Lough Keel Cottage, Carrownasaul, Termon, County DonegalF92Y6H3
€249,000
4 Bed~2 Bath~132 m²~BER D1
What you'll like:
- Scenic lake views: The cottage enjoys spectacular, elevated outlooks across Lough Keel and the surrounding Donegal countryside, providing an ever-changing and highly desirable natural landscape throughout the seasons.
- Historical character: Originally constructed in 1888, the property retains a distinctive sense of heritage and traditional charm while blending seamlessly with modern extensions and updates.
- Generous floor area: Spanning approximately 131.92 square meters, the home offers substantial interior space that easily accommodates a four-bedroom layout suitable for contemporary family living.
- Four spacious bedrooms: The inclusion of four well-proportioned bedrooms provides excellent flexibility for larger families, visiting guests, or dedicated home office spaces in a rural setting.
- Master ensuite convenience: The primary bedroom features a dedicated walk-in wardrobe and a private ensuite bathroom, enhancing daily comfort and privacy for the homeowner.
- Solid fuel stove heating: The living room is anchored by a solid fuel stove equipped with a back boiler, offering an efficient and cozy alternative heating source for cooler months.
- Extensive parking options: The property benefits from a large gravelled area to the front alongside dedicated side parking space, easily accommodating multiple vehicles for residents and visitors.
- Private rural retreat: Set within the peaceful countryside landscape of Carrownasaul, the location delivers exceptional tranquility and privacy without feeling entirely isolated from civilization.
- Accessible local amenities: Despite its deeply rural feel, the home remains within easy reach of the local community facilities in Termon village and the larger nearby town of Letterkenny.
- Modernized kitchen space: The kitchen and dining area features built-in wall and base units alongside integrated appliances, creating a functional and bright hub for daily meal preparation.
- Dual bathroom facilities: Having two separate bathrooms prevents morning bottlenecks and ensures adequate sanitation facilities for a busy household of four bedrooms.
- Quality flooring finishes: The interior showcases a practical mix of tiled flooring in high-traffic zones, warm timber flooring in principal rooms, and comfortable carpeting in bedrooms.
- Integrated kitchen appliances: The built-in electric hob, oven, and extractor hood offer immediate readiness for culinary activities without requiring immediate appliance purchases.
- Charming front garden: The property includes an attractive front garden laid primarily to lawn, enhancing curb appeal and offering a pleasant green space overlooking the valley.
- Bright recessed lighting: Many rooms feature modern recessed ceiling lighting, maximizing illumination and clean interior sightlines throughout the renovated living quarters.
- Double sink utility: The kitchen is equipped with a practical stainless-steel double sink and drainer unit featuring mixer taps, adding convenience for heavy kitchen usage.
- Secure secondary entry: A functional rear hallway with a partially glazed PVC door provides secure secondary access and acts as a useful buffer against inclement weather.
- Established price positioning: Listed at 249000 euros, the property offers a substantial footprint and lake views that represent competitive positioning relative to urban equivalents.
- Clear ownership boundaries: The defined gravel parking apron and fenced garden areas help establish clear physical perimeters around the countryside dwelling.
- Adaptable living spaces: The versatile open plan and distinct room divisions allow buyers to easily customize the interior layout to match their specific lifestyle requirements.
But keep in mind:
- Subpar energy rating: The property carries a D1 BER rating, indicating that the thermal envelope may be inefficient and likely requires insulation upgrades to reduce future heating costs.
- High energy consumption: The energy performance indicator sits at 259.59 kWh/m2/yr, signaling that utility bills could be notably higher than average for modern standard homes.
- Unverified services condition: Because selling agents have not tested any apparatus, fixtures, or plumbing services, buyers should independently verify the operational status of all household systems.
- Historic building age: Dating back to 1888, the original core structure may harbor hidden defects, damp issues, or outdated structural elements requiring specialist engineering inspection.
- Septic tank due diligence: Prospective buyers must thoroughly investigate the presence, capacity, and EPA compliance of any private onsite wastewater treatment system serving the rural cottage.
- Water supply verification: Given the rural location, purchasers should verify whether the property relies on a private well or public mains and test the water quality accordingly.
- Exposed weather location: The elevated, lakeside positioning exposes the structure to heavy winds and driving rain, making exterior maintenance and roof integrity critical inspection points.
- Electric shower reliance: Both bathrooms utilize electric showers, which can draw heavy electrical loads and may require eventual replacement to improve water pressure and efficiency.
- Limited public transport: The peaceful rural setting means residents will almost certainly rely on private vehicles for all daily errands, commuting, and school runs.
- Maintenance of gravel driveway: The extensive gravelled parking area will likely require periodic topping up, weed control, and regrading to prevent potholes and surface erosion.
- Solid fuel reliance risks: Utilizing a back boiler stove for supplemental heating requires consistent fuel sourcing, manual labor, and regular chimney sweeping to prevent safety hazards.
