"Meadow View", Colpe East, Donacarney, MeathA92E9P9
€495,000
2 Bed~1 Bath~68 m²~BER D
What you'll like:
- Generous site size: The property sits on an expansive 1.038 acres, providing rare outdoor space for a single suburban-fringe holding.
- Exemption from restrictions: The plot benefits from avoiding local needs housing restrictions, making future development applications more flexible for general buyers.
- South facing aspect: The rear gardens and living areas enjoy a sunny south orientation, creating a bright and warm daily environment.
- Immediate livability: The cottage features an existing living room extension and improvements, allowing buyers to move in comfortably while planning changes.
- Proximity to village amenities: Local shops, take-aways, and doctors in Donacarney are located within a convenient three-quarter kilometre distance.
- Nearby primary education: The local primary school in Donacarney is just one kilometre away, offering easy daily school runs for families.
- Short motorway commute: The M1 motorway can be reached within ten minutes by car, facilitating streamlined travel toward Dublin or Belfast.
- Access to Drogheda town: The thriving urban center of Drogheda is only a ten-minute drive away for major retail and hospital services.
- Recreational options nearby: Local golf courses, sandy beaches, tennis facilities, and secondary schools are all accessible within ten minutes.
- Rail connectivity: Train services are located within a ten-minute radius, supporting convenient public transport commutes for professionals.
- Established rear extension: The altered layout includes a specialized rear extension that effectively maximizes the connection to the back gardens.
- Bright sunroom space: The living room sun room area features dual stoves and abundant natural daylight, enhancing the core living experience.
- Private garden outlook: Well-planted boundary vegetation and a deep driveway setting protect the rear areas from direct overlooking neighbors.
- Extensive outbuilding infrastructure: A selection of existing sheds and a large secondary shed provide immediate storage or operational utility options.
- Existing kennel setup: The large rear shed incorporates eight dog kennels, presenting immediate infrastructure for animal-keeping or specialized hobbies.
- Mains water connection: The property benefits from a reliable mains water supply rather than relying on private well sourcing.
- Mains gas availability: Central heating is serviced by mains gas, offering efficient energy management compared to standard oil alternatives.
- Dual glazing installed: The cottage is fitted with a combination of PVC and teak double glazing to help retain interior heat.
- Walk-in shower room: The bathroom has been updated to include a practical walk-in shower layout suited for accessibility.
- Redvelopment potential: The oversized plot offers a canvas to extensively expand the footprint or construct an entirely new statement residence.
But keep in mind:
- Subpar energy rating: The dwelling carries a weak D energy rating, indicating that substantial insulation upgrades will be necessary for efficiency.
- Limited existing footprint: With only 68 square meters of total floor space, the current two-bed layout is quite compact for modern family living.
- Private sewage treatment: Wastewater management relies on a septic tank system, which will require thorough inspection and potential modern compliance updates.
- Undeveloped land portion: A distinct section of the rear grounds remains unlandscaped, requiring financial investment to bring up to standard.
- Intensive kennel cleanup: The inclusion of eight dog kennels means the buyer should investigate potential ground odors or deep cleaning requirements.
- Low density neighborhood change: While currently quiet, ongoing regional development could alter the semi-rural character of the surrounding low-density area.
- High acquisition entry point: At €495,000 for a 68-square-meter footprint, the valuation heavily prices in land potential rather than the physical structure.
- Planning uncertainty for second home: Buyers should verify whether local planning authorities would genuinely permit a second residential dwelling on the plot.
- Renovation capital requirement: Bringing the old cottage up to contemporary luxury standards will demand a heavy secondary construction budget.
- Single bathroom constraint: The dwelling features only one bathroom servicing both bedrooms, which may create morning congestion for occupants.
- Restricted bedroom capacity: Providing just two bedrooms limits immediate occupancy scale unless a major extension project is undertaken promptly.
- Potential structural age issues: As an old residence, the core structure should be examined by a surveyor for hidden dampness or foundation settling.
- Uncertain septic tank compliance: The buyer should investigate whether the septic tank meets current environmental registration and discharge standards.
- Traffic proximity factors: Proximity to main commuter routes could introduce peak-hour traffic bottlenecks along local feeder roads into Donacarney.
- Heating system efficiency: Relying on older gas boiler setups combined with a D BER rating suggests heating bills could run high initially.
