Photograph 1 of 93 of Knockroe, Kilnamartyra, Macroom, Co. Cork
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Knockroe, Kilnamartyra, Macroom, Co. CorkP12K377

€220,000

2 Bed~1 Bath~62 m²~BER G

What you'll like:

  • Generous site size: The property sits on approximately 1.16 acres of private land, providing ample outdoor space for gardening, recreation, or potential future landscaping projects.
  • Idyllic rural setting: Surrounded by mature hardwood trees and established woodland, the property offers a peaceful environment with natural privacy and charm.
  • Stunning valley views: The elevated, south-facing position provides lovely scenic vistas overlooking the picturesque Toon Valley throughout the changing seasons.
  • Traditional character retained: The interior successfully preserves original features like exposed ceiling beams and tongue-and-groove timber flooring, maintaining authentic cottage appeal.
  • Convenient local access: Situated just 8 minutes from Macroom Town, residents can easily reach local shops, schools, cafés, restaurants, and everyday services.
  • Commutable location: Cork City is located less than 35 minutes away by car, making the countryside retreat viable for everyday commuting needs.
  • Character kitchen focal point: A traditional Stanley range stove anchors the kitchen and dining space, enhancing the authentic rustic atmosphere of the home.
  • Ample parking space: A dedicated gravel driveway provides plenty of off-street parking capability directly to the front of the dwelling for residents and visitors.
  • Outdoor entertainment areas: A raised patio area positioned to the rear provides a practical space for outdoor dining and relaxing during warmer months.
  • Useful exterior storage: Includes a barn-style shed and a separate block-built shed measuring approximately 3.4m by 2.7m for secure storage or hobby use.
  • Double glazed joinery: The dwelling benefits from painted teak double-glazed windows, helping to reduce external noise and improve internal thermal comfort.
  • Oil fired heating system: Equipped with an oil-fired central heating system and radiators, ensuring traditional heat distribution throughout the compact living quarters.
  • Bright upper landing: The carpeted upper landing receives welcome natural light from an overhead Velux window, brightening the central transition zone.
  • Charming main bedroom: Bedroom one features a distinctive wooden ceiling with exposed beams, original timber flooring, part-panelled walls, and designer window shutters.
  • Comfortable second bedroom: Bedroom two provides a cosy sleeping space equipped with original wooden flooring, a radiator, and stylish matching window shutters.
  • Functional bathroom setup: The bathroom includes standard white sanitary ware alongside a practical stand-in electric shower and an integrated hot press.
  • Steel roadside fencing: The property boundary along the road is neatly defined with sturdy steel fencing, offering a tidy and secure initial impression.
  • Landscaped garden steps: External steps featuring attractive railway sleeper detailing connect different garden tiers, adding an interesting architectural touch to the grounds.
  • South facing orientation: The favourable south-facing aspect maximises natural sunlight exposure across the main outdoor living areas and front facade.
  • Regenerated interior condition: The cottage has been thoughtfully enhanced for modern living standards while successfully safeguarding its historical architectural integrity.

But keep in mind:

  • Extremely poor energy rating: The property carries a disappointing BER rating of G, indicating high potential heat loss and costly energy bills for the occupant.
  • Substantial insulation needed: Due to the G energy rating, a buyer should budget for significant fabric upgrades like wall, roof, and floor insulation.
  • Compact floor area: With a gross internal living area of approximately 62 square meters, the accommodation is relatively small and may feel cramped for families.
  • Single bathroom constraint: Having only one bathroom serving the entire dwelling could create morning bottlenecks and inconvenience for multiple residents or guests.
  • Potential retrofit expense: Bringing this traditional structure up to modern energy efficiency standards will likely require a substantial financial investment post-purchase.
  • Rural septic tank checks: A buyer must investigate the status, capacity, and percolation quality of any private wastewater treatment system on the site.
  • Private water supply verification: Prospective purchasers should verify whether the property relies on a private well and test its water quality and flow rate.
  • Staircase configuration risks: The solid timber stairs leading to the upper floor should be checked for steepness and compliance with modern safety clearance standards.
  • Low ceiling heights risk: Traditional cottages often feature low ceilings and doorways, which could present comfort and clearance issues for taller occupants.
  • Damp in historic walls: Historic stone or mortar construction requires careful inspection to ensure rising or penetrating damp is not hidden behind panelling.
  • Roof structure inspection: The roof timber and coverings should be professionally surveyed to check for historical sagging, woodworm, or weathering issues.
  • Shed structural integrity: Outbuildings like the block-built shed and barn-style structure require thorough checking for roof soundness, dampness, and electrical safety.
  • Oil boiler efficiency check: The oil-fired central heating boiler's age and efficiency should be professionally tested to avoid immediate costly replacement expenses.
  • Boundary line verification: A buyer's solicitor must carefully check the folio maps to confirm the exact boundaries of the 1.16-acre plot on the ground.
  • Road access and frontage: Local road safety, sightlines exiting the driveway, and winter maintenance or gritting schedules should be inspected by the buyer.
  • Electrical wiring status: The age and safety compliance of the electrical distribution board and wiring throughout the cottage should be professionally certified.
  • Planning compliance checks: Any historical extensions, alterations, or outbuilding constructions should be verified for proper planning permission and building regulations.
  • High maintenance grounds: Managing mature hardwood trees, woodland areas, and 1.16 acres of gardens will require ongoing physical effort and landscaping maintenance.
  • Limited indoor storage: Aside from the hot press and freestanding furniture, built-in wardrobe and cupboard storage inside the 62sqm cottage appears minimal.
  • Future expansion limits: Due to the historic nature of the cottage and potential planning restrictions in rural areas, extending the footprint could prove challenging.

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 mildly overvalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price of €220,000 appears slightly overvalued relative to similar rural rural properties in the locality due to the very poor BER rating of G, which indicates that significant energy efficiency upgrades will be urgently required by the eventual buyer.
  • Valuation signals are mixed because while the floor area is compact at 62 square metres, the property benefits from a generous 1.16-acre site, attractive valley views, and outbuildings that add considerable lifestyle and functional appeal.
  • This asking price is supported by reasonable proximity to Macroom Town and Cork City, though it could be undermined by the substantial capital expenditure needed to improve the building energy rating and modernize internal amenities.
  • Relevant market comparisons show nearby rural houses trading across a wide price bracket, suggesting that lifestyle buyers seeking traditional cottage charm may be willing to pay a premium despite the challenging energy performance certificate.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a traditional Irish cottage of approximately 62 square meters, featuring older structural elements such as original timber flooring, wooden ceilings with exposed beams, and painted teak double-glazed windows.
  • A buyer should investigate the thermal performance, insulation levels, and damp-proofing of the original structure, given its traditional nature and small footprint.
  • The presence of an oil-fired central heating system and a traditional Stanley range should be checked for compliance, efficiency, and overall condition.
  • Given the rural site of approximately 1.16 acres, a buyer should verify wastewater treatment arrangements (such as a septic tank) and their compliance with current environmental standards.
  • Outbuildings include a barn-style shed and a block-built shed, which should be inspected for structural integrity and any potential planning or building compliance considerations.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • The property holds a G BER rating, indicating very poor energy efficiency and significant heat loss throughout the structure.
  • A comprehensive deep retrofit to bring the cottage to a modern energy standard would likely cost between EUR 45,000 and EUR 70,000.
  • Key measures required would include external or internal wall insulation, roof and attic insulation upgrades, window and door replacements, installation of a modern heating system (such as a heat pump), and renewable energy integration like solar panels, alongside addressing any necessary ventilation improvements.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Estimated annual heating cost: €1,800 to €2,500
  • Explanation: Given the floor area of 62 square meters combined with a very poor G BER rating, the property likely suffers from high heat loss. Heating costs will depend heavily on oil consumption via the oil-fired central heating system and the use of the traditional Stanley range, and the buyer should investigate upgrade works to improve energy efficiency.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is located in a peaceful rural countryside setting with no apparent major industrial facilities, heavy manufacturing plants, or active large-scale incinerators in immediate proximity.
  • Any historical land use in this rural townland is typically agricultural, though buyers should verify local records for any minor legacy concerns typical of older rural properties.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The cottage is situated on an elevated, south-facing site overlooking the Toon Valley, which generally places it above immediate low-lying river flood plains.
  • While general regional flood mapping indicates low overall risk for this specific elevated plot, standard local drainage checks and verification of surface water management during heavy rain are recommended.

