
Martello Tower, Blackhill, Duncannon, Co. WexfordY34N765
€500,000
4 Bed~3 Bath
What you'll like:
- Historic architectural heritage: Dating from 1815, this striking circular granite tower offers a rare chance to own an authentic piece of South Wexford history. This unique character will appeal strongly to buyers seeking a distinctive and unforgettable architectural conversation piece.
- Established planning permission: The property includes approved planning permission under reference 20260196W specifically for a residential conversion. This eliminates significant upfront uncertainty and streamlines the regulatory path for prospective developers or ambitious owner-occupiers.
- Renowned conservation architect: Approved plans were designed by André Negri, ensuring a high-calibre architectural vision. Buyers inherit a professional scheme that thoughtfully blends original granite masonry with contemporary living spaces and natural light.
- Substantial site footprint: Situated on over an acre of ground, the property provides generous outdoor space relative to coastal village settings. This expansive plot ensures excellent privacy and ample room for landscaping or ancillary accommodation development.
- Dramatic coastal setting: Located in the historic coastal community of Duncannon, the residence commands evocative seaside surroundings. This scenic backdrop greatly enhances the lifestyle appeal and long-term capital value for a finished high-end home.
- Unique contemporary layout: The proposed design incorporates an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area alongside three bedrooms. This layout successfully bridges historic masonry charm with modern lifestyle expectations and comfortable daily functionality.
- Striking interior features: The building showcases massive circular rooms, cobble-lock flooring, and a raised open fireplace. These authentic structural elements provide a magnificent foundation for dramatic interior design schemes once fully restored.
- Panoramic viewing potential: The structure features upper levels and a roof viewing area with exceptional vistas across the surrounding coastline. Capitalising on these vantage points will create an extraordinary viewing platform for residents and guests.
- Distinguished previous accommodation: Existing spatial records detail multiple rooms including an entrance hall, dining room, and several bedrooms. This gives buyers a tangible layout reference point to understand the internal scale before commencing works.
- Online auction format: The property is offered via an online auction process, providing a transparent and definite transaction timeline. Serious bidders can secure a clear closing date without protracted private treaty negotiations.
- Reputable legal representation: Carriage of sale is handled by established solicitors Beauchamps LLP, ensuring a structured legal process. This professional oversight gives buyers confidence in the clarity and robustness of the title conveyance.
- Established selling agent: Managed by Sherry FitzGerald Radford, buyers benefit from dealing with experienced local property professionals. Their familiarity with the regional market can facilitate smoother communication throughout the acquisition phase.
- Stable asking price: Recorded asking price history shows a stable €500,000 threshold with no erratic fluctuations during the tracking period. This consistency suggests a motivated vendor and provides a reliable baseline for pre-auction bidding strategy.
- Rare market availability: Opportunities to acquire a certified Martello tower with ready-to-go architectural plans are exceptionally uncommon. Securing this asset allows the buyer to bypass years of speculative site hunting and planning appeals.
- Significant value-add potential: The comprehensive restoration project allows the purchaser to inject direct sweat equity and design choices. A successfully executed renovation could yield a high-value trophy asset exceeding total development costs.
- Distinctive tourism appeal: Given its iconic status and coastal positioning, the finished property could serve as a high-end luxury retreat. This versatility offers strong potential for high-end short-term lettings or exclusive private hospitality use.
- Protected structure prestige: Owning a designated heritage structure brings civic pride and long-term architectural preservation value. Buyers become important custodians of local maritime history with lasting community recognition.
- Structural granite integrity: The heavy stone walls and circular granite form provide an immensely durable primary structural shell. While derelict internally, the fundamental envelope stands ready for meticulous stonework restoration and repointing.
- Architectural integration: The approved scheme thoughtfully links the historic tower with adjoining structures for practical ancillary accommodation. This clever integration ensures the final residence does not feel cramped within its historic footprint.
- Clear development blueprint: The availability of detailed professional drawings on external architectural portfolios allows immediate technical review. Buyers can accurately assess construction complexities and evaluate structural requirements before committing funds.
But keep in mind:
- Severe dereliction condition: The property is currently derelict and requires comprehensive, highly specialised structural restoration. Buyers must budget for extensive capital expenditure far beyond a standard cosmetic renovation project.
- Protected structure restrictions: As a recorded historic monument, strict conservation guidelines will govern all renovation methods and material choices. This oversight can significantly increase construction timelines, material sourcing expenses, and administrative hurdles.
