
Period Farmhouse On C. 1.53 Acres, Knocknagull, Dunlavin, WicklowW91D2T6
€299,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~111 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Generous land holding: The property sits on approximately 1.53 acres, providing ample outdoor space for gardens, landscaping, or hobby farming which significantly enhances privacy.
- Traditional cut-stone outbuildings: Features a charming courtyard of stone farm sheds that offer exceptional architectural character and potential for various alternative uses.
- Blank canvas refurbishment: The unoccupied farmhouse allows a buyer to completely redesign and modernize the interior layout to their exact personal taste and living requirements.
- Grant funding potential: The dwelling is likely to qualify for the lucrative Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, substantially reducing the overall cost of heavy capital works.
- SEAI energy grants: Buyers can access various sustainable energy upgrade grants to help offset the expensive costs of bringing this low-rated dwelling up to modern standards.
- Scenic rural backdrop: Offers truly uninterrupted, picturesque views over rolling Wicklow countryside to the rear, creating a uniquely peaceful and desirable daily living environment.
- Charming old-world setting: The traditional courtyard arrangement establishes a sheltered and highly private ambiance that is increasingly difficult to find in today's housing market.
- Convenient village proximity: Situated just outside Dunlavin village, ensuring local amenities, shops, and community facilities remain within very easy reach for daily convenience.
- Accessible Dublin commute: Dublin City is reachable within a forty-minute commute via the nearby Luas Park and Ride facilities at Citywest and the Red Cow.
- Local educational options: Several well-regarded local schools including Scoil Naofa, Jonathan Swift National School, and St Kevins Secondary are located a short walk away.
- Alternative schooling nearby: The Steiner School is situated roughly two kilometers away, and the esteemed Newbridge College is within an eighteen-kilometer commuting distance.
- Outdoor lifestyle hub: The surrounding region provides fantastic local access to hillwalking routes, including the renowned Glendalough park and Blessington lakes.
- Sporting and equine culture: Close proximity to prominent horse racing tracks like Naas, Punchestown, and The Curragh, alongside several notable golf courses including Rathsallagh.
- Stable asking price: Recorded listing data shows the asking price has remained strictly unchanged at €299,000, indicating a firm initial pricing stance by the vendor.
- Potential outbuilding conversion: The traditional stone sheds could potentially be converted into guest quarters, home offices, or artist studios, subject to receiving planning permission.
- Classic period proportions: The main dwelling retains the traditional room heights and structural proportions typical of older rural farmhouses, preserving historic appeal.
- Strong value proposition: At an asking price under three hundred thousand euros, the property offers an affordable entry point for buyers willing to undertake heavy renovations.
- Recreational club access: A wide variety of active rugby, gaa, soccer, running, and cycling clubs operate directly within the nearby Dunlavin village community.
- Commuter rail flexibility: Proximity to major regional roads and park-and-ride schemes ensures flexible travel options for working professionals heading into the capital.
- Future equity upside: Successful completion of an extensive modernization program could yield substantial financial returns given the desirable location and land size.
But keep in mind:
- Abysmal energy rating: The dwelling holds a very poor BER rating of G, indicating severe thermal inefficiency and high heat loss throughout the building structure.
- Extended vacancy period: The farmhouse has remained unoccupied for a number of years, which typically leads to hidden structural degradation, dampness, and decaying timber elements.
- Extensive refurbishment needed: Buyers must prepare for a massive capital outlay and project management effort to bring the derelict interior up to modern habitable standards.
- Planning permission hurdles: Converting the extensive stone outbuildings into residential or commercial spaces will require securing local authority planning permission.
- Grant conditions and clawbacks: Utilizing the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant involves strict compliance timelines, primary residence criteria, and potential clawback provisions if sold early.
- Structural survey essential: A comprehensive pre-purchase structural survey is vital to uncover deep-seated roof, wall, or foundation issues before committing financial deposits.
- Upfront cash requirements: Due to the derelict condition and poor energy rating, standard mortgage lending may be restricted, requiring higher cash reserves or specialized renovation loans.
- Uncertain septic systems: Buyers should thoroughly investigate the status and compliance of any existing on-site wastewater treatment or septic tank facilities on the land.
- Private well verification: The reliability, water pressure, and potability of any private water supply on the holding must be rigorously tested during the due diligence phase.
- Hidden asbestos risks: Older farmhouses frequently contain hazardous materials like asbestos in roofing sheets or old insulation that will require expensive professional removal.
- Overgrown grounds management: The 1.53-acre plot likely requires significant initial landscaping clearance and ongoing maintenance to manage wild vegetation and secure boundaries.
- Lack of central heating: The building likely lacks a functioning central heating system, meaning entirely new plumbing and heat pump installations will be necessary.
- Electrical rewiring required: The electrical wiring is almost certainly outdated and non-compliant with current safety standards, necessitating a complete professional overhaul.
- Single-glazed joinery: Existing windows and doors appear traditional but drafty, requiring complete replacement with modern double or triple-glazed units to improve comfort.
- Damp and mold remediation: Years of vacancy without active heating almost certainly guarantees rising or penetrating damp issues that demand intensive chemical treatment.
