
Meenagrave, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
€150,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~BER G
What you'll like:
- Charming traditional farmhouse: The stone-built two-storey dwellinghouse offers immense character and authentic rural appeal, giving buyers a unique canvas for restoration.
- Attractive asking price: Priced at one hundred fifty thousand euros, it presents an accessible entry point for buyers looking for a rural project.
- Generous room proportions: The main rooms feature comfortable dimensions, including a spacious sitting room and well-sized primary bedroom for flexible layouts.
- Dual aspect living: Multiple rooms benefit from dual aspect windows, ensuring plentiful natural light fills the traditional interior throughout the day.
- Attached garage space: The lean-to attached garage provides convenient secure parking or direct workshop access under a concrete-floored structure.
- Detached storage shed: A separate detached garage expands outdoor storage capabilities significantly for vehicles, tools, or equipment securely.
- Additional garden plot: The inclusion of a garden area across the minor road offers extra outdoor space for cultivation or recreation.
- Scenic Glenfin location: Situated in a picturesque scenic area west of the twin towns, buyers will enjoy tranquil countryside surroundings.
- Dual living areas: Having both a dedicated sitting room and a separate living room provides excellent functional zoning for family life.
- Oil-fired range fitted: The living room includes an existing Stanley oil-fired range, offering a traditional focal point and potential heating source.
- Wet-room style shower: The ground-floor shower room features a modern wet-room style electric shower installation with fully tiled surfaces.
- Return staircase feature: A traditional return staircase in the hallway adds architectural interest and convenient access to the first-floor bedrooms.
- High and low units: The kitchen is already equipped with fitted high and low level cabinetry and a stainless steel sink unit.
- Convenient back door: A practical PVC back door in the kitchen provides direct functional access to the exterior and grounds.
- Open fireplace features: Original open fires with slate and tiled fireplaces in key rooms add authentic period charm to the interior spaces.
- Timber ceiling character: Tongue and groove timber ceilings throughout enhance the rustic cottage aesthetic and historic atmosphere of the home.
- Vaulted bedroom ceilings: Partly vaulted timber ceilings in the bedrooms create an increased sense of vertical space and cozy architectural style.
- Grant funding potential: The property has been vacant for years, meaning buyers should investigate qualification for vacant homes improvement grants.
- Energy upgrade grants: Eligibility for SEAI energy upgrade grants could substantially assist buyers in funding crucial thermal efficiency improvements.
- Strong local demand: Situated in an area expected to generate heavy enquiries, pointing toward good future resale and rental interest.
But keep in mind:
- Extremely poor BER rating: The G energy rating indicates severe thermal inefficiency, requiring extensive insulation upgrades to achieve comfortable living standards.
- Extended period of vacancy: Having stood vacant for a number of years, buyers must budget for hidden structural decay and damp issues.
- Split plot layout: The garden area is located on the opposite side of the road, which may limit convenience and child safety.
- Corrugated iron roofs: Both the attached and detached garages feature corrugated iron roofs that may require maintenance, rust treatment, or replacement.
- Outdated heating systems: Reliance on open fires and an older oil-fired range necessitates a complete modern heating system installation.
- Single bathroom facility: The house contains only one ground-floor shower room, lacking upstairs sanitary facilities for a three-bedroom layout.
- Busy road proximity: Overlooking the minor R253 road means occasional passing traffic noise could impact the peaceful rural atmosphere.
- Unspecified floor area: The total square meterage is not provided, making it harder for buyers to calculate renovation costs per square meter.
- Unknown property tenure: The listing does not specify freehold or leasehold status, requiring legal due diligence by your solicitor.
- Boundary verification needed: Buyers must carefully verify exact land and garden boundaries across and beside the roadway with folio maps.
- Septic tank assessment: The presence and condition of a private wastewater treatment system are unmentioned and must be professionally inspected.
- Water supply checks: Buyers should verify whether the property connects to a public mains supply or a local private water source.
- Electrical system overhaul: Older vacant houses typically require a complete rewiring to meet modern safety standards and accommodate new appliances.
- Plumbing modernization required: Existing pipework may be outdated, corroded, or frost-damaged from vacancy, necessitating a thorough professional plumbing survey.
- Roof structure inspection: The main dwellinghouse roof requires close structural inspection by a surveyor to check for slate damage and timber rot.
- Damp proofing necessary: Extended vacancy without heating often leads to rising or penetrating damp, requiring professional remedial chemical treatments.
- Planning compliance check: Buyers need to confirm that any previous alterations or outbuildings comply fully with local planning permissions.
