Swallow Cottage, Greenan More, Rathdrum, WicklowA67PK76
€275,000
3 Bed~1 Bath~79 m²~BER G
What you'll like:
- Scenic Countryside Setting: The property enjoys an elevated position with beautiful views over Greenane, providing a peaceful environment that appeals to buyers seeking a quiet rural lifestyle.
- Generous One Acre Site: Sitting on a full acre of mature grounds, the plot offers ample outdoor space for gardening, recreation, hobby farming, or future landscaping projects.
- Detached Rural Residence: Offering complete independence with no attached neighbors, this detached home ensures enhanced privacy and freedom for everyday country living.
- Custom Refurbishment Canvas: Because the home requires extensive upgrading, buyers have a blank canvas to design and finish every room precisely to their personal tastes.
- Potential For Expansion: The generous one-acre footprint provides substantial room for physical extensions or outbuildings, subject to obtaining the necessary local planning permissions.
- Outdoor Decking Access: The kitchen and dining area features a convenient door leading directly out to a decking space, ideal for outdoor dining and relaxing.
- Raised Ceiling Character: The sitting room benefits from impressive raised ceilings paired with a traditional open fireplace, creating a cozy and dramatic central living space.
- Proximity To Rathdrum: Positioned within easy reach of Rathdrum town, residents can access local shops, schools, and essential community services without a lengthy commute.
- Accessible County Wicklow: Located in a highly scenic part of Wicklow, the area offers immediate access to outdoor amenities, walking trails, and famous natural landscapes.
- Ample Parking Space: The mature site includes generous hardstanding areas for parking multiple vehicles, which is especially useful during renovation works or family visits.
- Compact Floor Area: Measuring 79 square meters, the manageable size keeps initial heating and ongoing maintenance costs lower once the refurbishment is successfully completed.
- Private Well Supply: Relying on a private well avoids municipal water charges, giving occupants independent control over their daily water source and usage.
- Onsite Wastewater Treatment: The included septic tank provides autonomous wastewater management, eliminating reliance on public sewer networks in this rural location.
- Natural Light Potential: Multiple windows in the porch and sitting room capture sweeping countryside vistas, ensuring bright living areas once modern insulation is installed.
- Flexible Three Bedrooms: The layout provides three distinct bedroom spaces, easily adaptable for children, guest rooms, or a dedicated home office for remote work.
- Step-Down Kitchen Charm: The kitchen and dining area features a distinct step-down architectural detail, adding character and architectural separation from the main living zone.
- Rear Bathroom Placement: The main bathroom is conveniently positioned toward the rear of the dwelling, offering privacy and easy access from all three bedrooms.
- Entry Porch Protection: A dedicated tiled entrance porch helps capture mud and moisture before entering the main sitting room, protecting interior flooring from the elements.
- Investment Upside: Securing a detached acre property at this price point leaves financial margin for buyers to invest in substantial energy and structural upgrades.
- Peaceful Privacy: Set back within Greenan More, the home offers a tranquil retreat free from heavy urban traffic noise and bustling neighborhood activity.
But keep in mind:
- Extremely Poor Energy Rating: The property holds a G energy rating, which indicates severe heat loss and mandates a comprehensive, costly energy retrofit to achieve comfortable living standards.
- Substantial Refurbishment Required: The listing notes the home requires extensive upgrading, meaning buyers must budget significant time and capital beyond the initial purchase price.
- Private Well Quality Check: Because the water comes from a private well, buyers must commission independent laboratory testing to verify potability, flow rate, and filtration needs.
- Septic Tank Compliance: The existing septic tank system requires thorough professional inspection to ensure it meets current environmental standards and local authority discharge regulations.
- Unverified Boundary Extents: The auctioneers explicitly state that no boundary or topographical survey has been carried out, so buyers must verify actual land ownership lines.
- Uncertain Structural Integrity: Given the required refurbishment, a comprehensive structural survey is essential to identify potential damp, timber rot, roof defects, or foundation issues.
- Compact 79 Square Meters: The relatively small floor area may feel restrictive for growing families unless planning permission is secured for a substantial architectural extension.
- Potential Heating System Overhaul: The G BER rating suggests older or absent central heating infrastructure, requiring a complete new heating system installation across the entire cottage.
- Remote Rural Location Access: Country roads leading to Greenan More can be narrow and challenging during winter weather, impacting daily commuting and emergency vehicle response times.
- High Renovation Material Costs: Sourcing builders and materials for remote rural renovations can incur higher logistical costs and scheduling delays for incoming homeowners.
- Lack Of Formal Planning History: Buyers should investigate local planning restrictions in this scenic Wicklow zone to understand what future extensions or modifications are permitted.
- Insulation Deficiencies: Achieving modern comfort will likely require external or internal wall insulation, roof upgrading, and double-glazed window replacements throughout the structure.
