Parochial House, Abbey, LoughreaH62EK18
€180,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~129 m²~BER E1
What you'll like:
- Attractive Asking Price: The property is offered at one hundred eighty thousand euros, presenting an accessible entry point for buyers looking for a substantial countryside renovation project.
- Generous Floor Area: Spanning approximately one hundred twenty-nine square meters, the residence provides ample interior space to configure a comfortable three-bedroom family home layout.
- Brand New Wastewater System: A new waste treatment plant was installed in twenty twenty-four, saving the buyer significant capital expenditure and bypassing immediate regulatory compliance headaches for sanitation.
- Charming Village Setting: Situated in the peaceful heart of Abbey village, the home enjoys scenic rural surroundings while remaining culturally and socially connected to a local community.
- Proximity to Loughrea Town: Located just eighteen kilometers from Loughrea Town, residents can easily access comprehensive supermarkets, schools, healthcare facilities, and everyday commercial amenities.
- Dual Aspect Rooms: Multiple living spaces feature dual aspect windows that welcome abundant natural light throughout the day, enhancing the overall brightness and cheerful atmosphere inside.
- Solid Fuel Stove: The sitting room contains an attractive solid fuel stove with an ornate wooden surround, offering a cozy focal point and alternative heating during winter months.
- Functional Solid Fuel Range: The kitchen is equipped with a traditional solid fuel range, which provides rustic charm and practical utility for cooking or supplemental space heating.
- Convenient Utility Room: A dedicated utility room with direct rear access provides practical separation for laundry appliances, helping keep mud and wet gear out of the main living areas.
- Large Mature Gardens: The property boasts extensive mature outdoor grounds, offering fantastic potential for enthusiastic gardeners, family recreation, or outdoor entertaining on sunny days.
- Private Long Driveway: A long driveway creates a nice setback from the public road, enhancing privacy and providing a secure sense of arrival for visitors and residents alike.
- Established Patio Area: An existing patio area provides a ready-made outdoor seating zone, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or evening meals overlooking the sprawling back lawn.
- Useful Outbuildings: Various outbuildings included on the grounds offer excellent storage solutions for gardening equipment, bicycles, fuel supplies, or even potential workshop hobby spaces.
- Historic Architectural Character: As a former parochial house, the property likely retains unique period features and architectural quirks that add immense charm once lovingly restored.
- Flexible Bedroom Layout: Three well-proportioned bedrooms on the upper floor accommodate family members, guests, or a dedicated home office setup for remote professionals.
- Upstairs Shower Convenience: Bedroom one features an integrated shower unit, providing an extra level of personal convenience and reducing morning queues for the main family bathroom.
- Established Group Water Scheme: The home connects to a group water scheme, ensuring a communal water supply structure that is typical and well-managed within this specific rural district.
- Oil Fired Central Heating: An existing oil central heating installation provides a conventional backbone for temperature control, which can be serviced and optimized as part of the renovation.
- Clear Renovation Potential: The property requires refurbishment throughout, allowing imaginative purchasers to completely stamp their own aesthetic taste, modern fittings, and personal style choices onto the canvas.
- Viewing Accessibility: Arranging a physical inspection is straightforward through the designated agent, allowing interested parties to thoroughly evaluate structural conditions before submitting formal offers.
But keep in mind:
- Poor Energy Rating: The building holds an E1 BER rating with a high energy performance indicator, indicating significant thermal inefficiency that will result in expensive heating bills until upgraded.
- Extensive Refurbishment Required: The listing explicitly notes that the property requires comprehensive upgrading, meaning buyers must budget substantial time and cash reserves for a full overhaul.
- Outdated Interior Finishes: Carpeting, vinyl flooring, and wall finishes appear dated throughout, necessitating complete rip-out and replacement to bring the living quarters up to modern standards.
- Group Water Scheme Reliance: Relying on a group water scheme means the buyer should verify water pressure, ongoing maintenance fees, and water quality consistency with local committee operators.
- Potential Insulation Deficits: Given the E1 energy rating, the buyer should investigate attic and wall insulation levels, as upgrading thermal envelopes will be critical for comfortable habitation.
- Single Bathroom Constraint: With only one main bathroom servicing three bedrooms, larger households may find morning routines congested and should explore adding an ensuite if space permits.
- Upstairs Shower Suitability: The standalone shower unit located inside bedroom one should be inspected for proper waterproofing, ventilation, and plumbing integration to prevent moisture damage.