- Maintenance of outbuildings: The multiple sheds and older structures should be inspected for asbestos roofing sheets or timber rot.
- Boundary fence verification: The buyer should confirm that all 1.038 acres of boundary lines match legal land registry maps precisely.
- Surface water drainage: Given the large plot size and clay-heavy regional soils, the buyer should check for potential surface water pooling in winter.
- Future expansion constraints: Local county development plans might impose strict design guidelines on replacing or doubling up structures on single rural infill sites.
- Limited architectural flow: Altered layouts from older cottage extensions can sometimes result in awkward internal room transitions or narrow hallways.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is an older cottage that has undergone previous alterations, including a rear living room extension, meaning a buyer should verify structural integrity and compliance with building regulations for these past modifications.
- The house utilizes a septic tank for sewerage, so a buyer must investigate the tank's condition, capacity, and current environmental compliance standards.
- Services include a mix of PVC and teak double glazing, indicating varying ages of windows that should be inspected for thermal efficiency and draft exclusion.
- The listing highlights significant potential to extend, completely replace the structure, or potentially add a second dwelling on the 1.038-acre site; therefore, a buyer should thoroughly investigate local planning policies, zoning restrictions, and feasibility with the local planning authority.
- The presence of a selection of sheds and dog kennels at the rear requires a check for proper foundation, asbestos presence if older materials were used, and lawful status.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Estimated deep retrofit cost ranges from €30,000 to €55,000.
- Reasoning: The property has a D BER rating, indicating poor energy efficiency that likely stems from inadequate wall, roof, or floor insulation, as well as older heating systems or windows.
- Achieving a higher BER rating (such as A or B) would require external or internal wall insulation, upgraded roof insulation, and potentially optimized heating controls or renewable energy integration, offset slightly by the smaller 68 m² floor area.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €1,400 to €2,000.
- Short explanation: Based on a floor area of 68 m² and a D energy rating, the property's thermal efficiency requires moderate-to-high energy use, though the relatively compact size helps moderate the total annual spend compared to larger dwellings.
Pollution Safe
8/10Environmental situation to investigate
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
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 Colpe East area
17A CASTLE GLEN, DONACARNEY, MEATH
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €362,000.00
23 CASTLE GLEN, DONACARNEY, MEATH
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €400,000.00
37 WELLINGTON WALK, MORNINGTON PARK, DONACARNEY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €425,000.00
NO.5 GLEN BOANN, DONACARNEY, COUNTY MEATH
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €460,000.00
11 JOHNSTONS VILLAS, MORNINGTON PARK, DONACARNEY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €550,000.00
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: €4,950 calculated at 1% of the purchase price up to €1 million for residential properties.
- Solicitor legal fees: €1,500 to €3,000 plus 23% VAT, plus approximately €200 to €300 in outlays and searches.
- Land registration fees: €130 to €700 depending on whether the registration is digital or manual and the nature of property filings.
- Property valuation fees: €150 to €300 typically required by mortgage lenders prior to loan approval.
- Surveyor fees: €400 to €1,000 depending on the depth of the structural survey requested for the cottage and outbuildings.
- Annual home insurance: €350 to €700 depending on the chosen level of buildings and contents coverage.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local discussions highlight Donacarney as a popular residential area due to its coastal setting and easy access to Drogheda and the M1 motorway.
- Residents on community forums frequently note the strong demand for standalone sites and older cottages with potential for extension or redevelopment.
- Commuters in the area often discuss public transport options, noting proximity to local bus routes and the nearby mainline rail station at Drogheda.
- Local groups emphasize the convenience of village amenities, including schools, local shops, and recreational facilities all within a short distance.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The property features a fantastic 1-acre site with superb gardens, great for young children to play safely. However, with only 2 bedrooms and 68 m² of floor area, space is quite compact unless extended.
- Teenagers4/10
A 2-bedroom cottage of 68 m² offers limited privacy and independent space for teenagers, though the large plot does provide plenty of outdoor area.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
The existing 68 m² floor area is far too small for multi-generational living, though the large site offers potential to extend or build a second house subject to planning.
- Single Buyers7/10
An affordable entry point at €495,000 with an acre of land, perfect for a single buyer looking for a project or a peaceful retreat with great expansion potential.