- Historical renovation quality: Because the cottage was extended and renovated over recent years, a thorough structural survey is vital to ensure past building works met strict regulatory standards.
- Uncertain boundary clearances: Buyers should commission a professional mapping check to confirm that all garden and parking boundaries precisely match the legal land registry folios.
- Potential damp risks: Traditional stone or early brick cottages converted over time can struggle with rising or penetrating damp if damp-proof courses are compromised.
- Oil or gas absence: The listing highlights a solid fuel stove but omits mention of a primary central heating boiler, suggesting heating systems should be carefully audited.
- Surface water drainage: The sloping topography toward the lake requires verification of proper surface water management to prevent pooling around the foundations during heavy storms.
- Insulation access constraints: Historic roof spaces and older wall cavities in the 1888 section may lack adequate depth for modern insulation standards without extensive retrofitting.
- Access road maintenance: Rural approach roads leading to Carrownasaul may be narrow or prone to winter weather deterioration, requiring inquiry into local council maintenance schedules.
- Future expansion limits: The rural zoning context and protected landscape views over Lough Keel could restrict future structural extensions or outbuilding additions.
- Resale liquidity factors: Highly specialized rural properties with unique character appeal often have a narrower pool of prospective buyers, potentially extending future selling timelines.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price of €249,000 for this renovated 1888 traditional cottage appears moderately positioned above baseline rural expectations in the wider locality, reflecting its substantial floor area of nearly 132 square metres and extensive modernization.
- Upward valuation signals stem from the four-bedroom layout, two bathrooms, a solid fuel stove with back boiler, and a scenic elevated setting with panoramic views over Lough Keel and the surrounding Donegal countryside.
- The valuation could be supported by strong demand for rural lifestyle retreats within accessible distance of Letterkenny, though the D1 energy rating might introduce retrofit costs that could slightly undermine buyer enthusiasm at this price point.
- Relevant market dynamics include the historical stability of the asking price since first tracking, suggesting a firm initial pricing strategy by the vendor without immediate pressure for downward adjustments.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a traditional cottage originally constructed in 1888 that has been extensively renovated and extended in recent years, combining period character with a four-bedroom modern layout.
- A solid fuel stove with a back boiler is installed in the living room, which buyers should inspect regarding its integration with the home's central heating and hot water systems.
- Given the combination of an 1888 original structure with modern extensions, a structural survey is recommended to assess the junction points between the old and new building phases and check for any dampness in the older fabric.
- Buyers should verify planning permissions and compliance certifications for the extensive renovations and extensions carried out on the property.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a BER rating of D1, indicating that energy efficiency is moderate and leaves significant room for improvement.
- A deep retrofit to bring the dwelling to a high BER standard (such as A or B) would likely cost between 35000 and 55000 euros, depending on the extent of works required for external wall insulation on the older stone sections, attic insulation upgrades, window replacements, and heating system optimization.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost is around €1,800 to €2,400.
- Explanation: Given the floor area of approximately 132 m² and a D1 BER rating, energy efficiency is moderate. Heating reliance will be influenced by the solid fuel stove with a back boiler and the property's exposed rural location in County Donegal.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a tranquil and remote rural landscape in County Donegal, far removed from major industrial zones, heavy manufacturing, or large-scale waste facilities.
- Any historical or localized environmental risks are minimal, though buyers should verify local septic tank registration and standard rural water source quality during standard due diligence.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property occupies an elevated position overlooking Lough Keel, which naturally reduces the direct risk of structural flooding from the lake waters.
- While the elevated outlook suggests a low overall flood vulnerability, prospective buyers should consult local flood maps and investigate site drainage during heavier weather periods as part of standard conveyancing.
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 Termon area
10 CHURCH TOWN, TERMON, LETTERKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €122,500.00
6 CHURCHTOWN LANE, TERMON, LETTERKENNY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €155,000.00
RADHARC AN SEIPEAL, CURRIN, TERMON
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €130,000.00
BARNES UPPER, TERMON, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €84,000.00
CASHELEENAN, TERMON, CO DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €74,000.00
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 for residential properties up to €1,000,000 (approx. €2,490 for this property).
- Solicitor legal fees: roughly €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: generally ranges between €400 and €800 depending on the property type and registration system.
- Property valuation fee: usually around €150 to €300 if required by a lender.
- Surveyor fees: approximately €500 to €1,200 depending on the level of detailed structural survey required.
- Annual home insurance: estimated between €400 and €800 per year depending on the policy and coverage level.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Termon and broader Letterkenny area frequently discuss the appeal of rural homes offering scenic lake views and traditional character.
- Community forums often highlight the balance between peaceful countryside living and convenient access to Letterkenny for employment and larger retail amenities.
- Residents in rural Donegal regularly share advice on maintaining older properties, particularly traditional cottages that have been extended and renovated.