- Solid Fuel Reliance: Heavy reliance on solid fuel stoves and ranges for primary heating may require chimney flue inspections and repairs to ensure safe operation and fire compliance.
- Outbuilding Condition Unknown: The various garden outbuildings should be inspected for damp, roof integrity, and asbestos roofing materials before storing valuable belongings or planning conversions.
- Driveway Maintenance Needs: A long driveway may require resurfacing, grading, or pothole repair over time, adding ongoing private infrastructure maintenance costs for the homeowner.
- Rural Commuting Distance: Living eighteen kilometers from Loughrea means daily commutes for work, school runs, and shopping will incur regular fuel expenses and time commitments.
- Wastewater Compliance Check: Although the treatment plant is new, the buyer's solicitor should verify that all local council planning permissions and environmental certifications were correctly filed.
- Window and Door Efficiency: Dual aspect windows may feature older single or early double glazing, meaning the buyer should budget for modern energy-efficient replacements to stop drafts.
- Electrical System Age: As a former parochial house requiring refurbishment, the electrical wiring may be dated, so buyers must budget for a full electrical safety rewire by a certified electrician.
- Potential Damp Issues: Vacant or older rural houses often suffer from rising or penetrating damp, requiring a thorough damp and timber survey to check for rot in floor joists.
- Plumbing Infrastructure State: Older copper or lead pipework hidden within the walls may need total replacement to handle modern water pressures and prevent catastrophic leaks.
- Roof and Chimney Integrity: The roof structure, slates, and chimney flashings require a professional roofing survey to rule out hidden water ingress or structural sagging before winter storms.
- Limited Local Amenities: Abbey is a small village, meaning residents must travel outside the immediate settlement for secondary schools, major supermarkets, and specialized medical care.
- Renovation Cost Overruns: Construction inflation and unforeseen structural surprises typical of older properties mean buyers should add at least a twenty percent contingency fund to their renovation budget.
- Boundary Line Verification: The extent of the large mature garden and outbuildings should be carefully checked against the official land registry folio map by a qualified surveyor to prevent boundary disputes.
Price positioning
?
Not enough reliable market evidence is available to position this asking price.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a former parochial house extending to approximately 129 square metres, requiring comprehensive refurbishment and renovation.
- Heating is provided by oil central heating alongside a solid fuel stove and solid fuel range, which should be inspected for efficiency and compliance.
- A new waste treatment plant was installed in 2024, and a buyer should verify its certification and maintenance records.
- The water supply is provided via a group water scheme, and the quality and reliability of the supply should be checked.
- Given the age of the property and its E1 BER rating, a structural survey is recommended to assess dampness, insulation levels, and overall fabric condition.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a BER rating of E1, indicating a poor energy performance that would benefit significantly from a deep retrofit.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit to bring the property up to a modern B2 or A BER rating is estimated to cost between 50,000 and 70,000 euros, depending on the extent of external wall insulation, window replacements, heating system upgrades, and renewable energy installations required.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €2,500 to €3,500
- Explanation: Given the relatively low E1 BER rating and a floor area of 129 square metres, the property will have high heat loss, requiring substantial energy for oil central heating and solid fuel until energy efficiency upgrades are made.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a quiet rural village setting with no major heavy industrial facilities or active waste incinerators in immediate proximity.
- Any historical land use in the rural Abbey area is primarily agricultural, though localized agricultural runoff or legacy septic tanks are points to investigate during standard property surveys.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property sits in an inland rural location in County Galway, generally removed from major coastal storm surge risks.
- Localised surface water accumulation during prolonged heavy rainfall can occasionally affect rural roads in low-lying parts of the county, so buyers should consult local flood history maps as part of their due diligence.
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 Loughrea area
No verified results were found for this group in the previous five years.
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 percent of the purchase price (€1,800)
- Solicitor legal fees: approximately €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT and outlay
- Land registration fees: approximately €175 to €700 depending on the application type
- Property valuation fees: approximately €150 to €300
- Surveyor fees: approximately €500 to €1,000 depending on the level of detail
- Annual home insurance: approximately €400 to €800 depending on coverage and property condition
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local community discussions highlight Abbey as a peaceful, tight-knit rural village with strong community engagement.
- Residents on regional forums frequently discuss the charm of historic properties like former parochial houses and the lifestyle benefits of country living.
- Traffic and road maintenance in rural parts of County Galway are common topics of discussion among local motorists.
- Buyers in rural Loughrea areas often exchange advice regarding the practicalities of rural broadband availability and upgrades.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The property features a large mature garden and plenty of outdoor space for young children to play, though the home requires substantial refurbishment before it is fully move-in ready.