- Access rights confirmation: Right of way and entrance safety onto the R253 road must be formally verified for safe vehicular maneuvers.
- Ventilation improvements needed: Many older stone houses lack proper sub-floor and wall ventilation, which buyers should address during renovations.
- Total renovation budget: Given the G rating and vacancy, buyers must prepare for significant capital expenditure well beyond the purchase price.
Price positioning
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- The asking price appears fairly valued or slightly ambitious given that the traditional stone-built farmhouse requires substantial modernization due to its poor energy rating and long-term vacancy.
- Undervaluation signals are absent, but strong overvaluation pressure stems from the significant capital investment required to bring the property up to modern habitation standards.
- Potential eligibility for government vacant homes improvement grants and energy upgrade grants could significantly support the current asking price by offsetting heavy renovation costs.
- The inclusion of two storage sheds, additional garden space, and strong general market interest in rural traditional dwellings provide relevant context supporting buyer demand.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a traditional stone-built two-storey farmhouse that has been vacant for a number of years, meaning a buyer should investigate potential issues related to damp, structural movement, roof integrity, and outdated electrical and plumbing systems.
- The listing notes the presence of a lean-to attached garage and a detached garage with corrugated iron roofs, which should be inspected for asbestos content, corrosion, and overall structural soundness.
- A buyer should verify the exact property boundaries and title details, particularly regarding the garden area located on the opposite side of the road.
- Given the vacant status, the buyer should investigate eligibility criteria and timelines for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a G BER rating, indicating poor energy efficiency and a high level of heat loss through walls, windows, and the roof.
- A deep retrofit for a traditional stone-built house of this type typically costs between 50,000 and 80,000 euros, depending on the extent of external wall insulation or internal dry-lining required, window upgrades, heating system replacement, and renewable energy installations.
- The buyer should factor in potential SEAI energy upgrade grants to help offset these deep retrofit costs, subject to meeting qualifying criteria and achieving the required post-works BER uplift.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 2500 to 3500 euro
- Explanation: The property has a G BER rating indicating very poor energy efficiency and utilizes an oil-fired range and open fires, which will result in high heating and energy demands until substantial insulation and heating upgrades are completed.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property is located in the scenic Glenfin area overlooking the R253 road, sitting in a rural valley setting where local streams or runoff during heavy rainfall warrant standard seasonal vigilance.
- Official mapping shows no recorded flood zones directly affecting this specific plot, suggesting a generally favourable topographical position relative to nearby watercourses.
- Being a traditional two-storey stone-built farmhouse that has been vacant for some time, any future refurbishment should ensure proper exterior ground drainage and damp-proofing to manage surface water effectively.
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 Ballybofey area
16 GLENPATRICK PARK, BALLYBOFEY, DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €221,000.00
MULLINAHOSE, BALLYBOFEY, CO DONEGAL
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €155,000.00
264 ARD MAC, BALLYBOFEY, CARRON
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €145,000.00
2 GLENFIN COURT, GLENFIN RD, BALLYBOFEY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €126,000.00
104 THE BEECHES, NAVENNY, BALLYBOFEY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €272,000.00
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
- Estimated stamp duty: €1,500 — 1% of €150,000.
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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: approximately 1500 to 3000 euro plus outlay and VAT
- Land registration fees: approximately 175 to 400 euro depending on property value
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1200 euro depending on the depth of the survey required
- Annual home insurance: approximately 350 to 700 euro depending on coverage
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Ballybofey and Stranorlar areas frequently discuss the scenic appeal and peaceful rural lifestyle of the surrounding Glenfin countryside.
- Community groups often highlight the increasing interest in traditional rural farmhouses eligible for vacant property and energy upgrade grants.
- Residents frequently share updates regarding local infrastructure improvements, road maintenance along regional routes like the R253, and weather-related travel conditions.
- Discussions on regional forums often focus on the strong sense of community in the Twin Towns and the proximity to outdoor amenities such as local rivers and hills.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children4/10
The property features three bedrooms and a garden area, but being a traditional farmhouse near a road with a G BER rating and vacant for years, significant renovation is needed before it is suitable for young children.
- Teenagers4/10
Three bedrooms offer adequate sleeping space, but the rural location 6km from Ballybofey means teenagers would have limited independent transport options and local amenities.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
The two-storey traditional layout with all bedrooms on the first floor and a single bathroom on the ground floor is not ideal for multi-generational living without substantial redesign.
- Single Buyers5/10
At an asking price of €150,000, it represents an affordable entry point for single buyers willing to take on a significant renovation project, potentially aided by vacant property grants.