- Roof integrity concerns: The slate or tile roof structures must be carefully checked for slipped tiles, rotting rafters, or failing underlays to prevent catastrophic leaks.
- Boundary fence clarity: Buyers should verify legal land boundaries and ensure all stone outbuildings sit entirely within the stated 1.53-acre title folio.
- Local road maintenance: Rural approach roads may experience heavy agricultural traffic and require careful driving, with winter weather occasionally impacting rural commutes.
- Uncertain renovation costs: Construction inflation means actual build costs could significantly exceed initial budget estimates, putting financial pressure on the buyer.
- Future development restrictions: Being in a rural Wicklow setting may subject any future structural alterations or extensions to strict local planning guidelines and restrictions.
Price positioning
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- The asking price appears attractively valued when considering the inclusion of 1.53 acres of land, traditional cut-stone outbuildings, and a detached period structure in a scenic rural setting close to local village amenities.
- Valuation signals are heavily influenced by the poor G energy rating and the fact that the dwelling has been unoccupied for years, requiring substantial investment to bring the structure up to modern habitation standards.
- Potential support for this pricing strategy comes from available government refurbishment and energy upgrade grants which significantly offset renovation costs, whereas structural unknowns and complex restoration requirements could undermine buyer interest.
- Additional market context indicates that while lower priced entries exist in denser village locations, properties offering acreage and development potential on substantial plots command higher values across the broader rural district.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a two-storey period farmhouse that has been unoccupied for a number of years and requires comprehensive refurbishment.
- A buyer should investigate the structural integrity of the main dwelling, as well as the condition of the roof, walls, and timber elements given the period nature of the build and lack of recent occupancy.
- The listing includes a traditional courtyard of cut-stone outbuildings and farm sheds, which offer potential for conversion subject to necessary planning permission.
- Potential buyers should verify title boundaries, septic tank condition, private water supply (if applicable), and local planning regulations regarding the renovation and possible outbuilding conversions.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Given the BER rating of G and the fact that the property is a vacant period farmhouse requiring comprehensive refurbishment, a deep retrofit and extensive modernization are essential.
- Estimated costs for a comprehensive deep retrofit and total renovation for a 111 square meter property of this age typically range from €70,000 to €110,000 or more, depending on the extent of structural work, window replacements, installation of a modern heating system, and extensive insulation.
- The property may qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and SEAI energy upgrade grants, which could significantly offset a portion of these capital expenses.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: 2,500 euro to 3,500 euro.
- Explanation: Given the G energy rating and the fact that the 111 square metre period farmhouse has been unoccupied for a number of years, heating efficiency is currently very low, requiring significant energy input until comprehensive refurbishment and insulation upgrades are completed.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a predominantly rural agricultural setting near Dunlavin, well removed from major heavy industrial zones, commercial landfills, or waste incinerators.
- Any potential localized environmental concerns regarding older septic tanks or agricultural runoff should be independently verified by a surveyor as part of standard due diligence.
Flood Safe
9/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property sits within an elevated rural landscape nestled near the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, generally indicating a low natural risk of widespread river or coastal flooding.
- Buyers should consult local drainage maps and carry out standard site assessments to confirm that surface water accumulation is not an issue during periods of heavy rainfall.
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 Dunlavin area
STEPHEN STREET, DUNLAVIN, COUNTY WICKLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €215,000.00
3 MERCHANTS PLACE, STEPHEN ST, DUNLAVIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €329,000.00
47CHURCH TERRACE, DUNLAVIN, WICKLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €275,000.00
TORNANT LOWER, DUNLAVIN, CO WICKLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €515,000.00
5 MERCHANTS PLACE, STEPHEN ST, DUNLAVIN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €377,500.00
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: €2,990 — 1% of €299,000.
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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 1,500 euro to 3,000 euro plus VAT and outlays.
- Land registration fees: approximately 600 euro to 800 euro depending on the property value and registration type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 euro to 300 euro.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 euro to 1,200 euro depending on the depth of the survey required for a period property.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 500 euro to 1,200 euro, noting that vacant or unhabited periods may affect initial premiums until refurbishment is completed.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals in the Dunlavin and wider Wicklow-Kildare border area frequently discuss the appeal of rural living combined with relative proximity to Dublin via the N81 and nearby transport hubs.
- Community discussions often highlight local amenities in Dunlavin, including primary and secondary schools as well as active GAA, soccer, and rugby clubs.
- Residents frequently mention the lifestyle benefits of being close to scenic outdoor amenities such as the Wicklow Mountains, Blessington Lakes, and local golf courses including Rathsallagh.
- Property forums and local commentary often touch on the availability and uptake of government support schemes, such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, for restoring older rural homes.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The property features 1.53 acres of outdoor space, which is fantastic for young children to play. However, the house is currently in need of extensive refurbishment, meaning it is not immediately habitable for a family with young children.
- Teenagers6/10
With 111 square meters of space and plenty of outdoor land, teenagers would have room to grow. Local sports clubs are nearby, though the rural location means independence for older teens may be limited without a car.
