Photograph 1 of 13 of The Old School House, Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry
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The Old School House, Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry

€70,000

3 Bed

What you'll like:

  • Attractive entry price: Listed at €70,000, this property offers a low-cost acquisition barrier for buyers seeking a renovation project in County Kerry.
  • Generous site area: The property sits on a substantial 0.37-acre plot, providing ample outdoor space for gardens, extensions, or parking.
  • Charming historical character: As a former schoolhouse, the building possesses unique architectural features and historical appeal that modern builds lack.
  • Proximity to Moyvane: Located just a five-minute drive from Moyvane village, residents have easy access to local shops, schools, pubs, and churches.
  • Access to Listowel: The heritage town of Listowel is only ten minutes away by car, offering broader shopping, dining, and cultural amenities.
  • Ferry gateway nearby: The Tarbert to Killimer car ferry is a short drive away, providing convenient access to County Clare and the West of Ireland.
  • Strategic regional connectivity: Positioned near the N69 coast road, the location ensures convenient commuting routes toward Limerick and the wider region.
  • Tranquil rural environment: The setting offers a peaceful countryside atmosphere with mature trees and hedging ensuring privacy and natural beauty.
  • Scenic surrounding views: The elevated vantage point provides picturesque views of the undulating County Kerry countryside and local farmland.
  • Established roadside services: Water and electricity connections are reported to be available directly on the roadside, simplifying utility access.
  • Renovator creative freedom: Sold as seen, the blank-canvas interior allows buyers to design and finish the layout entirely to personal preferences.
  • Vacant property grant potential: Having stood vacant for over two years, the structure may qualify for lucrative refurbishment grants subject to official approval.
  • Contained folio boundary: The property is clearly registered under Folio KY9779, covering approximately 0.15 hectares for straightforward legal conveyance.
  • Mature boundary landscaping: Existing trees and hedging on the plot reduce initial landscaping costs and provide immediate privacy from neighbors.
  • Stable asking price: Recorded pricing history shows the asking price has remained stable at €70,000, indicating a firm starting position for negotiation.
  • No upward chain: Being sold as seen suggests a straightforward transaction process without complications from an upward property chain.
  • High visitor demand: Unique rural properties of this type frequently attract strong interest from lifestyle buyers and DIY enthusiasts.
  • Investment upside potential: Completing a thorough modernization could significantly enhance the capital value well beyond the initial purchase and renovation costs.
  • Local amenities within reach: Essential community services are clustered close by, balancing rural isolation with practical day-to-day convenience.
  • Dedicated local agent: Managed by Sherry FitzGerald Stack, buyers can rely on established local expertise during the acquisition process.

But keep in mind:

  • Extensive renovation required: The building is sold as seen and will require a comprehensive, capital-intensive overhaul to meet modern habitable standards.
  • Unspecified floor area: The exact square footage is not provided, making it difficult to accurately estimate material costs without a physical inspection.
  • Bathroom count unknown: The listing fails to state the number of bathrooms, suggesting existing plumbing facilities may be entirely absent or non-functional.
  • Exempt BER status: The property carries an exempt BER rating, meaning energy efficiency is unknown and likely very poor, requiring major insulation upgrades.
  • Vacant grant uncertainty: Qualification for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is not guaranteed and requires rigorous application approval and strict compliance checks.
  • Utility connection costs: While services are on the roadside, bringing water and electricity inside the structure could involve substantial connection and trenching fees.
  • Structural integrity verification: Buyers should commission a thorough structural survey to check for damp, roof decay, or stone degradation common in older buildings.
  • Wastewater treatment needs: A septic tank will likely need to be installed or upgraded to current environmental standards, adding significant site development costs.
  • Restricted local planning: County Kerry planning guidelines for rural renovations can be stringent, potentially complicating efforts to extend or alter the footprint.
  • Lack of interior details: The absence of description regarding internal rooms means hidden defects like dry rot or timber pest damage could be present.
  • Strict viewing requirements: Viewings are strictly by appointment only, which may slow down the initial due diligence and contractor assessment phase.
  • Potential title discrepancies: Legal advisors must carefully verify the exact boundaries outlined in Folio KY9779 against physical fencing on the ground.
  • Remote winter maintenance: Rural Kerry roads can experience challenging weather conditions during winter months, impacting accessibility and commute times.
  • Insurance availability hurdles: Securing buildings insurance for a vacant, derelict property can be difficult and costly until substantial security and repairs are done.
  • Local contractor availability: Sourcing reliable builders and tradespeople for rural renovation projects in County Kerry may involve extended waiting lists.
  • Asbestos risk in older structures: Older schoolhouses may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos in roof sheets or old insulation, requiring professional removal.
  • Unpaved or narrow access: Buyers should inspect the immediate approach road to ensure heavy construction vehicles can safely access the site.
  • Lack of central heating: The building likely lacks any functioning heating system, necessitating the complete installation of a modern eco-friendly heating solution.
  • Potential drainage issues: Low-lying areas on the 0.37-acre plot should be checked for proper surface water drainage during heavy rainfall periods.
  • Resale market limitations: Rural fixer-upper properties cater to a niche buyer pool, which may affect future liquidity when the time comes to sell.

Price positioning

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This comparison depends on limited public and listing evidence, which may be incomplete, outdated or not directly comparable. The score is not a percentage, professional valuation or guaranteed estimate. Ask an independent qualified valuer before relying on a property value.
The asking price looks mildly undervalued compared with the available evidence.
  • The asking price appears attractively positioned because it reflects a substantial discount compared to standard residential properties, which is justified by the extensive structural work required to transform the former schoolhouse into a habitable modern home.
  • Valuation signals indicate that while the low entry price point is enticing, potential buyers must factor in significant capital expenditure for complete refurbishment, plumbing, heating, and insulation to bring the historic building up to contemporary living standards.
  • Support for this price level stems from the inclusion of a generous 0.37-acre site and potential eligibility for government refurbishment grants, though final approval requirements and unpredictable construction inflation could undermine the overall financial viability.
  • Additional relevant considerations include the tranquil rural setting combined with convenient access to regional transport routes, suggesting that the property will heavily appeal to specialist DIY enthusiasts or investors seeking a niche countryside project.

Build Analysis

What we know from similar construction types

  • The property is a detached former schoolhouse presented as a refurbishment project, meaning a buyer should expect to undertake extensive structural, internal, and external renovation works.
  • The listing notes that the property has been vacant for over two years, indicating that a buyer should investigate potential eligibility for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
  • Water and electricity connections are noted as being available on the roadside rather than connected directly to the building, so connection costs and logistics should be verified.
  • As the property is sold as seen and lacks a provided BER (listed as exempt or unrated), a comprehensive structural survey is essential to assess the integrity of the walls, roof, and overall fabric before committing to purchase.

Retrofit Cost*

Possible renovating / insulating expenditure

  • Because the BER rating is not provided and the property is described as a former schoolhouse requiring a full refurbishment after extended vacancy, a complete deep retrofit and renovation is necessary.
  • A full-scale renovation and energy upgrade for a vacant, unrated traditional building of this type typically ranges from EUR 50,000 to over EUR 100,000 depending on the extent of structural repairs, insulation installation, heating systems, and window replacements required.

Heating cost*

Estimated expense to heat this property every year

  • Annual heating cost cannot be reliably estimated at this time because the BER rating and current heating systems are not provided.
  • Given that the property is described as a refurbishment project and has been vacant, prospective buyers should investigate the installation of a modern heating system and insulation to determine future energy costs.

Pollution Safe

9/10

Environmental situation to investigate

  • The property is situated in a tranquil rural countryside setting in Kilbaha, Moyvane, well away from major heavy industrial zones, major incinerators, or known large-scale hazardous waste facilities.
  • Any minor localized agricultural impacts or legacy domestic septic systems should be independently verified by the buyer as part of standard pre-purchase due diligence.