Recent Local Sales

Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years

Sales on the same street or estate

  • DROMAGARREE, KILNAMARTYRA, MACROOM

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €148,000.00
  • CAHIRDAHY, KILNAMARTYRA, MACROOM

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €140,000.00
  • CAHERKEREEN, KILNAMARTYRA, MACROOM

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €200,000.00
  • ROSENDALE LODGE, KILNAMARTYRA, MACROOM

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €425,000.00
  • COOLS, KILNAMARTYRA, MACROOM

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €285,000.00

Recent sales in the wider Macroom area

  • BAWNMORE, MACROOM, CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €300,000.00
  • 9 ROS ALAINN, GURTEENROE, MACROOM

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €356,000.00
  • 52 THE HERMITAGE, MACROOM, CORK

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €365,000.00
  • 11 MILLBROOK CLOSE, GURTEENROE, MACROOM

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €490,000.00
  • 1 GAIRDIN JOANIE, COOLEA, MACROOM

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €280,000.00

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: €2,200 (calculated at 1% of the asking price of €220,000 for residential property up to €1 million)
  • Solicitor legal fees: €1,500 to €3,000 excluding outlay and VAT
  • Land registration fees: Approximately €175 to €700 depending on the registry and mapping requirements
  • Property valuation fees: €150 to €300
  • Surveyor fees: €500 to €1,000 depending on the depth of the structural survey
  • Annual home insurance: €400 to €800 depending on the policy and rebuilding cost

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Local residents and community groups in the Macroom and Kilnamartyra areas frequently discuss rural housing developments and the upkeep of country roads on regional community forums.
  • Traffic and infrastructure improvements around Macroom, particularly following the opening of the bypass, are common topics of discussion for local commuters heading towards Cork City.
  • Property buyers in rural Co. Cork often share advice on upgrading traditional cottages and improving BER ratings from lower tiers such as G to more energy-efficient standards.
  • Local discussions often highlight the appeal of scenic rural valleys like the Toon Valley for those seeking peace, mature woodland settings, and proximity to outdoor amenities.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property has 2 bedrooms and 62 m² of floor area, which is compact for growing families. However, the 1.16-acre site provides ample outdoor space for children to play, though the G BER rating may require investigation regarding heating efficiency.

    4/10
  • Teenagers

    With only 62 m² of living space and 2 bedrooms, accommodating teenagers would likely feel cramped, offering limited private space for older children.

    3/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The compact two-bedroom cottage layout and single bathroom do not lend themselves well to multi-generational living without significant expansion.

    2/10
  • Single Buyers

    A charming traditional cottage offering manageable upkeep on a large site, well-suited for a single buyer seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle within reach of Macroom.

    7/10
  • Couples

    An ideal setup for a couple looking for a character-filled country home with two bedrooms, lovely views over the Toon Valley, and 1.16 acres of grounds.

    8/10
  • Empty Nesters

    Great for downsizers wanting a tranquil, picturesque environment, though buyers should note the cottage layout and potential maintenance associated with older heritage features.

    7/10
  • Retirees

    The peaceful countryside setting and single-story elements are appealing, but stairs to the bedrooms and upper floor should be considered for long-term accessibility.

    6/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    Provides a tranquil setting for a home office, though buyers should verify local broadband speeds and connectivity options for remote work.

