counter, providing a solid foundation for future cosmetic updates.
- Convenient utility plumbing: The kitchen layout already includes dedicated plumbing provisions for both a washing machine and dishwasher, simplifying daily domestic chores for new occupants.
- Generous double bedrooms: All four sleeping quarters comfortably accommodate double beds and feature either built-in wardrobes or adequate floor space for freestanding storage furniture.
- Four-piece main bathroom: The family bathroom includes both a full-sized bath and a separate Triton T90SR electric shower unit, catering effectively to busy morning household routines.
- External boiler housing: The oil burner is neatly housed in a dedicated external structure to the rear, reducing indoor noise and simplifying routine heating system maintenance visits.
- Mature quiet location: Situated in a settled and peaceful rural neighborhood, residents can enjoy low traffic volumes and a strong sense of community privacy away from urban noise.
- Accessible regional commuting: Located approximately twenty kilometres from Cork city centre, the dwelling offers a manageable commuter route alongside easy access to major N20 and M8 road networks.
- Solid construction era: Originally built in 1976, the bungalow represents a traditional construction style with well-proportioned rooms and a reliable, established structural footprint.
- Fully enclosed boundaries: The entire perimeter is secured with mature hedging on all sides, delivering an immediate sense of privacy and safety for family outdoor living.
- Ample natural illumination: Frosted glass entry panels and strategically placed windows throughout the hallway and rooms ensure the interior feels bright and welcoming at all times.
- Neutral interior decor: Most rooms feature straightforward neutral paint finishes and floor coverings, enabling a new buyer to move in and personalize the aesthetic with minimal initial effort.
- Strong enhancement potential: The presence of an attached garage and generous plot size gives discerning buyers incredible scope to modernize, extend, and significantly increase property value over time.
But keep in mind:
- Poor energy rating: The dwelling holds a weak BER rating of F, indicating severe energy inefficiency that will likely result in high heating bills until substantial thermal upgrades are completed.
- Substantial insulation needed: Achieving a comfortable modern energy standard will require significant capital investment in roof, wall, and potentially window insulation to correct historical thermal loss.
- Aging heating infrastructure: The oil-fired central heating system relies on older equipment, meaning buyers should budget for a potential boiler replacement and radiator system overhaul in the near future.
- Single bathroom bottleneck: With only one shared family bathroom servicing four sizable bedrooms, busy mornings may cause household friction and underline the need for an ensuite addition.
- Dated kitchen cabinetry: Although functional, the solid pine kitchen dates back to 2002 and shows signs of age, prompting most incoming buyers to plan an immediate costly kitchen renovation.
- Garage conversion complexity: Converting the internal garage into a permanent habitable room requires strict planning permission and building regulations compliance, which can add unexpected costs and delays.
- Septic tank due diligence: Rural properties in this region often rely on private sewerage systems, requiring buyers to commission a professional inspection to verify compliance with current environmental standards.
- Private water supply check: Prospective purchasers must thoroughly test the local water source and inspect any private well infrastructure for reliability, flow rate, and potability before exchange.
- Roof structure inspection: Built in 1976, the timber roof timbers and coverings should be professionally surveyed for signs of wear, dampness, or necessary preventative maintenance work.
- Electrical system verification: The age of the house suggests the electrical wiring and consumer unit may not meet current safety standards, necessitating a thorough electrical pre-purchase survey.
- Window thermal performance: Older window installations may suffer from seal failures or draughts, meaning buyers should budget for double or triple-glazed replacements to improve heat retention.
- High commuting dependence: Living twenty kilometres from the city center in a rural area creates heavy reliance on private motor vehicles for commuting, schooling, and daily shopping needs.
- Surface water drainage: The large flat lawns and surrounding topography should be checked during wet weather to ensure rainwater drains effectively away from the building foundations.
- Boundary hedge maintenance: Fully enclosed mature hedging requires regular seasonal pruning and upkeep to prevent overgrowth and maintain tidy boundary demarcations with neighboring lands.
- Chimney and flue safety: Both feature fireplaces and chimney flues must be professionally swept and inspected for structural integrity before lighting solid fuel fires in the living spaces.
- Potential asbestos presence: Properties constructed during the 1970s occasionally utilized asbestos-containing materials in textured coatings or outbuildings, requiring careful identification by a qualified surveyor.
- Lack of immediate public transport: The rural setting lacks frequent local bus or rail connections, making it an impractical location for occupants who cannot or prefer not to drive.
- External maintenance demands: Painted exterior finishes, guttering, and the external boiler housing will require ongoing preventative maintenance to combat weathering from exposed countryside elements.