- Bathroom Modernization Needed: The single bathroom requires complete renovation to update sanitary ware, fix potential plumbing issues, and improve ventilation to prevent future dampness.
- Kitchen Replacement Required: The kitchen and dining area will likely need a complete refit, including new cabinetry, appliances, and wiring to meet contemporary household standards.
- Electrical Rewiring Mandatory: Older rural cottages often feature outdated electrical systems that fail modern safety standards, requiring a complete professional electrical overhaul.
- Surface Water Drainage Risks: Elevated rural sites can be prone to surface water run-off, meaning buyers should inspect exterior grading and drainage to protect the foundations.
- Maintenance Of Mature Grounds: While a one-acre mature site is attractive, it demands regular upkeep, landscaping, and boundary maintenance from the new owner.
- Limited Local Amenities Walking Distance: Daily errands will heavily rely on driving, as the property is too remote for convenient walking access to shops and schools.
- Vendor Disclaimer Risks: The sales particulars carry standard disclaimers advising that all measurements and details are unverified, placing full due-diligence responsibility on the buyer.
- Resale Value Volatility: Heavily dependent on the quality of the renovation, a poorly executed upgrade could impact future market value in this specialized rural segment.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears moderately positioned because the property requires substantial refurbishment, evidenced by its poor energy rating and dated interior condition, which naturally depresses the baseline market value compared to turnkey alternatives.
- Undervaluation signals emerge from the extensive modernization needs and potential hidden structural remediation costs required to bring the dwelling up to modern standards, offsetting the appeal of the generous one-acre site.
- Such a price point could be supported by the high demand for rural detached homes with large plots in scenic areas, though it might be undermined by the significant capital expenditure needed for comprehensive upgrades.
- Relevant considerations include the private well and septic tank services, which require independent inspection to ensure compliance and functionality, alongside the total cost of completing the necessary renovations.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached cottage extending to approximately 79 square metres on a 1-acre site, requiring substantial refurbishment throughout.
- The BER rating is G, indicating very poor energy efficiency that will necessitate extensive insulation, window upgrades, and heating system replacement.
- Services include a private septic tank and well water supply; a buyer should investigate the condition, capacity, and current regulatory compliance of both systems.
- Given the rural location and age of the property, a comprehensive structural survey is recommended to assess the integrity of the walls, roof, and raised ceilings, as well as to check for damp or structural movement.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- Given the G BER rating and a floor area of 79 square metres, a comprehensive deep retrofit is required to bring the property to a modern energy standard.
- Estimated costs for a full deep retrofit—including external wall insulation, roof insulation, window and door replacements, and the installation of a renewable heating system such as a heat pump—would likely range from 50,000 to 70,000 euros, depending on the extent of structural repairs needed and contractor pricing.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: Between €2,500 and €3,500.
- Explanation: Given the poor BER rating of G and the detached 79 m² floor area requiring refurbishment, thermal efficiency is likely very low, leading to high reliance on supplemental heating sources.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is located in a rural countryside setting with no apparent major industrial facilities, incinerators, or active large-scale landfills in immediate proximity.
- Any potential local pollution risks are typically minor and associated with agricultural practices or domestic septic systems, which buyers should inspect as part of standard due diligence.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The listing describes the property as occupying an elevated setting overlooking the surrounding landscape, which generally reduces the likelihood of pluvial or river flooding.
- While broad flood maps indicate low overall risk for elevated rural sites, buyers should verify local drainage and surface water patterns during heavy rainfall events.
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 Rathdrum area
26 MAIN STREET, RATHDRUM, CO WICKLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €130,000.00
15 CENTRE RD, BALLYGANNON, RATHDRUM
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €310,000.00
4 VIEW MOUNT, RATHDRUM, WICKLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €325,000.00
BALLEECE, RATHDRUM, WICKLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €775,000.00
33 MAIN STREET, RATHDRUM, CO WICKLOW
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €335,000.00
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 €2,750, calculated at 1% of the asking price of €275,000 for residential properties up to €1 million.
- Solicitor legal fees: Estimated between €1,500 and €3,000 excluding outlays and VAT, depending on the firm chosen.
- Land registration fees: Around €170 to €400 depending on whether registration is completed online or via post.
- Property valuation fees: Approximately €150 to €250 if required by a mortgage lender.
- Surveyor fees: Between €600 and €1,200, which is strongly advised for this property due to its G BER rating and requirement for refurbishment.
- Annual home insurance: Approximately €400 to €800 per year, which should be verified based on the property's rural location and construction type.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Locals and community groups in the Rathdrum and Greenan areas frequently discuss the charm of the scenic countryside and the appeal of rural, quiet living in County Wicklow.
- Residents often share advice on rural property renovations, highlighting the potential for upgrading older cottages while managing rural services like private wells and septic tanks.
