
The Gate Lodge, Molesworth Street, Daingean, Co. OffalyR35W242
€250,000
2 Bed~2 Bath
What you'll like:
- Historic architectural heritage: Dating from circa 1805, this former gate lodge is officially recorded on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, offering buyers a rare opportunity to own a genuinely unique piece of local history.
- Turnkey internal condition: The property has been extensively cared for and refurbished, presenting a ready-to-occupy state that saves the new owner from undertaking immediate major renovation works upon purchase.
- Efficient compact layout: Extending to approximately 65 square meters, the single-storey footprint is exceptionally well utilised to provide comfortable, manageable living accommodation without wasted hallway space.
- Characterful vaulted ceilings: Both the sitting room and kitchen feature impressive vaulted ceilings adorned with exposed timber beams, creating an enhanced sense of volume and dramatic architectural atmosphere.
- Exposed Pollagh brickwork: Striking feature walls of exposed Pollagh brickwork run throughout the interior spaces, adding wonderful texture, warmth, and authentic visual appeal to the historic dwelling.
- Cozy solid-fuel stove: The main reception room incorporates a substantial brick fireplace fitted with a solid-fuel stove, providing a wonderful physical and visual focal point for cold winter evenings.
- Dual-aspect reception room: The bright sitting room benefits from windows on two sides, ensuring excellent natural light penetration and an airy feel despite the historic cottage proportions.
- Dual en-suite provision: Both bedrooms feature their own dedicated en-suite bathrooms, ensuring absolute privacy and convenience for residents or visiting guests without sharing facilities.
- Vintage bathroom styling: The en-suites are finished with vintage-inspired fittings, including high-level cisterns that tastefully complement the overall historical aesthetic of the nineteenth-century structure.
- Practical traditional half-door: A classic half-door connects the kitchen directly to the rear garden, allowing fresh air and sunlight to flood the dining space while maintaining a traditional cottage ambiance.
- Covered rear porch: Directly outside the kitchen sits a covered porch finished with Chinese slate flooring and a functional Belfast sink, creating an extremely practical transitional outdoor workspace.
- Secure external utility: A separately secured external utility area provides dedicated space and plumbing provisions for both a washing machine and tumble dryer, keeping laundry noise completely outside the main living zones.
- Enclosed private garden: The property boasts a private rear garden principally laid to lawn with a concrete patio and pathways, offering a safe and manageable outdoor retreat for relaxation.
- Original stone boundaries: Original historic stone walls associated with the former military complex form part of the rear garden boundary, seamlessly blending modern use with tangible historical remnants.
- Distinctive street presence: Wrought-iron railings and gated access frame the front approach, complemented by an imposing historic limestone entrance that provides an unforgettable sense of arrival.
- Convenient town location: Situated right on Molesworth Street in the heart of Daingean, daily amenities including local shops, schools, and sporting facilities are comfortably within walking distance.
- Regional connectivity: The surrounding road network provides straightforward access throughout the Midlands, making daily commuting to nearby employment hubs like Tullamore and Edenderry highly practical.
- Modern electrical integration: Despite its historic nature, the home thoughtfully integrates modern conveniences such as numerous electrical sockets and convenient USB charging points throughout the living spaces.
- Mains utility connections: Unlike many rural historic properties, this dwelling benefits from connection to mains water and mains sewerage, reducing ongoing private infrastructure maintenance concerns.
- Specialist agent representation: The property is represented by an established local agency, providing professional guidance and straightforward appointment scheduling for prospective buyers.
But keep in mind:
- Protected structure status: As a recorded protected architectural structure, any future alterations, maintenance, or material changes will likely require strict planning consent from the local authority.
- Exemption from BER cert: While legally exempt as a protected structure, buyers should independently verify the home's thermal efficiency to avoid unexpected heating costs during winter months.
- Electric heating reliance: The primary heating system relies on electric heaters, which can potentially result in higher energy bills compared to standard natural gas or central heat pump systems.