- Future proofing costs: Bringing this 1970s bungalow up to contemporary comfort and environmental standards will demand a comprehensive modernization budget well beyond the initial purchase price.
- Resale value sensitivity: Due to the poor baseline energy rating and rural location, future liquidity and market appreciation may lag behind more modern, energy-efficient suburban developments.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price may appear slightly ambitious given the poor energy rating and significant improvement costs required to achieve modern efficiency standards, suggesting potential overvaluation relative to unmodernized rural dwellings.
- Signals supporting the valuation include the generous floor area, four bedrooms, integrated garage potential, and a mature countryside setting with scenic views which consistently attract buyer interest in this regional market.
- Substantial upgrade expenses needed to remedy the low energy rating could heavily undermine buyer confidence, whereas strong demand for rural family homes with spacious gardens will likely support the current pricing strategy.
- Considering historical regional transaction patterns for detached rural properties, the asking price sits moderately above baseline norms, reflecting a premium for site size and privacy rather than intrinsic structural condition.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached bungalow built in 1976 with a floor area of approximately 134 square meters, featuring a traditional block-built structure typical of that era.
- The BER rating is F, which indicates poor energy efficiency and suggests that the building fabric, insulation, windows, and heating system likely require substantial upgrades.
- Buyers should investigate the condition of the oil-fired central heating system and the external boiler house, as well as potential dampness, adequate attic insulation, and the state of the double glazing.
- The presence of an internal garage offers potential for conversion into additional living space, though buyers must verify that any past or future changes comply with local planning permissions and building regulations.
- Given the rural or semi-rural location, buyers should inspect the private services, including the septic tank or local wastewater treatment arrangements and the water supply source, to ensure they meet current environmental and structural standards.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has an F BER rating, indicating that a comprehensive deep retrofit is required to bring it to a modern energy standard.
- A deep retrofit for a 134 square meter detached bungalow typically involves external wall insulation, upgrading attic and floor insulation, replacing single or older double-glazed windows and exterior doors, upgrading the heating system to a heat pump or modern condensing boiler, and installing renewable energy systems such as solar panels.
- Estimated costs for a comprehensive deep retrofit on a property of this size and poor energy rating generally range from EUR 50,000 to EUR 80,000 or more, depending on the extent of works and contractor pricing.
- Homeowners may be eligible for SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) grants to offset a portion of these deep retrofit and insulation upgrade costs.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 to €3,200.
- Explanation: Given the 134 square metre floor area and a low BER rating of F, the property is likely to have higher thermal losses, resulting in a heavier reliance on oil-fired central heating.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a quiet rural countryside location in Gortnalahee, Carrignavar, appearing distant from major heavy industrial zones, commercial landfills, or municipal waste incinerators.
- Any minor localized environmental concerns typical of rural settings, such as agricultural runoff or private wastewater treatment systems, should be independently verified by the buyer.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property is elevated in a rural countryside setting with surrounding sloping topography, suggesting a generally low apparent likelihood of pluvial or fluvial flooding.
- Prospective buyers are advised to consult local historical mapping and carry out standard environmental due diligence to confirm local drainage conditions.
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 Carrignavar area
BALLINAGLOUGH, CARRIGNAVAR, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €260,000.00
49 CARRIGWELL, COLLEGE RD, CARRIGNAVAR
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €458,000.00
5 ROSEVIEW, CARRIGNAVAR, CO CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €190,000.00
COTTAGE, DUN BOLG, CARRIGNAVAR
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €590,000.00
BALLYVORISHEEN WEST, CARRIGNAVAR, CO CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €150,000.00
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 €3,800 based on 1 percent for residential property up to €1 million.
- Solicitor legal fees: estimated between €1,500 and €3,000 excluding outlays and VAT.
- Land registration fees: roughly €600 to €800 for registry of deeds and property registration authority filings.
- Property valuation fees: around €150 to €300 required by mortgage lenders.
- Surveyor fees: approximately €500 to €1,200 depending on the level of detailed structural survey required.
- Annual home insurance: estimated between €400 and €800 depending on policy coverage and location.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Carrignavar and surrounding rural Cork areas frequently discuss the peaceful countryside atmosphere and scenic views of local forestry.
- Community discussions often highlight the convenience of being roughly 20km from Cork city centre while enjoying a quiet rural setting.
- Residents in the broader region occasionally share updates regarding local road network connectivity towards the N20 and M8 corridors.