- Community forums occasionally discuss local road maintenance, traffic safety on rural approach roads, and winter weather preparedness in the upland Wicklow areas.
- There is ongoing community interest in local tourism, walking trails, and outdoor amenities surrounding the Avonmore river valley and Greenan maze attractions.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children6/10
The 1-acre site provides ample outdoor space for children to play, though the property requires refurbishment which buyers should investigate.
- Teenagers5/10
The countryside setting offers plenty of space, but the remote location and lack of nearby urban entertainment might not appeal to all teenagers.
- Multi-generational Living3/10
With 79 square metres of floor area and only one bathroom, space is limited for multi-generational living without substantial expansion.
- Single Buyers4/10
Affordable asking price, but the extent of refurbishment needed for a G-rated BER property may be challenging for a single buyer.
- Couples7/10
An ideal project for a couple looking to create a bespoke countryside home, provided they are prepared for renovation work.
- Empty Nesters5/10
Offers a quiet countryside pace of life, though the maintenance of a 1-acre site and the need for refurbishment should be considered.
- Retirees5/10
The peaceful rural location suits retirement, but buyers should verify if the property is suitable for ageing in place given its rural isolation and refurbishment needs.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working8/10
The peaceful rural setting provides an inspiring backdrop for remote work, though buyers should verify broadband connectivity.
- Hybrid Commuting4/10
Proximity to Rathdrum offers some commuting access, but the rural location makes regular hybrid commuting to major cities demanding.
- Retired8/10
Well-suited for retirement if buyers are seeking a quiet pace of life and are prepared for property maintenance.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
The property requires significant refurbishment and has a G BER rating, meaning substantial upgrades would be needed for comfortable ageing in place.
- Low Maintenance2/10
Requires extensive refurbishment and upkeep of a 1-acre site, representing high maintenance.
- Secure Gated Entry2/10
No secure gated entry is currently specified in the listing details.
- Minimalist Design4/10
Traditional cottage style rather than modern minimalist design, though refurbishment offers a blank canvas.
- Flexible Floor Plans3/10
With 79 square metres across three bedrooms and one bathroom, the layout is relatively fixed without structural alterations.
- Heritage Home6/10
Enjoys a traditional countryside cottage feel with character, though buyers should verify its exact age and historical status.
- Ecological Setup5/10
Features well water and a septic tank, but the G BER rating indicates poor energy efficiency that requires improvement.
- Outdoor areas9/10
Benefits from a 1-acre mature site with scenic views, a decking area, ample parking, and great potential for landscaping.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The 1-acre site provides wonderful potential for extensive gardening, landscaping, and outdoor enhancement.
- Walking9/10
Surrounded by the scenic Wicklow landscape, offering fantastic opportunities for rural walks and hiking.
- Gym2/10
There are no commercial gym facilities nearby, meaning home workouts or travel to larger towns would be necessary.
- Cycling6/10
Scenic country roads surround the property, though hilly terrain and rural traffic conditions should be evaluated.
- Golf5/10
General regional access to golf courses in Wicklow, though none are immediately adjacent.
- Fishing6/10
County Wicklow offers various inland angling opportunities within reasonable driving distance.
- Horse Riding8/10
The rural setting and 1-acre plot offer a great environment for equestrian enthusiasts, subject to local stable availability.
- Water Sports3/10
Inland rural location means water sports require travel to coastal areas or major lakes.
- Entertaining6/10
Features outdoor decking and a good-sized site for gatherings, though the interior living space of 79 square metres is relatively compact.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Nestled in the scenic countryside of Greenan with an elevated setting, offering an exceptionally quiet and private environment.
- Rural Living10/10
Located directly in the Wicklow countryside on a 1-acre mature site, perfect for a traditional rural lifestyle.
- Village Living5/10
Positioned within reach of Rathdrum, but the immediate setting is isolated rather than village-based.
- Coastal Living1/10
The property is located inland in County Wicklow with no coastal proximity.
- Urban Living1/10
Situated in a rural countryside setting far removed from any urban centre.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement5/10
Community ties would rely on engagement with the nearby Rathdrum area rather than an immediate village neighbourhood.
- Café Culture2/10
Café culture is minimal in the immediate rural surroundings, requiring travel into local towns.
- Nightlife1/10
There is virtually no nightlife in the immediate scenic countryside.
- Health/Wellness groups3/10
Formal wellness groups and pilates & stretching classes would require travel to nearby towns.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
Networking opportunities locally are sparse due to the rural and isolated nature of the location.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity2/10
Not located near any major tech hubs, relying entirely on remote connectivity.
Listing information
- Agent
- O'Neill Flanagan Estate Agents
- Phone
- 0404 66410
- Published on HouseDelve
- 20 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-F57DD5HouseDelve · 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.