- Compact floor area: Measuring approximately 65 square meters, the home offers limited overall living space, which may feel restrictive for growing families or buyers with excessive furniture.
- Historic damp risks: Older stone and brick structures dating from 1805 are inherently prone to rising or penetrating damp, requiring careful ongoing ventilation and maintenance by the buyer.
- Solid fuel reliance: Relying on a solid-fuel stove as a primary heat source requires regular hauling, seasoning, and storage of timber or fuel briquettes within the small footprint.
- Limited storage capacity: Due to the modest single-storey footprint and vaulted ceilings, built-in indoor storage options appear minimal, potentially requiring external shed solutions for bulky items.
- Utility separation inconvenience: The washing machine and dryer are located in a secure external utility off the rear porch, meaning outdoor exposure is required during wet weather for laundry chores.
- Conservation repair costs: Specialized tradespeople experienced in historic lime mortar, exposed brick preservation, and timber beam care may be required for ongoing maintenance, increasing upkeep costs.
- Proximity to street: The property sits directly on Molesworth Street with front railings opening near the pavement, meaning potential road noise and lack of a front garden buffer.
- Compact bedroom sizes: The two bedrooms offer modest floor dimensions, which may limit furniture configurations and make the placement of large double beds or wardrobes challenging.
- Single-layer roof limitations: Vaulted ceilings often mean minimal attic space for insulation or storage, which can impact temperature regulation during extreme summer heat or winter freezes.
- Window thermal performance: Historic or character-appropriate windows, while visually appealing, may suffer from lower thermal insulation values and potential draughts compared to modern double glazing.
- Insurance cost variations: Securing buildings insurance for a protected structure from 1805 can sometimes involve specialized underwriting and higher premium costs for structural rebuild coverage.
- Limited parking provisions: The listing details gated pedestrian-style wrought-iron access from the street, and buyers must verify whether dedicated off-street parking is included with the title.
- Town centre development: Being located in the historic core of Daingean means potential future neighboring infrastructural changes or local traffic fluctuations that buyers should research.
- Bathrooms linked to bedrooms: With both bathrooms configured as en-suites attached directly to the bedrooms, there is no independent guest restroom accessible from the main living area.
- Linoleum flooring longevity: The kitchen area features linoleum flooring, which may wear out more quickly under heavy family use and require future upgrading to tile or hardwood.
- Exterior masonry upkeep: Exposed Pollagh brickwork and historic stonework require periodic pointing inspections to prevent water ingress and frost spalling during harsh winter conditions.
- Resale market niche: The highly specific heritage character and compact size cater to a specialized niche of buyers, which could potentially influence future liquidity and resale timeframes.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price of two hundred and fifty thousand euros appears notably undervalued relative to verified residential property price register transactions nearby on the same street and across the broader local area context.
- Upward valuation signals stem from the unique historic character, extensive refurbishment, two en-suite bedrooms, and protected structure status, contrasting against lower baseline sales observed on main streets nearby.
- Support for this price point relies on strong niche demand for historic gate lodges, while potential underpins or downsides involve maintenance liabilities, lack of energy rating data, and compact overall square footage.
- Overall, considering local market comparables ranging significantly higher in recent months, the property is positioned below prevailing averages, reflecting its specific architectural scope and modest layout size.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached, single-storey former gate lodge dating from circa 1805 and is recorded on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.
- It is a designated Protected Structure, which means any future alterations, maintenance, or renovations may be subject to strict planning controls and local authority conservation guidelines.
- Buyers should investigate whether all previous refurbishment works complied with conservation regulations and whether appropriate permissions were obtained for historical alterations.
- The building features solid historic masonry, exposed internal brickwork, vaulted ceilings with exposed timber beams, and original stone boundary walls, requiring specialized maintenance typical of period properties.