Flood Safe

8/10

Water overflow reports to follow up

  • The property occupies an elevated rural site surrounded by agricultural land, appearing generally at low risk of tidal or coastal flooding.
  • Buyers should consult local drainage maps and verify surface water management with the local authority to ensure no localized pooling affects the 0.37-acre plot during periods of intense 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 Moyvane area

  • 8 BRUACH NA GAILE, MOYVANE, KERRY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €175,000.00
  • 11 BRUACH NA GAILE, MOYVANE, KERRY

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €174,000.00
  • 10 ASHGROVE, GLIN RD, MOYVANE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €260,000.00
  • 42 A BRUACH NA GAILLE, MOYVANE, LISTOWEL

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €235,000.00
  • THE COTTAGE, LEITRIM EAST, MOYVANE

    Sale date
    Declared sale price
    €35,000.00

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

  • Solicitor legal fees: approximately 1,500 to 3,000 euro plus VAT.
  • Land registration fees: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value and registration type.
  • Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro for a mortgage valuation if required.
  • Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1,200 euro depending on the depth of the structural survey.
  • Annual home insurance: approximately 350 to 700 euro depending on the level of coverage and property condition.

Forum Talk

What people are saying about this area

  • Locals in the Moyvane and North Kerry area often discuss the charm and scarcity of unique rural properties like former schoolhouses undergoing conversion.
  • Community discussions frequently highlight the appeal of the area's proximity to the Tarbert to Killimer ferry and the N69 route for regional commuting.
  • Prospective buyers in rural County Kerry frequently share advice on navigating grants for vacant and derelict properties, such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant mentioned for this home.
  • General community chatter often touches upon the convenience of nearby heritage towns like Listowel for secondary schooling, shopping, and social amenities.

LifeFit Assessment

How well this property may suit your lifestyle

Family

7 areas
  • Young Children

    The property requires extensive refurbishment, which creates significant safety hazards for young children on site. However, the proximity to a local primary school in nearby Moyvane is a positive factor once renovations are complete.

    4/10
  • Teenagers

    While the 0.37-acre site offers plenty of outdoor space, the rural location lacks independent public transport options for teenagers, and the home currently requires total modernization.

    4/10
  • Multi-generational Living

    The existing layout of the former schoolhouse requires a complete redesign and likely extension to comfortably accommodate multiple generations under one roof.

    3/10
  • Single Buyers

    At an asking price of €70,000, it presents an affordable entry point for single buyers willing to take on a hands-on refurbishment project, aided potentially by the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

    5/10
  • Couples

    An appealing project for couples looking to craft their bespoke countryside home, provided they have the budget and time to manage a major renovation.

    6/10
  • Empty Nesters

    The tranquil countryside setting suits those looking to downscale to a quieter rural pace, though the heavy maintenance of a complete renovation project must be considered.

    5/10
  • Retirees

    The rural, isolated nature of the property and the absence of immediate local amenities without driving make it less practical for retirement, particularly regarding future healthcare access.

    4/10

Work

3 areas
  • Remote Working

    The peaceful setting is ideal for home-based productivity, but buyers should verify local broadband speeds and infrastructure capability before committing.

    5/10
  • Hybrid Commuting

    The N69 coast road provides access toward Limerick and Clare, but the rural location means longer commutes to major employment hubs.

    4/10
  • Retired

    Suits self-sufficient retirees seeking a quiet project, though future mobility needs and distance from specialized medical services should be weighed.

    5/10

Practical

8 areas
  • Ageing in Place

    The property requires a complete retrofit to introduce modern accessibility features, and its rural isolation poses challenges for older residents needing care.

    3/10
  • Low Maintenance

    Sold as a vacant former schoolhouse requiring complete refurbishment and grounds clearance, representing a high-maintenance undertaking.