- Couples6/10
Couples looking for a rural project will find good potential in this three-bedroom farmhouse, provided they have the budget and time to upgrade the poor G energy rating.
- Empty Nesters4/10
While offering a scenic rural setting, the stairs to all bedrooms and the ground floor shower room layout may require modification for comfortable long-term living.
- Retirees3/10
The rural location, lack of nearby amenities, and the demands of a major renovation project make this less suitable for retirees unless they specifically desire a secluded countryside project.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working4/10
The property offers space for a home office setup, but broadband availability and quality in this rural Glenfin location should be verified by the buyer.
- Hybrid Commuting2/10
The remote rural location 6km from Ballybofey makes regular commuting to major employment hubs impractical.
- Retired4/10
While peaceful for retirement, the heavy renovation workload might not align with a relaxed retirement lifestyle unless contractors handle the updates.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place3/10
The property features a ground-floor shower room, but the stairs to all bedrooms and the remote location make ageing in place challenging without substantial adaptation.
- Low Maintenance2/10
Having been vacant for a number of years and possessing a G BER rating, the property requires comprehensive renovation and ongoing maintenance.
- Secure Gated Entry2/10
There is no secure gated entry currently installed, as the property sits openly overlooking the minor R253 road.
- Minimalist Design3/10
This is a traditional two-storey stone-built farmhouse with period features like open fires and timber ceilings, contrasting with minimalist aesthetics.
- Flexible Floor Plans4/10
The layout includes two reception rooms and a kitchen downstairs with three bedrooms upstairs, offering some traditional division of space rather than open-plan flexibility.
- Heritage Home7/10
The property is described as a charming stone-built traditional farmhouse-style dwellinghouse, appealing to those seeking character and heritage features.
- Ecological Setup3/10
The current G BER rating indicates poor energy efficiency, though the listing notes potential eligibility for SEAI Energy Upgrade Grants to improve this.
- Outdoor areas6/10
Includes two small storage sheds, a detached garage, an attached garage, and a garden area across the road, providing useful outdoor footprint.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening6/10
The property includes a garden area on the opposite side of the road and storage sheds, offering scope for keen gardeners, though layout adjustments may be needed.
- Walking7/10
The scenic Glenfin area provides a picturesque backdrop for country walks, though walking directly from the property requires navigating a rural minor road.
- Gym2/10
There are no commercial gym facilities nearby in this rural location, requiring travel into Ballybofey for fitness centers.
- Cycling6/10
The minor R253 road and surrounding scenic countryside offer routes for cycling enthusiasts, though rural roads lack dedicated cycling infrastructure.
- Golf3/10
Golf courses are limited in the immediate vicinity, requiring a drive to the nearest town facilities.
- Fishing7/10
Donegal is renowned for its rivers and lakes, and the scenic Glenfin area provides good proximity to local angling opportunities.
- Horse Riding5/10
The rural setting offers space and country roads, but prospective buyers should verify local equestrian facilities and hacking routes.
- Water Sports2/10
Being an inland rural property, water sports facilities are not immediately at hand.
- Entertaining4/10
The internal reception rooms and outdoor space have potential, but the current derelict/vacant condition requires extensive modernization before it is suitable for hosting guests.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Located in the scenic area of Glenfin, approximately 6km west of Ballybofey, the property offers a peaceful rural environment overlooking a minor road.
- Rural Living9/10
This is a classic traditional farmhouse set in the countryside with storage sheds and a separate garden area, embodying authentic rural living.
- Village Living3/10
The property is situated in a rural countryside setting rather than a village, meaning local shops and services require a drive into Ballybofey.
- Coastal Living1/10
County Donegal has extensive coastline, but this specific inland location in Glenfin is far from coastal amenities.
- Urban Living1/10
This is a remote rural property far removed from urban centers, with the nearest twin towns being small country settlements.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Rural communities in Donegal are typically tight-knit, but integrating into local life requires engaging with the nearest town of Ballybofey.
- Café Culture2/10
Cafés and social gathering spots are non-existent in this immediate rural townland and require traveling into the twin towns.
- Nightlife1/10
There is no nightlife in the immediate rural vicinity, with pubs and entertainment restricted to Ballybofey and Stranorlar.
- Health/Wellness groups2/10
Wellness groups and fitness classes are absent locally, requiring trips into the nearest urban center.
- Networking Opportunities1/10
Professional networking opportunities are virtually non-existent in this rural setting.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
There are no tech hubs nearby, and high-speed internet infrastructure should be independently verified by the purchaser.
Listing information
- Agent
- Henry Kee & Son
- Phone
- 074 9131050
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 4 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-7822B1HouseDelve · 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.