    7/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    Situated less than 35 minutes from Cork City and 8 minutes from Macroom, making occasional commuting feasible.

    6/10
  • Retired

    An excellent retreat for retirees seeking peace, natural beauty, and manageable indoor space with large gardens.

    8/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    Features ground-floor living areas and bathroom, but stairs lead to the bedrooms, and buyers should assess the G BER rating for heating efficiency.

    5/10
  • Low Maintenance

    The interior cottage space is small, but the 1.16-acre grounds with mature trees require ongoing garden and woodland upkeep.

    5/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Includes a gravel driveway and steel fencing at the roadside boundary, but lacks automated or secure gated entry.

    4/10
  • Minimalist Design

    Traditional cottage features are prominent rather than minimalist modern design, but the clean lines of the interior offer a simple aesthetic.

    6/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    With 62 m² over two bedrooms and a cottage layout, options for altering the floor plan are relatively limited without extension.

    4/10
  • Heritage Home

    A wonderful traditional Irish cottage retaining original elements like ceiling beams, timber flooring, and a Stanley range.

    9/10
  • Ecological Setup

    Surrounded by woodland and nature, but the G BER rating indicates poor energy efficiency, meaning buyers should investigate upgrade potential.

    4/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Extends to c. 1.16 acres with a south-facing aspect, mature hardwood trees, a raised patio, barn-style shed, and a separate block-built shed.

    9/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    The extensive 1.16-acre grounds with mature trees and woodland offer fantastic potential for keen gardeners to develop the outdoor space.

    9/10
  • Walking

    Surrounded by rolling countryside and scenic valley views, providing plenty of pleasant local routes for walking enthusiasts.

    8/10
  • Gym

    There is no dedicated gym space on-site, and local fitness facilities would require a drive into Macroom Town.

    3/10
  • Cycling

    The quiet country roads around Kilnamartyra and the Toon Valley offer scenic cycling opportunities, though rural roads lack dedicated cycle lanes.

    7/10
  • Golf

    Requires travel to nearby towns such as Macroom for golf course access, but is manageable within a short drive.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    The rural setting near river valleys in County Cork provides good proximity to regional angling opportunities.

    7/10
  • Horse Riding

    The generous 1.16-acre plot and rural location could appeal to horse enthusiasts, though equestrian facilities would need to be sourced locally.

    7/10
  • Water Sports

    Inland rural location far from major water sports hubs, though local lakes or reservoirs may require driving.

    2/10
  • Entertaining

    Features a raised rear patio area and a generous garden for outdoor gatherings, though the interior living spaces are relatively compact.

    6/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Located in the peaceful countryside of Knockroe, surrounded by mature hardwood trees, established woodland, and views overlooking the Toon Valley.

    10/10
  • Rural Living

    Set on an idyllic 1.16-acre south-facing site in a traditional rural setting, perfect for buyers seeking an authentic country lifestyle.

    10/10
  • Village Living

    While rural, the property is only 8 minutes from Macroom Town, providing convenient access to everyday village-style amenities and services.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    The property is located inland in County Cork and has no proximity to the coast.

    1/10
  • Urban Living

    Cork City is less than 35 minutes away, but the immediate environment is strictly rural rather than urban.

    3/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Proximity to Macroom Town ensures access to local community groups, clubs, and rural community events.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Cafés and restaurants are accessible within an 8-minute drive to Macroom, though not within walking distance.

    5/10
  • Nightlife

    Very limited nightlife options in the immediate rural surrounds, requiring travel into Macroom or Cork City.

    3/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Local wellness classes, pilates & stretching, and sports groups can be found in nearby Macroom Town.

    5/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Rural location offers minimal local professional networking, which is better accessed in Cork City.

    3/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    While Cork City is within commuting distance, the rural property itself is distant from major tech hubs.

    4/10

Listing information

Agent
OM2 O’Mahony
Phone
021 4876008
Published on HouseDelve
30 September 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-C98D9FHouseDelve · 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.