- The property is BER exempt due to its protected status, but buyers should assess the efficiency of the electric heating system and insulation levels within the historic fabric.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost: €1,200 to €1,800. The property relies on electric heating throughout combined with a solid-fuel stove in the sitting room. As a c.1805 protected structure that is BER exempt, historic buildings can be harder to heat efficiently, though the modest 65 square metre floor area helps moderate overall energy consumption.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The area is generally well-established with standard municipal drainage infrastructure, though buyers should verify local drainage conditions relative to nearby watercourses.
- No major historical flooding events are prominently associated with this specific central Molesworth Street location, but standard environmental due diligence is advised.
Recent Local Sales
Verified residential transactions published in the previous five years
Sales on the same street or estate
ST CONLETHS, MOLESWORTH ST, DAINGEAN
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €330,000.00
Recent sales in the wider Daingean area
GAOL LANE, DAINGEAN, CO. OFFALY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €305,000.00
28 MEADOW COURT, DAINGEAN, OFFALY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €327,000.00
MAIN ST, DAINGEAN, OFFALY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €160,000.00
18 PHILLIPS VALE, DAINGEAN, OFFALY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €11,971.00
50 MEADOW COURT, DAINGEAN, OFFALY
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €315,000.00
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: €2,500 based on 1% of the asking price for residential property up to €1 million.
- Solicitor legal fees: Approximately €1,500 to €3,000 excluding outlay and VAT.
- Land registration fees: Roughly €400 to €800 depending on the registry type and property value.
- Property valuation fees: Around €150 to €300 for a standard mortgage valuation report.
- Surveyor fees: Approximately €500 to €1,200 depending on the level of detailed structural survey required.
- Annual home insurance: Roughly €350 to €700 depending on the level of cover and historic building considerations.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Daingean residents frequently discuss local heritage properties and the preservation of historic buildings in the area.
- Community forums highlight the convenience of living centrally on Molesworth Street within easy walking distance of local shops and schools.
- Locals often note the appeal of Daingean's strategic position in east County Offaly, providing good road links to Tullamore and Edenderry.
- Discussions regarding property improvements in older towns emphasize the importance of maintaining original features like stone walls and exposed brickwork.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The property is single-storey and manageable, but at approximately 65 m2 with two bedrooms, space is compact for growing families. The enclosed rear garden is a plus for young children to play safely.
- Teenagers3/10
With only two bedrooms and limited shared living space, teenagers might find the accommodation too restrictive as they seek more personal space and privacy.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
The compact footprint and single-bathroom-per-bedroom setup across a modest 65 m2 layout mean multi-generational living is highly impractical here.
- Single Buyers9/10
An ideal setup for a single buyer seeking a unique, historic home that is manageable, full of character, and ready for immediate occupation without extensive refurbishment.
- Couples9/10
Offers a wonderful, romantic, and historic living environment for a couple, featuring two en-suite bedrooms, a cosy stove, and a private garden.
- Empty Nesters9/10
Single-level living, manageable square footage, and character features make this an attractive, low-stress option for downsizers looking to escape larger family homes.
- Retirees9/10
Being entirely single-storey with no stairs, this historic gate lodge provides excellent accessibility and ease of living for retirees, provided everyday town amenities meet their needs.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working7/10
The property includes USB charging points and comfortable living spaces well-suited for a home office setup, though broadband speed should be verified by the buyer.
- Hybrid Commuting6/10
Daingean provides convenient road connections to Tullamore, Edenderry, and Portarlington for Midlands commuting, though rail access requires travelling to nearby towns.
- Retired9/10
Single-level accommodation, manageable maintenance, and a historic village setting make this an exceptional choice for retirees.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place9/10
The single-storey layout with no internal stairs makes this historic gate lodge exceptionally well-suited for ageing in place comfortably.
- Low Maintenance8/10
With an approximate floor area of 65 m2 and a compact enclosed garden, exterior and interior upkeep is straightforward and manageable.