- Couples8/10
Very livable 2-bedroom layout with a bright living room/sunroom extension, excellent south-facing orientation, and substantial grounds for gardening couples.
- Empty Nesters7/10
Single-level cottage living with a walk-in shower and manageable indoor footprint, though the 1-acre garden will require ongoing maintenance unless scaled down.
- Retirees7/10
Features single-floor living with a walk-in shower and a quiet location close to local amenities in Donacarney, though garden upkeep should be considered.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The quiet rural setting provides an excellent distraction-free environment for working from home, though broadband speeds should be verified by the buyer.
- Hybrid Commuting7/10
Just 10 minutes to the M1 motorway and nearby train services, making hybrid commuting feasible.
- Retired8/10
Single-level accommodation with a walk-in shower and peaceful surroundings make it highly suitable for retirees.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place8/10
Single-story layout with a walk-in bathroom shower makes it very friendly for ageing in place, provided garden maintenance is managed.
- Low Maintenance4/10
An older 68 m² cottage with a D BER rating and a 1-acre site with multiple sheds requires ongoing maintenance and potential energy upgrades.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
Features a driveway leading to the rear, but specific secure gated entry systems are not mentioned and would need to be installed if desired.
- Minimalist Design5/10
Traditional cottage structure with character extensions rather than a stark minimalist build.
- Flexible Floor Plans7/10
The layout has already been altered with extensions, and the property offers vast potential to extend further or redevelop entirely.
- Heritage Home7/10
An old residence with traditional character, offering a wonderful opportunity for a buyer looking for a heritage-style project.
- Ecological Setup4/10
Currently holds a D BER rating and uses a septic tank, meaning energy efficiency and green systems would benefit from substantial upgrades.
- Outdoor areas10/10
Outstanding 1.038-acre site with south-facing rear views, well-planted gardens, and multiple storage sheds.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening10/10
Boasts a massive 1.038-acre site with superb, well-planted south-facing gardens and a selection of existing sheds.
- Walking7/10
Located in a low-density area close to local amenities and within 10 minutes of beaches and local points of interest.
- Gym4/10
Dedicated fitness facilities are not explicitly nearby, requiring travel into nearby Drogheda for full gym setups.
- Cycling6/10
Local village roads and low-density surroundings offer reasonable cycling conditions, though regional traffic links should be verified.
- Golf9/10
Golf courses are located within a convenient 10-minute radius of the property.
- Fishing5/10
Proximity to coastal areas and regional waterways offers potential fishing opportunities, though local specifics should be investigated.
- Horse Riding6/10
The 1-acre site and rural surroundings could accommodate equestrian interests, subject to setting up proper facilities.
- Water Sports8/10
With beaches just 10 minutes away, water sports enthusiasts have easy access to the coast.
- Entertaining8/10
The bright living room/sunroom extension and expansive south-facing private rear gardens create an ideal setup for hosting guests outdoors.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Located in a low-density residential area with private, well-planted south-facing grounds offering a peaceful environment.
- Rural Living7/10
Sits on a 1.038-acre site with extensive outdoor sheds and a rural feel, while still being close to local village amenities.
- Village Living9/10
Just 3/4 km from shops, takeaways, and doctors, and 1 km from the primary school in Donacarney.
- Coastal Living8/10
Beaches are within a convenient 10-minute reach, offering great coastal access.
- Urban Living3/10
This is a low-density rural/village setting rather than an urban environment, though Drogheda town is 10 minutes away.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Proximity to Donacarney village fosters a close-knit community feel with local schools, shops, and services nearby.
- Café Culture5/10
Local village amenities provide basic conveniences, but vibrant café culture options will require heading into Drogheda.
- Nightlife4/10
The immediate area is quiet and residential, meaning nightlife options are limited outside of nearby Drogheda.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Basic medical services are close by in the village, but structured wellness and pilates & stretching groups would likely be found in larger nearby towns.
- Networking Opportunities4/10
Primarily a residential and rural location with limited professional networking hubs locally.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity4/10
While close to the M1, the immediate location is a low-density residential setting; tech hub access relies on remote connections or commuting.
Listing information
- Agent
- Robt. B. Daly & Son Ltd
- Phone
- 041 9838607
- Published on HouseDelve
- 1 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-547C92HouseDelve · 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.