- Unquantified restoration costs: Due to the complex nature of historic masonry and specialized conservation, precise construction costs remain highly uncertain. Buyers should commission independent quantity surveyor reports to avoid severe budget overruns during development.
- Exempt BER rating status: The listing indicates a Building Energy Rating exemption, but achieving modern comfort will be challenging. Insulating a solid circular granite tower without compromising historic integrity requires sophisticated and costly thermal engineering.
- Unspecified floor area: Official floor area metrics are not provided in the listing details, obscuring exact spatial dimensions. Prospective purchasers must carefully verify square footage measurements directly from architectural drawings and physical site surveys.
- Undefined property type classification: The property type is unclassified in initial listing disclosures, complicating standard mortgage underwriting. Buyers should verify how lending institutions categorize historic fortifications for residential financing purposes.
- Roof structure in disrepair: The historic roof viewing area is currently in severe disrepair and lacks a functioning roof structure. Substantial engineering works are mandatory to make the upper levels weather-tight and safely accessible.
- Specialist contractor necessity: Standard builders will lack the specific heritage masonry skills required to restore an 1815 Martello tower properly. Sourcing accredited conservation contractors may introduce premium labor rates and scheduling delays.
- Restricted internal access risks: Some interior sections, including basements and multi-level stairwells, may present safety hazards during initial inspections. Buyers must exercise extreme caution and use professional structural engineers when evaluating dampness and timber rot.
- Auction purchase risks: Buying via online auction typically requires unconditional contracts and immediate non-refundable deposit payments upon the fall of the hammer. Buyers must complete all legal, structural, and financial due diligence strictly before auction day.
- Legal title complexities: Historic coastal fortifications often involve complex land boundaries, foreshore rights, or right-of-way considerations. Beauchamps LLP documentation must be thoroughly reviewed by a qualified solicitor to identify any title encumbrances.
- Uncertain infrastructure connections: Bringing reliable electricity, water, and modern wastewater treatment to a derelict historic site can incur heavy utility connection fees. Buyers should verify the proximity and capacity of local services before bidding.
- Environmental exposure vulnerability: Positioned directly in a coastal village environment, the structure faces harsh maritime weather conditions. Granite stonework and new architectural elements will require robust weatherproofing and ongoing corrosion maintenance.
- Local authority planning compliance: While planning permission is granted, strict adherence to all council conditions is mandatory to avoid enforcement notices. Purchasers must verify that the existing permission remains active and fully compliant with current regulations.
- Limited residential comparables: Because Martello towers are exceptionally rare, establishing accurate after-repair market value is difficult. Appraisers may struggle to find direct local sales comparables to justify high-end valuation figures.
- Mortgage availability hurdles: Traditional mortgage lenders frequently hesitate to finance severely derelict properties or protected structures without specialist renovation loans. Cash readiness or commercial-style development finance may be necessary to complete the acquisition.
- Contingency fund necessity: Historic conservation projects routinely encounter unforeseen structural issues once stripping and repointing commence. Buyers must maintain a substantial financial contingency fund to absorb unexpected engineering surprises.
- Insurance underwriting challenges: Securing comprehensive buildings insurance for a derelict, vacant historic property can prove difficult and expensive. Buyers need to investigate specialist heritage insurance policies prior to finalising their purchase commitments.
- Access and logistics constraints: Delivering heavy construction machinery and scaffolding to a historic coastal site may pose logistical challenges. Narrow local approach roads or proximity to delicate heritage features could restrict heavy vehicle movements.
- Long-term maintenance burden: Historic stone structures demand continuous, specialised upkeep to prevent moisture ingress and frost damage to mortar joints. Future owners must anticipate ongoing, specialized property management costs long after the initial restoration concludes.
Price positioning
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- The asking price of five hundred thousand euros appears slightly elevated relative to baseline regional housing values, reflecting a heavy premium attached to the unique historical nature and architectural rarity of the nineteenth century defensive structure.
- Valuation signals are driven by the inclusion of comprehensive planning permission for a specialized residential conversion, though this is heavily counterbalanced by the substantial dereliction and extensive capital expenditure required for complete restoration.
- Market support for this ambitious figure relies entirely on finding a niche buyer with significant financial resources and specialized conservation vision, whereas risk factors include unforeseen structural costs and strict regulatory constraints on protected historic structures.
