
Ref 1247 - Skelligs View, Loher, Waterville, KerryV23FH67
€395,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~BER D2
What you'll like:
- Panoramic Atlantic vistas: The property offers stunning, uninterrupted views looking out towards the world-famous Skellig Michael, providing a breathtaking daily backdrop that significantly enhances lifestyle and long-term resale appeal.
- Prime tourist location: Situated near the scenic Ring of Kerry and the historic 9th-century Loher Ringfort, placing the home right in the heart of a culturally rich and highly sought-after destination.
- Proximity to Waterville: Located only a short drive from Waterville village, ensuring convenient access to local shops, traditional pubs, award-winning restaurants, and a picturesque seafront promenade.
- World-class golfing nearby: Positioned close to two internationally renowned golf courses, Waterville Golf Links and Hogs Head Golf Course, making it an absolute paradise for avid golf enthusiasts.
- Outdoor recreation hub: An ideal haven for outdoor hobbyists, offering immediate access to hiking trails, sea sports, local beaches, and fantastic nearby lake and sea fishing opportunities.
- Characterful cottage charm: Features a quaint, older-style split-level layout with unique architectural elements like feature stone fireplaces and wood finishes that deliver authentic rural Irish character.
- Bright sunroom entrance: Includes a dedicated glazed front entrance sunroom designed to capture panoramic sea views, creating a wonderful sunlit space to relax and watch the shifting coastal weather.
- Spacious detached workshop: Benefits from a large outbuilding measuring approximately 7.62m by 4.85m, providing exceptional utility, storage space, or potential for conversion into a creative hobby studio.
- Elevated private site: Occupies an elevated coastal position that guarantees privacy and dramatic sightlines while remaining safely separated from immediate coastal storm surges.
- Established garden grounds: Set amidst mature shrubs, well-defined boundaries, and neat lawns, offering a ready-made green sanctuary for gardening enthusiasts or children to play safely.
- Private water supply: Equipped with a deep bored well, which can eliminate public water service charges and secure an independent water source for the property.
- Oil-fired central heating: Fitted with an oil boiler system housed in the utility room, ensuring dependable and controllable warmth throughout the split-level living spaces.
- Dual stove features: Contains traditional stoves integrated into character stone fireplaces in both the living room and kitchen, providing cozy, localized heat sources during cooler months.
- Functional utility space: Features a dedicated utility room plumbed for a washing machine and equipped with a half-glazed door leading directly out to the rear garden grounds.
- Convenient vehicle access: Approached via a private rising stone driveway that opens up to ample dedicated space for parking and turning vehicles comfortably onsite.
- Modern wet room setup: The family bathroom includes a convenient Mira electric shower and full tile finishes, offering low-maintenance and accessible daily washing facilities.
- Holiday home potential: Perfectly configured as an idyllic rural retreat or lucrative holiday rental property for tourists seeking an authentic South Kerry base.
- Room for expansion: The generous site footprint and layout offer potential opportunities for future modernization, extension, or structural enhancement if desired by the purchaser.
- Rich local history: Situated in an area steeped in old folklore and archaeological heritage, offering endless opportunities for discovery and cultural engagement right on your doorstep.
- Natural wildlife immersion: Surrounded by tranquil coastal landscapes, sea breezes, and native flora, providing a peaceful escape from busy urban living and modern stressors.
But keep in mind:
- D2 BER rating: The modest energy performance rating indicates poor insulation and efficiency, meaning the buyer should budget for significant upgrades to lower heating bills.
- Split-level layout friction: The interior features multiple internal steps connecting the sunroom, main hallway, and kitchen areas, which could pose long-term mobility challenges or accessibility issues.
- Exposed coastal climate: The elevated coastal position exposes the building fabric to harsh Atlantic winds, salt spray, and heavy driving rain, demanding rigorous exterior maintenance.
- Compact bathroom footprint: Measuring roughly 2.83m by 1.52m, the sole bathroom is relatively tight in size and serves all three bedrooms, limiting multi-occupant convenience.
- Unclear floor area: The total square footage is not specified in the listing details, requiring the buyer to measure and verify the exact internal dimensions independently.
- Private well reliance: Relying on a deep bored well means the buyer must test water quality regularly and budget for potential filtration, pump maintenance, or drought risks.
- Older extended structure: Being an older-style extended cottage, parts of the building may conceal legacy wiring, damp issues, or outdated construction methods requiring professional inspection.
- Heavy heating dependence: Given the D2 energy rating and single-glazed or older window elements, the oil heating and dual stoves may result in high seasonal fuel consumption.
- Remote location isolation: While fantastic for holidays, the rural setting means complete reliance on a car for daily essentials, medical services, and employment commutes.
- Narrow rural approach roads: Access roads typical of rural Kerry can be narrow and winding, potentially posing challenges during peak tourist season or icy winter conditions.
- Wastewater system uncertainty: The listing lacks details regarding the septic tank or sewage treatment system, requiring urgent verification of its capacity, condition, and compliance.
- Outbuilding condition check: The large workshop structure should be carefully inspected for roof integrity, dampness, and structural soundness before storing valuable items inside.