- Teenagers5/10
With three bedrooms and a generous garden, there is space for teenagers, but the rural village location is quite isolated from major urban youth amenities and secondary schools.
- Multi-generational Living4/10
At 129 square metres with a single bathroom and three bedrooms, the floor plan is somewhat compact for extended multi-generational living without expansion.
- Single Buyers5/10
Affordable at €180,000, it offers a great project for a single buyer willing to take on renovation work, though the location is remote.
- Couples7/10
An appealing country retreat for a couple looking for a renovation project to create their ideal home in a scenic setting.
- Empty Nesters6/10
Provides a peaceful village lifestyle with a manageable footprint, though upkeep of the large garden and potential maintenance work should be considered.
- Retirees5/10
While the quiet rural setting suits retirement, the property requires refurbishment, and buyers should verify if the layout and stairs are suitable for ageing in place.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working6/10
Offers a quiet environment conducive to home working, though buyers should verify the local broadband speeds available.
- Hybrid Commuting4/10
The rural location roughly 18km from Loughrea means commuting to larger employment hubs like Galway city would be quite lengthy.
- Retired7/10
An ideal project and peaceful base for retirees who want a scenic country home, provided they are prepared for property maintenance.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
The two-story layout with bedrooms upstairs and the need for significant refurbishment mean modifications would be necessary for long-term ageing in place.
- Low Maintenance3/10
The property requires substantial refurbishment and features a large mature garden, meaning it will require ongoing upkeep.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
Features a long driveway, but secure gated entry systems are not explicitly detailed and would need to be installed if desired.
- Minimalist Design3/10
As a former parochial house with traditional rooms and a solid fuel range, the current structure leans towards a classic layout rather than minimalism.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
While the 129 m² layout has standard rooms, the fact that the property requires complete renovation offers a buyer the chance to reconfigure spaces to their liking.
- Heritage Home8/10
As a charming former parochial house, it holds distinct traditional character and historical appeal.
- Ecological Setup5/10
Equipped with a new waste treatment plant installed in 2024 and a solid fuel stove, though the E1 BER rating indicates energy efficiency upgrades are needed.
- Outdoor areas8/10
Benefits from a large mature garden, a long driveway, a lawn area, a patio, and various outbuildings.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
Features a large mature garden, lawn areas, and various outbuildings, providing fantastic potential for keen gardeners.
- Walking8/10
The scenic country setting offers wonderful opportunities for rural walks right from the doorstep.
- Gym2/10
There are no commercial gym facilities in the immediate village, requiring travel into larger towns for fitness clubs.
- Cycling7/10
The quiet rural roads surrounding the property are generally suitable for cycling enthusiasts.
- Golf4/10
Golf courses would require a drive into nearby towns such as Loughrea, as there is none directly in Abbey.
- Fishing6/10
The general region in County Galway offers access to various fishing spots, though buyers should verify local permits and exact distances.
- Horse Riding7/10
The rural environment and large plot make it potentially suitable for equestrian interests, subject to setting up appropriate facilities.
- Water Sports3/10
Limited immediate access to water sports facilities, though lakes in the broader region may offer opportunities.
- Entertaining6/10
The patio area, large garden, and sitting room provide a great base for entertaining once the interior is renovated.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Situated in a peaceful and scenic country setting in the heart of the village of Abbey, offering an exceptionally quiet environment.
- Rural Living9/10
Located in a charming rural village roughly 18km from Loughrea Town, delivering a quintessential country lifestyle.
- Village Living8/10
Positioned right in the heart of the village of Abbey, allowing for a tight-knit community feel.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is located inland in County Galway with no proximity to the coast.
- Urban Living2/10
Far removed from city life, with the nearest town of Loughrea being about 18km away.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Being located in the heart of a small village encourages local community participation and integration.
- Café Culture2/10
Very limited café culture directly in the village, with most dining and coffee options found further afield.
- Nightlife1/10
The peaceful rural setting offers virtually no commercial nightlife or entertainment venues.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Formal health and wellness classes are likely sparse in the immediate village and would require travel to larger centres.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
Professional networking opportunities are minimal in this rural location.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
There are no local tech hubs, and high-speed digital infrastructure should be verified by the prospective buyer.
Listing information
- Agent
- Sherry FitzGerald Madden
- Phone
- +353 (0)90 9741333 / +353 (0)91 870449
- Published on HouseDelve
- 7 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-323297HouseDelve · 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.