- The pricing strategy employs an online auction format to stimulate competitive bidding among niche enthusiasts, leveraging scarcity value while offsetting the absence of standard residential comforts and the lack of a current energy efficiency rating.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a historic Martello Tower dating from 1815, constructed of solid granite stone walls in a distinctive circular form.
- The listing indicates the structure is currently derelict, requiring comprehensive restoration and lacking a functioning roof.
- The property is a protected structure, meaning any restoration or alteration work is strictly regulated and will require specialist conservation building techniques and materials.
- Full planning permission is in place for residential conversion under reference 20260196W, which a buyer must carefully review alongside all associated conditions.
- A buyer should investigate the estimated total construction and conservation costs, as well as the availability of specialist contractors experienced in historic stone structures.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Heating cost cannot be reliably estimated as the BER is exempt/not provided and the property is currently derelict requiring comprehensive restoration.
- Once the approved residential conversion and conservation works are completed, heating costs will depend heavily on the final insulation standards and heating systems installed.
Environmental checks
Area-level evidence and things to investigate
Air quality
Nearby sites
Landfills
None foundWaste facilities
None foundIndustrial facilities
None foundNearby infrastructure
Mobile phone masts
None foundOverhead electricity lines
None foundUnderground electricity cables
None foundFlood Safe
6/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property is situated in the historic coastal village of Duncannon, placing it near the marine environment where coastal flooding and storm surges present potential exposure factors.
- Although official mapping shows no explicit flood zones directly affecting the site, proximity to the coastline means localized extreme weather events and high tides warrant careful consideration during the restoration process.
- The structure includes a basement level alongside ground-floor living areas in its proposed design, meaning any future below-ground or low-lying modifications should incorporate appropriate damp-proofing and water ingress protections.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
MARTELLO TOWER, BLACKHILL, DUNCANNON
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €465,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Duncannon area
ESTUARY HOUSE, DUNCANNON, CO WEXFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €200,000.00
PRIMROSE COTTAGE, MAIN ST, DUNCANNON
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €195,000.00
3 SHEPARDS WALK, DUNCANNON, COUNTY WEXFORD
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €285,000.00
QUAY ROAD, DUNCANNON, NEWROSS
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €250,000.00
27 SOUTHBEACH, DUNCANNON, NEW ROSS
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €330,000.00
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
MARTELLO TOWER, BLACKHILL, DUNCANNON
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €465,000.00
Buyer fees*
Associated expenses guide
- Estimated stamp duty: €5,000 — 1% of €500,000.
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Based on the asking price shown on this page, using standard residential stamp-duty rates. No adjustments are made for VAT, reliefs, mixed-use property or additional land. The final purchase price and your circumstances may change the amount payable.
- Solicitor legal fees are estimated between 2000 and 5000 euro depending on complexity and conveyancing requirements.
- Land registration fees typically range from 400 to 800 euro based on property value.
- Property valuation fees generally range from 150 to 350 euro.
- Surveyor fees are estimated between 1000 and 2500 euro, with specialized historic building assessments potentially higher.
- Annual home insurance is estimated between 400 and 1200 euro, though specialist cover for a protected historic structure should be verified.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local discussion groups frequently highlight the unique architectural heritage of the 1815 Duncannon Martello Tower and its landmark status in South Wexford.
- Community forums often share interest in significant restoration projects involving protected structures along the Wexford coastline.
- Residents in the Duncannon area frequently discuss the appeal and challenges of managing historic buildings requiring comprehensive intervention.
- Discussions surrounding local real estate occasionally focus on rare landmark properties coming to the market via online auction formats.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children2/10
The property is currently derelict and requires comprehensive restoration, making it entirely unsuitable and unsafe for young children until all major construction works are fully completed.
- Teenagers3/10
While teenagers might appreciate the unique history of a Martello tower, the extensive renovation project means the living environment will be chaotic and unsuitable for adolescent family life for quite some time.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
The property offers space on over an acre with adjoining accommodation potential, but the current derelict state requires immense capital and time investment before multi-generational living could be safely achieved.
- Single Buyers4/10
A single buyer with deep pockets, vision, and project management experience could find this a thrilling historic restoration challenge, though it is far from a move-in ready home.
- Couples4/10
Couples looking for a grand design project will be drawn to the unique 1815 granite tower, but must be prepared for the substantial stress, costs, and timeline associated with restoring a protected structure.