- Potential damp risks: Older stone-built or extended rural cottages frequently suffer from rising or penetrating damp, necessitating a thorough damp and timber survey.
- Limited bedroom sizing: Some bedrooms feature compact dimensions (such as Bedroom 3 at 2.94m by 2.45m), which may restrict furniture layout and wardrobe space.
- Maintenance of stone drive: The rising stone driveway will likely require periodic replenishment and grading to prevent potholes and manage rainwater runoff effectively.
- Lack of immediate amenities: Walking to local shops or restaurants from an elevated rural lane may be impractical, given the absence of continuous footpaths and street lighting.
- High tourist season traffic: The scenic Ring of Kerry route can experience heavy seasonal vehicular and bus traffic, potentially impacting quiet egress during summer months.
- Limited structural history: The timeline and quality of past extensions are unverified, meaning a structural engineer should evaluate how the older and newer sections tie together.
- Potential insulation deficits: Roof spaces, floors, and older walls may lack modern insulation depths, making a thermal imaging check a prudent due diligence step.
- Resale market volatility: Holiday home niches in rural coastal areas can experience fluctuating market demand, impacting liquidity compared to primary urban residential properties.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a quaint, older-style, split-level extended cottage on an elevated site, which means a buyer should investigate potential structural integrity, dampness, and foundation settling across the older and extended sections.
- The building features an oil-fired central heating system and a deep bored well, requiring inspection of the private water supply quality, pump condition, and heating system efficiency.
- Given the elevated coastal location exposed to Atlantic views and weather, a thorough check of the roof condition, external rendering, windows, and weatherproofing is recommended.
- The listing notes the possibility to further develop the property, meaning a buyer should verify planning permissions, local zoning regulations, and compliance for any historical extensions or future alterations.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property has a D2 BER rating, indicating poor energy efficiency and high heat loss, which places it in the D–G category requiring a deep retrofit.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit for an older detached or semi-detached cottage in Ireland—including external wall insulation, upgraded roof insulation, high-performance double or triple-glazed windows, and potential installation of a heat pump or modern heating system—typically ranges from €30,000 to €50,000 or more depending on the exact floor area.
- Grants from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) can offset a portion of these costs, but initial capital outlay will be substantial to bring the energy rating up to a modern standard.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €1,800 to €2,600
- Explanation: The property features an oil-fired central heating system and stoves, and carries a D2 BER rating, which indicates lower energy efficiency and higher potential heat loss. Actual costs will vary significantly depending on individual lifestyle habits, fuel price fluctuations, and the extent to which the stoves are used alongside the central heating.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a highly rural, coastal setting in South Kerry, far removed from heavy industrial zones, major manufacturing plants, or large-scale municipal incinerators.
- There are no known prominent legacy landfills or high-risk industrial pollution sites in the immediate vicinity of Loher, though buyers should verify local agricultural runoff or private septic management during standard due diligence.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The property occupies an elevated site on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, which substantially mitigates the risk of surface or river flooding.
- While the elevated position protects the main structure from typical flood events, buyers should review local coastal exposure and site drainage characteristics during heavy Atlantic storm seasons.
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 Loher area
APT 9, THE CABLE STATION, WATERVILLE
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €200,000.00
MURREAGH, WATERVILLE, KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €655,000.00
MAIN STREET, WATERVILLE, CO KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €266,000.00
CLOONAGHLIN, WATERVILLE, COUNTY KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €468,500.00
CLIFF ROAD, WATERVILLE, CO KERRY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €410,000.00
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: Approximately €3,950 (calculated at 1% of the €395,000 asking price for residential property)
- Solicitor legal fees: Approximately €1,500 to €3,000 plus 23% VAT (professional conveyancing fees)
- Land registration fees: Approximately €400 to €800 for registering deeds and property ownership with Tailte Éireann
- Property valuation fees: Approximately €150 to €300 (often required if obtaining a mortgage)
- Surveyor fees: Approximately €350 to €600 depending on whether a standard structural survey or a more detailed inspection is chosen for the older extended cottage
- Annual home insurance: Approximately €500 to €1,000 depending on the level of buildings and contents cover selected, as well as the coastal location
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Local residents and community groups in South Kerry frequently discuss the balance between tourism growth and preserving the rural tranquility of areas like Waterville and Loher.
- Discussions on regional forums often highlight the high demand for scenic holiday homes and rural properties with views of the Atlantic and Skellig Michael.
- Community boards note that rural properties relying on deep bored wells and septic tanks require regular maintenance, which prospective buyers often discuss online.
- Local infrastructure updates, road maintenance along the Ring of Kerry, and rural broadband rollouts are common topics of interest among area residents.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The property features three bedrooms and outdoor lawn space, but the split-level design, elevated site, and older style layout may require extra safety precautions for very young children.
- Teenagers6/10
Three bedrooms provide individual space, and the large workshop/store offers hobby potential, though the rural location means teenagers will rely heavily on transport for activities and socializing.
- Multi-generational Living4/10
With a single bathroom and a compact split-level layout of an older extended cottage, accommodating multiple generations comfortably could prove challenging without further development.