    1/10
  • Secure Gated Entry

    Currently an open site with mature hedging, offering the buyer full scope to install private gates and security measures.

    4/10
  • Minimalist Design

    The open interior structure of the old schoolhouse provides a blank canvas that could readily be adapted to minimalist architectural styles.

    5/10
  • Flexible Floor Plans

    As a former non-residential institutional building shell, it offers exceptional scope for custom, open-plan architectural redesigns.

    8/10
  • Heritage Home

    Retains unique historical character as a detached former schoolhouse, appealing to buyers interested in period property restoration.

    8/10
  • Ecological Setup

    The 0.37-acre plot and rural orientation offer great potential for renewable energy installations, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable retrofitting.

    6/10
  • Outdoor areas

    Features a generous 0.37-acre mature site with trees, hedging, and pleasant views of the surrounding countryside.

    7/10

Interests

9 areas
  • Gardening

    The 0.37-acre site with existing mature trees and hedging provides a fantastic blank canvas for keen gardeners to develop extensive lawns or growing spaces.

    8/10
  • Walking

    Surrounded by quiet country roads and scenic routes, ideal for recreational walking, though lacking dedicated pedestrian footpaths nearby.

    7/10
  • Gym

    There are no gym facilities within immediate walking distance, requiring travel to nearby towns for fitness centers.

    2/10
  • Cycling

    The surrounding country roads offer scenic cycling routes, though caution is required on rural stretches without dedicated cycle lanes.

    6/10
  • Golf

    Proximity to the heritage town of Listowel provides reasonable access to regional golf amenities within a short drive.

    5/10
  • Fishing

    The location in North Kerry offers relatively close proximity to various regional fishing rivers and the Shannon estuary.

    6/10
  • Horse Riding

    The rural setting and quiet local roads make it potentially suitable for equestrian enthusiasts, subject to local stable availability.

    7/10
  • Water Sports

    Proximity to the Tarbert ferry offers access to water-crossing routes, but general water sports facilities require travel further afield.

    4/10
  • Entertaining

    Currently unlivable, the property requires substantial investment before it can host guests, though the large site offers future potential.

    4/10

Lifestyle

5 areas
  • Quiet Living

    Situated in a tranquil countryside setting with mature trees and hedging, offering a peaceful environment away from urban congestion.

    9/10
  • Rural Living

    Set on a 0.37-acre plot surrounded by open countryside and agricultural views, perfectly embodying traditional rural life in County Kerry.

    9/10
  • Village Living

    Located just a 5-minute drive from Moyvane village, offering convenient access to local shops, pubs, a church, and a primary school.

    6/10
  • Coastal Living

    While not directly coastal, the property benefits from being near the Tarbert to Killimer car ferry, providing a gateway to the West and Shannon estuary areas.

    4/10
  • Urban Living

    Deeply rural with no immediate access to city amenities, though the heritage town of Listowel is within a 10-minute drive.

    2/10

Social

6 areas
  • Community Involvement

    Proximity to Moyvane village fosters a tight-knit community feel, with local pubs, churches, and events serving as social focal points.

    6/10
  • Café Culture

    Very limited local café options directly in the immediate townland, requiring a drive into Listowel or surrounding areas for coffee culture.

    3/10
  • Nightlife

    Rural location with traditional village pubs nearby, but virtually no urban nightlife or entertainment venues within walking distance.

    2/10
  • Health/Wellness groups

    Formal wellness classes and group activities will generally require travel to nearby towns like Listowel.

    3/10
  • Networking Opportunities

    Highly rural setting offers minimal local professional networking avenues outside of agricultural or small-town trade.

    2/10
  • Tech-Hub Connectivity

    There are no local tech hubs; remote professionals must rely entirely on their own broadband connections.

    1/10

Listing information

Agent
Sherry FitzGerald Stack
Phone
068 32 087
Published on HouseDelve
7 October 2026
Correction
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Property reference: HD-E66673HouseDelve · Republic of Ireland

Report 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.