- Empty Nesters3/10
Empty nesters seeking a manageable downsizing option will find this the exact opposite; it is a heavy restoration undertaking rather than a low-maintenance retirement haven.
- Retirees2/10
Due to the derelict condition, multi-level stairwells, and the physical demands of a major historic renovation, this property is poorly suited for retirees.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
Remote workers could eventually create a stunning home office with inspiring coastal views, but should verify local broadband connectivity speeds during the restoration phase.
- Hybrid Commuting3/10
Located in South Wexford, hybrid commuting to major employment hubs like Dublin or Cork would involve substantial travel times.
- Retired3/10
While retirement offers the free time to oversee a grand restoration project, the physical toll of managing a protected structure build may outweigh the benefits.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place2/10
With multiple stairwells, a basement, and a multi-level circular tower structure, this property is fundamentally unsuited for ageing in place.
- Low Maintenance1/10
As a protected 1815 historic structure currently in a derelict state requiring comprehensive restoration, maintenance requirements will be exceptionally high.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property sits on over an acre, but buyers should verify or install security measures given its vacant and derelict status.
- Minimalist Design4/10
While the proposed modern architectural plans aim for sleek contemporary integration, the inherent circular stone architecture leans more toward dramatic historic preservation than stark minimalism.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
Approved plans feature an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area alongside three bedrooms, though structural alterations are heavily constrained by its protected status.
- Heritage Home10/10
This is the ultimate heritage property—an authentic 1815 Martello tower complete with original granite masonry and formal conservation architectural plans.
- Ecological Setup4/10
The property relies on a historic shell requiring deep retrofitting; buyers must investigate how to incorporate modern ecological and energy-efficient systems into a protected structure.
- Outdoor areas8/10
Set on over an acre of land with a proposed stone terrace, the outdoor space holds massive potential for scenic coastal landscaping.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening6/10
The property sits on over an acre of land, providing ample outdoor space for landscaping and gardening enthusiasts, though grounds currently require attention.
- Walking8/10
Being located in a scenic coastal village in South Wexford offers wonderful opportunities for scenic walks and coastal trails.
- Gym1/10
There are no fitness facilities or gyms included on-site; buyers will need to travel or set up a home gym within the extensive renovation plans.
- Cycling6/10
The surrounding coastal roads offer pleasant cycling routes, though rural infrastructure means careful navigation is required.
- Golf5/10
South Wexford features regional golf amenities, but players should investigate the exact distance to the nearest courses from Duncannon.
- Fishing8/10
The coastal positioning in Duncannon places marine environments and potential fishing opportunities close at hand.
- Horse Riding5/10
The rural acreage provides potential scope for equine interests, though specific equestrian facilities would need to be established by the buyer.
- Water Sports8/10
The coastal village setting is ideal for water sports enthusiasts looking to engage in sea-based activities.
- Entertaining5/10
Once the proposed open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas and stone terrace are built, the historic tower will make an incredible venue for entertaining, though it is currently uninhabitable.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Situated in Blackhill, Duncannon, on over an acre of land, the property offers a peaceful and private setting away from intense urban congestion.
- Rural Living7/10
Set on a substantial plot with historic grounds in South Wexford, it delivers a strong sense of rural and secluded character.
- Village Living7/10
Located in the historic coastal village of Duncannon, residents can enjoy tight-knit village community charm once the home is restored.
- Coastal Living9/10
The property boasts stunning coastal views from its semi-circular rooms and a prime location in a well-known South Wexford coastal community.
- Urban Living1/10
This is a rural coastal historic landmark rather than an urban dwelling, completely devoid of city-center conveniences on the doorstep.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Duncannon is a well-known coastal community where local heritage projects and village life foster active community engagement.
- Café Culture4/10
Local village amenities include coastal charm, but extensive café culture and dining options are more limited compared to larger urban centers.
- Nightlife1/10
Nightlife options are virtually non-existent directly in this quiet coastal pocket, aligning more with a tranquil lifestyle.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Specialized wellness or fitness groups are likely centered in larger nearby towns rather than immediately in Duncannon.
- Networking Opportunities1/10
This remote historic location offers negligible professional networking opportunities.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
There are no local tech hubs nearby; connectivity will rely entirely on home internet infrastructure.
Listing information
- Agent
- Sherry FitzGerald Radford
- Phone
- 053 914 6046 / 051 426 161
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 9 November 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-79680DHouseDelve · 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.