- Transport discussions for the Carrownasaul area emphasize the reliance on private vehicles while praising the quiet, low-traffic nature of local rural roads.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The four-bedroom layout and enclosed lawn offer a safe space for young children, though buyers should verify safety measures given the rural roadside setting and open natural surroundings.
- Teenagers5/10
Four bedrooms provide adequate private space for teenagers, but the remote rural location in Termon means they will heavily rely on parents for transport to social and recreational activities.
- Multi-generational Living4/10
While there are four bedrooms, the cottage layout features a single primary living area and two bathrooms, lacking the independent zonal living often required for comfortable multi-generational households.
- Single Buyers5/10
The asking price of €249,000 may offer reasonable value for space, but single buyers might find the maintenance of a large rural detached property demanding and isolating.
- Couples7/10
Offers generous accommodation and a scenic retreat atmosphere for couples wanting countryside living, with an asking price that has remained stable at €249,000.
- Empty Nesters6/10
Single-level elements and ample space make it appealing for empty nesters seeking a quieter lifestyle, though ongoing maintenance of an 1888-built home should be considered.
- Retirees6/10
The tranquil setting and single-floor accessibility in parts suit retirement, but the rural location means reliance on driving for essential services and healthcare access should be verified.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The four-bedroom layout allows ample space for home office setups, though buyers must verify broadband speeds available in this rural Carrownasaul location.
- Hybrid Commuting5/10
Letterkenny is accessible, but hybrid commuting to major employment cities outside the county would be impractical due to distance.
- Retired8/10
An ideal setup for retirees seeking peace, privacy, and scenic beauty without the pressures of urban environments.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place6/10
Ground-floor bedrooms offer convenience, but buyers should evaluate accessibility and potential modifications needed for long-term aging in place.
- Low Maintenance4/10
As a historical property dating back to 1888 with recent renovations and a D1 BER rating, ongoing maintenance of older structures should be anticipated.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property benefits from ample private parking but lacks a formal secure gated entrance system.
- Minimalist Design4/10
The traditional cottage character, extended layout, and historical features lean toward rustic charm rather than minimalist aesthetics.
- Flexible Floor Plans6/10
With four bedrooms and separate living spaces, the layout provides moderate flexibility for changing family needs.
- Heritage Home9/10
Originally constructed in 1888, the property retains a distinctive history and character spanning over 130 years.
- Ecological Setup5/10
Includes a solid fuel stove with a back boiler, though the D1 energy rating indicates potential room for thermal upgrades.
- Outdoor areas8/10
Features extensive gravel parking, a front lawn, and elevated views across the lake and countryside.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening7/10
Features a front garden laid to lawn and ample outdoor space, giving gardening enthusiasts a solid foundation to develop planting schemes.
- Walking8/10
The surrounding scenic countryside and lakeside setting offer abundant opportunities for recreational walking right from the doorstep.
- Gym3/10
There is no dedicated fitness facility on-site, and private gym access requires traveling toward Letterkenny or local hubs.
- Cycling7/10
The quiet rural roads around Termon provide scenic routes for cyclists, though undulating terrain and local traffic speeds should be assessed.
- Golf4/10
Golf enthusiasts will need to travel further afield to reach established courses in the broader Donegal region.
- Fishing9/10
Directly overlooking Lough Keel, this property presents an exceptional location for anglers interested in lake fishing.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural environment is conducive to equestrian pursuits, though buyers should verify local stabling and riding infrastructure.
- Water Sports5/10
Lough Keel offers scenic water views, but suitability for active water sports depends on local access rights and lake regulations.
- Entertaining7/10
The kitchen-dining area, living room with solid fuel stove, and extensive parking provide a welcoming environment for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Set in a peaceful rural landscape in Carrownasaul with views over Lough Keel, providing an exceptionally quiet and private environment.
- Rural Living10/10
The property is deeply embedded in the scenic Donegal countryside, surrounded by natural beauty and agricultural landscapes.
- Village Living7/10
While rural, the property remains within easy reach of local community amenities in the nearby Termon village.
- Coastal Living2/10
The location is defined by lakeside and inland countryside views rather than coastal proximity.
- Urban Living1/10
Offers virtually no urban characteristics, requiring travel to Letterkenny for city-scale amenities and services.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Proximity to Termon village encourages integration into local rural community life and regional events.
- Café Culture3/10
Rural living limits immediate walking-distance café options, requiring trips into nearby villages or Letterkenny.
- Nightlife2/10
Nightlife options are virtually nonexistent locally, necessitating travel to larger neighboring towns.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
Local wellness groups will be sparse in the immediate rural area, likely requiring trips to Letterkenny.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
Professional networking is minimal locally given the isolated rural setting.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
The location lacks physical tech hubs, making reliance on robust home internet essential.
Listing information
- Agent
- Glen Estates
- Phone
- +353 (86) 3853312
- Published on HouseDelve
- 7 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-348118HouseDelve · Republic of IrelandReport 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.