- Multi-generational Living7/10
The traditional courtyard includes cut-stone outbuildings and farm sheds that offer significant potential for conversion into auxiliary accommodation or guest quarters, subject to planning permission.
- Single Buyers3/10
A major renovation project on a G-rated period property requires substantial capital, time, and project management experience, which can be daunting for an individual single buyer.
- Couples6/10
For couples willing to take on a significant restoration project, this property offers a chance to design a bespoke rural home, supported by potential vacant property grants.
- Empty Nesters5/10
While the 1.53-acre plot offers a peaceful rural lifestyle, the extensive maintenance required for a period farmhouse and its grounds may be less appealing for empty nesters seeking an easy transition.
- Retirees4/10
The rural setting and need for heavy modernization, combined with a G energy rating, make this a challenging home for retirees unless they have specialized help for renovations.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
The peaceful rural setting is ideal for a home office, particularly if one of the stone outbuildings is converted, but buyers should verify local broadband speeds and connectivity.
- Hybrid Commuting6/10
Dublin City is within a commutable distance, with Luas Park & Ride facilities at Citywest and the Red Cow less than 40 minutes away by car.
- Retired5/10
While suited to a quiet retirement, the heavy burden of managing a major property renovation may offset the appeal for some retirees.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
The current layout of the period farmhouse and its derelict state make it unsuitable for ageing in place without major architectural adaptation, though a ground-floor extension could be planned.
- Low Maintenance1/10
This is a comprehensive project property with a G energy rating, unoccupied for years, requiring ongoing heavy maintenance and restoration.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property features a traditional courtyard layout providing natural enclosure, but buyers would likely need to install modern gates and security systems.
- Minimalist Design2/10
As a traditional period farmhouse with stone outbuildings, the property naturally leans toward historic character rather than clean, minimalist architectural lines.
- Flexible Floor Plans7/10
Because the main house acts as a complete blank canvas and the outbuildings offer conversion potential, a buyer has immense flexibility to redesign the layout.
- Heritage Home10/10
The home is a classic two-storey period farmhouse accompanied by traditional cut-stone outbuildings and farm sheds, brimming with old-world charm.
- Ecological Setup4/10
Currently rated G on the BER scale, the property is energy inefficient, but it offers a prime opportunity to utilize SEAI energy upgrade grants for deep retrofitting.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Set on approximately 1.53 acres with a traditional stone courtyard and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, the outdoor space is a major asset.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The 1.53-acre holding and traditional courtyard setting provide a magnificent canvas for keen gardeners and landscapers.
- Walking9/10
The area offers exceptional access to outdoor activities, including nearby hillwalking routes like Glendalough in the Wicklow National Park.
- Gym3/10
There are no commercial gyms within immediate walking distance, requiring a drive into nearby towns for dedicated fitness facilities.
- Cycling7/10
The scenic country roads provide great routes for cycling enthusiasts, though local traffic on rural roads should be navigated with care.
- Golf8/10
The property is located close to Rathsallagh Hotel and Golf Club, as well as Tulfarris and Kilkea Castle courses.
- Fishing7/10
Proximity to the Blessington Lakes offers good opportunities for anglers and water-based activities.
- Horse Riding9/10
Situated near famous racing and equestrian hubs including The Curragh, Naas, and Punchestown, making it ideal for horse riding enthusiasts.
- Water Sports6/10
Blessington Lakes are within reach for various water sports and activities.
- Entertaining6/10
The large plot and courtyard buildings offer incredible potential for hosting and entertaining once fully renovated, though current structural limitations restrict usability.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living9/10
Situated on 1.53 acres with uninterrupted views over rolling countryside, the property provides an exceptionally peaceful and private environment.
- Rural Living10/10
This is a classic period farmhouse surrounded by agricultural land, traditional stone outbuildings, and open countryside between the Wicklow Mountains and the Curragh Plains.
- Village Living7/10
The property is located just outside Dunlavin Village, granting easy access to local schools, shops, and community clubs while retaining a distinct country feel.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is inland, nestled near the Wicklow Mountains, with no immediate proximity to the coast.
- Urban Living2/10
Located in a deeply rural setting outside Dunlavin, offering none of the vibrancy or immediate convenience of city life, although Dublin is accessible within a 40-minute commute.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement7/10
Proximity to Dunlavin Village allows for easy participation in local sports clubs, schools, and community groups.
- Café Culture3/10
Café options are limited to the immediate village amenities, lacking the dense cafe culture found in larger urban centres.
- Nightlife2/10
Nightlife is minimal in this rural location, with entertainment largely restricted to local pubs or traveling into larger towns and Dublin.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Local clubs and community organizations exist in the village, though specialized wellness classes may require traveling further afield.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
The rural environment offers very few localized professional networking opportunities compared to urban business districts.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
Buyers should verify the availability of high-speed fibre broadband, as traditional rural properties can sometimes suffer from lower connectivity speeds.
Listing information
- Agent
- J P & M Doyle Ltd Terenure
- Phone
- 01 490 3201
- Current status
- active
- Published on HouseDelve
- 28 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-508598HouseDelve · 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.