- Single Buyers6/10
An affordable price point of €395,000 for a scenic Kerry home, though maintenance of an older property on an elevated rural site requires careful management for a single occupant.
- Couples8/10
An idyllic retreat for couples seeking panoramic Atlantic views, proximity to world-class golf courses, and a peaceful environment with plenty of natural beauty to explore.
- Empty Nesters7/10
Offers single-level elements combined with split-level features, wonderful scenic views, and a manageable footprint, though buyers should verify the long-term maintenance requirements of an older structure.
- Retirees6/10
Provides a serene retirement setting with stunning views and ground-level accessibility features like a wet room, but internal steps and the rural, elevated setting should be evaluated for aging in place.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working5/10
Offers a tranquil setting ideal for a home office environment, but buyers should investigate local broadband speeds and connection reliability in this rural area.
- Hybrid Commuting2/10
The remote location in South Kerry makes regular commuting to major employment hubs or cities highly impractical.
- Retired9/10
An exceptional setting for retirement, offering peace, scenic beauty, fishing, golf, and a comfortable pace of life.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place5/10
Includes a ground-floor wet room, but the split-level layout, interior steps, and elevated rural location may present mobility challenges later in life.
- Low Maintenance4/10
As an older style extended cottage with a D2 BER rating, oil-fired central heating, and landscaped grounds, ongoing maintenance and energy upgrades should be anticipated.
- Secure Gated Entry3/10
The property features a rising stone driveway with ample parking, but specific security gates are not detailed in the listing data.
- Minimalist Design3/10
Characterized by a quaint, older cottage style with feature stone fireplaces, half-paneling, and traditional rustic elements rather than minimalist architecture.
- Flexible Floor Plans4/10
The split-level layout connects a sunroom, main living room, kitchen, and three bedrooms through fixed steps and structural transitions, offering limited flexibility.
- Heritage Home8/10
An older style extended cottage rich in local folklore context, historic proximity to Loher Ringfort, and traditional architectural touches like stone fireplaces.
- Ecological Setup4/10
Features a deep bored well and oil-fired central heating, but the D2 BER rating indicates energy efficiency that could benefit from modern green retrofitting.
- Outdoor areas8/10
Comprises an elevated site with panoramic views, grounds laid mainly to lawn with well-defined boundaries, mature shrubs, and a large workshop/store (7.62m x 4.85m).
Interests
9 areas- Gardening7/10
The grounds are laid mainly to lawn with well-defined boundaries, mature shrubs, and hedging, offering a solid canvas for enthusiastic gardeners.
- Walking10/10
Ideally situated for walking and hiking, close to the 9th-century Loher Ringfort and the stunning South Kerry landscapes.
- Gym2/10
There are no commercial gyms in the immediate vicinity, meaning residents would need to rely on home setups or travel further afield.
- Cycling7/10
The surrounding scenic regional roads offer fantastic cycling routes, though riders must share roads with rural traffic and navigate hilly terrain.
- Golf10/10
Positioned close to two first-class golf courses: the world-renowned Waterville Golf Links and Hogs Head Golf Course.
- Fishing10/10
Excellent options nearby including sea fishing from local piers/beaches, plus sea trout and salmon fishing on Waterville lake.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural environment offers ample open space and scenic backdrops, though local equestrian facilities would need to be verified independently.
- Water Sports8/10
Proportionate access to sea sports, coastal activities, and lake environments make this a strong location for water enthusiasts.
- Entertaining6/10
Features a cozy living room with a feature stone fireplace, sunroom with sea views, and a large outdoor workshop, though indoor dining space is relatively compact.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Situated on an elevated site in Loher, Waterville, Kerry, offering exceptional peace, privacy, and panoramic views of the Atlantic and Skellig Michael.
- Rural Living10/10
Deeply embedded in the Kerry countryside surrounded by old Irish folklore, archaeological sites, and open landscapes.
- Village Living6/10
Located a short drive from Waterville village, giving convenient access to local shops, restaurants, and amenities while maintaining a countryside distance.
- Coastal Living10/10
Features panoramic Atlantic views looking out to Skellig Michael, with nearby piers, beaches, and sea sports opportunities.
- Urban Living1/10
The location is remote and rural, far removed from urban centers, city amenities, or fast-paced metropolitan environments.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Proximity to Waterville provides access to a tight-knit local community and regional events, though rural isolation requires proactive engagement.
- Café Culture5/10
Waterville offers local restaurants, bars, and seasonal options along its seafront promenade, though year-round café choices are limited compared to larger towns.
- Nightlife3/10
Nightlife is restricted to local village pubs and seasonal spots in Waterville, offering a quiet evening atmosphere rather than active nightlife.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
While ideal for personal health walks and outdoor pursuits, organized local wellness groups or classes would require travel to larger community hubs.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
The remote rural setting offers very few professional networking opportunities outside of local trade or tourism connections.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity1/10
Completely disconnected from physical urban tech hubs, with heavy dependence on remote digital connectivity.
Listing information
- Agent
- The Property Shop
- Phone
- 066 9473016
- Published on HouseDelve
- 1 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-08C8E3HouseDelve · 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.