- Secure Gated Entry7/10
Features wrought-iron railings and gated access framing the front approach, providing a defined and secure boundary.
- Minimalist Design3/10
The property is defined by rich historic character, exposed brickwork, vaulted timber beams, and period detailing rather than minimalist aesthetics.
- Flexible Floor Plans5/10
The 65 m2 footprint is very efficiently utilised with two en-suite bedrooms and open-plan living zones, but the historic and protected nature of the building limits major structural alterations.
- Heritage Home10/10
An exceptional c.1805 former gate lodge listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and protected as a historic structure, offering rare authentic period features throughout.
- Ecological Setup5/10
The property features a solid-fuel stove and electric heating, but as a Protected Structure that is BER exempt, energy efficiency features are constrained by its historic status.
- Outdoor areas6/10
Includes a private enclosed rear garden with a concrete patio, pathways, original historic stone boundary walls, and a convenient covered rear porch with Chinese slate and a Belfast sink.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening4/10
Features an enclosed rear garden principally laid to lawn with a concrete patio, offering a manageable outdoor space for pots and basic planting rather than extensive cultivation.
- Walking7/10
The central location in Daingean allows for convenient local walks around the heritage town and along surrounding Midlands routes.
- Gym3/10
While local sporting facilities exist, dedicated commercial gym options within Daingean itself are limited, likely requiring travel to nearby Tullamore or Edenderry.
- Cycling6/10
The flat terrain of the surrounding Midlands road network makes for pleasant local cycling, though buyers should verify dedicated cycle lane infrastructure.
- Golf5/10
While the wider Midlands region offers golf courses, buyers should verify the exact distance and convenience of the nearest club from Daingean.
- Fishing6/10
The location in east County Offaly provides reasonable access to inland waterways and angling opportunities typical of the Midlands.
- Horse Riding5/10
Rural and semi-rural areas in Offaly often support equestrian interests, but buyers should investigate local stables and riding schools independently.
- Water Sports3/10
Inland location with limited immediate access to major water sports facilities, aside from local canal or river activities.
- Entertaining6/10
The impressive dual-aspect sitting room with its vaulted ceiling, exposed brick, and solid-fuel stove creates a fantastic indoor focal point for guests, complemented by a covered rear porch and patio.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living8/10
Located in a heritage town setting on Molesworth Street with an enclosed private rear garden, offering a peaceful and characterful atmosphere away from major urban hustle.
- Rural Living6/10
While Daingean is a charming heritage town in County Offaly surrounded by the Midlands countryside, the property itself is centrally positioned right on a street rather than in an isolated rural spot.
- Village Living9/10
Positioned right in the heart of Daingean, allowing residents to easily access local shops, schools, and community services on foot.
- Coastal Living1/10
Daingean is an inland heritage town in the Midlands of Ireland with no proximity to the coast.
- Urban Living3/10
Daingean is a small heritage town rather than a bustling urban centre, lacking major city amenities and extensive nightlife.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement8/10
Living in an established heritage town like Daingean fosters a strong sense of local community and participation in town life.
- Café Culture4/10
Daingean offers basic local conveniences, but extensive café culture and speciality coffee spots are more limited compared to larger neighbouring towns.
- Nightlife2/10
Nightlife options are quiet and restricted to local traditional settings, as Daingean is a small heritage town.
- Health/Wellness groups5/10
Local community facilities may host wellness activities, but buyers should verify the availability of specific classes locally.
- Networking Opportunities3/10
Professional networking is minimal in a small rural town, requiring travel to larger employment hubs.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
Daingean is not a designated tech hub, so tech professionals will rely heavily on remote working infrastructure and verified broadband speeds.
Listing information
- Agent
- DNG Kelly Duncan
- Phone
- 057 932 5050
- Published on HouseDelve
- 30 September 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-2EAB41HouseDelve · 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.