- Community forums occasionally mention rural property maintenance, septic tank considerations, and home energy upgrades given older BER ratings.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children8/10
The property features four bedrooms and a large enclosed front and rear garden, offering plenty of safe outdoor space for young children to play.
- Teenagers7/10
With four bedrooms and an attached garage that offers potential for a separate den or hobby space, there is adequate room for growing teenagers, though its rural distance from urban amenities should be noted.
- Multi-generational Living6/10
A detached bungalow layout on a single level aids accessibility for older family members, but there is only one shared bathroom for the entire household.
- Single Buyers5/10
A detached four-bedroom rural property might require more maintenance and budget than a typical entry-level single buyer requires, especially given the detached setting.
- Couples7/10
Provides generous living space, a dual-aspect living room, and a quiet rural retreat for couples wanting room to grow or host guests.
- Empty Nesters7/10
Single-level bungalow living avoids stairs, making it appealing for empty nesters, though the large gardens require ongoing upkeep.
- Retirees7/10
The absence of stairs in this bungalow layout supports long-term comfort, though buyers should verify if local services and healthcare facilities in Carrignavar meet their needs.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The versatile floor plan and garage space offer great potential for a home office, though broadband speeds should be verified by the buyer.
- Hybrid Commuting6/10
Situated 20km from Cork city centre with access to regional road networks, making a hybrid commute feasible despite the rural distance.
- Retired8/10
A peaceful, single-level bungalow with mature gardens that is ideal for retirement living.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place8/10
Being a detached single-story bungalow, it avoids internal stairs, aiding long-term accessibility, though some modifications might be considered.
- Low Maintenance5/10
The property has an F BER rating and mature gardens that will require ongoing energy upgrades and grounds maintenance.
- Secure Gated Entry5/10
The front is fully enclosed with mature hedging and dual driveways, though it lacks an automated security gate system.
- Minimalist Design4/10
Features a more traditional, established layout and neutral decor rather than contemporary minimalist architecture.
- Flexible Floor Plans8/10
Includes four bedrooms (or a dining room/bedroom 4 option) and an integrated garage that provides strong potential for conversion.
- Heritage Home3/10
Built in 1976, it represents a mid-to-late 20th-century bungalow style rather than a historic period heritage home.
- Ecological Setup3/10
Carries a low BER rating of F and relies on an oil-fired central heating system, indicating significant room for green energy improvements.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Features large front and rear gardens laid to lawn, enclosed by mature hedging, complete with a boiler house and wonderful countryside views.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
Features large, fully enclosed front and rear gardens laid to lawn with mature shrubs, plants, and hedging.
- Walking8/10
Surrounded by scenic countryside and forestry views, providing ample opportunities for countryside walks.
- Gym5/10
There is no built-in gym, but the large attached garage offers ideal space to set up a home gym subject to your requirements.
- Cycling6/10
Quiet local country roads provide scenic cycling routes, though rural traffic conditions should be navigated with care.
- Golf5/10
Rural location offers access to regional courses, but specific club proximities should be verified by the buyer.
- Fishing5/10
Proximity to rural waterways and regional angling spots should be investigated locally.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural countryside setting is well-suited for equestrian enthusiasts, though local stables and livery yards should be checked.
- Water Sports2/10
Inland rural location does not offer immediate access to water sports facilities.
- Entertaining8/10
Features a spacious living room, separate kitchen and dining areas, and expansive outdoor garden spaces well-suited for hosting gatherings.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Situated in a mature and quiet location surrounded by countryside and forestry, ensuring a peaceful living environment.
- Rural Living9/10
Located in Gortnalahee, Carrignavar, offering superb views of the surrounding countryside and a distinct rural atmosphere.
- Village Living7/10
Within reasonable proximity to local community points while maintaining a private countryside setting.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is located inland in Cork and has no proximity to the coast.
- Urban Living3/10
Located approximately 20km from Cork city centre, making city amenities less immediate.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Mature rural location typically fosters tight-knit local community ties in the surrounding Carrignavar area.
- Café Culture4/10
Limited immediate local options, requiring travel toward nearby villages or Cork city for extensive café choices.
- Nightlife2/10
The property is set in a quiet rural area with no notable nightlife options nearby.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Local wellness classes or groups may be found in nearby community hubs, though buyers should verify local offerings.
- Networking Opportunities3/10
Rural setting offers very limited local professional networking opportunities compared to urban centres.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
Located outside major urban tech hubs, making local physical connectivity to such networks minimal.
Listing information
- Agent
- ERA Downey McCarthy
- Phone
- 021 490 5000
- Published on HouseDelve
- 9 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-2537EFHouseDelve · 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.