
Yellowford, Ballymacoda, CorkP25X022
€250,000
2 Bed~1 Bath~66 m²~BER D2
What you'll like:
- Generous site size: The property sits on a substantial 1.13-acre plot, offering exceptional privacy and significant potential for outdoor activities, landscaping, or future property extensions.
- Quiet rural environment: Situated in a peaceful East Cork countryside setting, this home provides a tranquil retreat away from heavy urban noise and congestion.
- Scenic surrounding views: Enjoy attractive, picturesque vistas across the rolling East Cork countryside directly from the property, enhancing daily living and long-term appeal.
- Private gated entrance: A dedicated gated driveway creates a secure and welcoming arrival experience while enhancing overall residential seclusion and keeping vehicles safely off-road.
- Ample parking space: The spacious private driveway and parking forecourt easily accommodate multiple vehicles, making it convenient for residents and visitors to park securely.
- Included soft furnishings: All curtains, carpets, blinds, and light fittings are included in the sale, reducing immediate move-in costs and cosmetic setup efforts for the buyer.
- Open plan layout: The ground floor features a bright, welcoming combined kitchen, living, and dining space with double-aspect windows that maximize natural sunlight and social flow.
- Fitted kitchen appliances: The fully equipped kitchen includes an integrated electric oven, hob, microwave, free-standing fridge freezer, and dishwasher, providing immediate functionality upon moving in.
- Dedicated utility room: A separate utility space is fully plumbed for a washing machine and dryer, keeping laundry appliances hidden away from the main living areas.
- Outdoor storage shed: A practical block-built garden shed offers secure outdoor storage for tools, bicycles, and recreational equipment, helping keep the main dwelling clutter-free.
- South westerly orientation: The front of the building enjoys a desirable south-westerly aspect, capturing pleasant afternoon and evening sun across the front garden areas.
- Accessible nearby villages: The home lies within easy reach of both Ballymacoda and Killeagh villages, providing convenient local shops, community services, and everyday essentials.
- Proximity to major towns: Essential regional hubs like Youghal and Midleton are a short drive away, offering comprehensive supermarkets, secondary schools, dining, and healthcare infrastructure.
- Coastal recreational access: Knockadoon Pier, Ballycotton, Garryvoe, and surrounding beaches are all easily accessible, providing wonderful weekend opportunities for coastal walks and seaside outings.
- Easy N25 access: The nearby N25 transport corridor facilitates straightforward commuting toward major employment centers, making regional travel more efficient for working professionals.
- Established construction era: Built around 1950, the cottage carries a traditional charm while having stood the test of time in its rural East Cork landscape.
- Clear asking price: The stable listed guide price provides a straightforward baseline for prospective purchasers evaluating affordability without sudden hidden adjustments.
- Furniture negotiation option: Essential household furniture can be negotiated at an additional cost, offering a convenient turnkey option for buyers relocating from afar.
- Compact footprint: The 65.74 square meter layout ensures lower ongoing maintenance requirements and manageable utility consumption for singles or couples.
- Private well supply: The inclusion of a private well water system can eliminate municipal water connection fees, though quality and flow should be thoroughly tested.
But keep in mind:
- Subpar energy rating: The D2 BER rating indicates poor thermal efficiency, which will likely result in higher heating bills and necessitates future insulation upgrades.
- Compact total floor area: Measuring approximately 65.74 square meters, the dwelling offers limited interior space, which may feel restrictive for growing families or buyers needing home offices.
- Single bathroom constraint: The property features only one family bathroom servicing both upstairs bedrooms, potentially creating morning bottlenecks for occupants and guests.
- Oil fired heating reliance: Relying on oil-fired central heating exposes the homeowner to volatile fossil fuel pricing and requires regular maintenance of an external tank.
- Private well dependency: Relying on a private well means the buyer is entirely responsible for water filtration, pump maintenance, and testing potability independently.
- Spiral staircase configuration: A spiral staircase provides access to the first floor, which can prove difficult for moving furniture, small children, or individuals with mobility issues.
- Upstairs side aspect bedrooms: Both bedrooms feature only side-aspect windows, which may reduce natural light penetration compared to traditional front- or rear-facing rooms.
- Potential renovation required: Constructed in 1950, older rural properties often conceal hidden structural, electrical, or plumbing issues that require costly remedial work.
- Septic tank verification needed: Buyers must investigate the presence, type, and regulatory compliance of any private wastewater treatment system serving the dwelling.
- Limited public transport: The peaceful rural location lacks robust public transit options, making private vehicle ownership an absolute necessity for daily commuting.
- Boundary fence maintenance: Managing and maintaining boundaries across a sprawling 1.13-acre plot can involve significant ongoing labor and fencing expenses.
- Potential damp risks: Older rural cottages surrounded by mature gardens can be susceptible to rising damp or inadequate sub-floor ventilation, requiring careful surveyor inspection.
- Broadband speed uncertainty: Rural locations in this district can experience variable broadband speeds, so buyers working from home should verify available internet connectivity.
- Extension planning constraints: Substantial site acreage offers expansion potential, but strict local rural housing planning guidelines in County Cork may restrict major structural additions.
- Stiff agricultural surroundings: Proximity to active farming land may occasionally bring seasonal agricultural odors, heavy machinery traffic, or dust closer to the home.
- Insulation standard checks: Given the 1950 build date, wall cavity and attic insulation levels should be professionally assessed to prevent major heat loss.
- Appliance condition check: While appliances are present, their working condition is not guaranteed, and buyers should budget for potential repairs or replacements.
- Lack of secondary reception room: The open-plan layout combines kitchen, living, and dining into one shared zone, offering zero privacy for separate quiet reading or working areas.
- Roof structure inspection: The aging roof timber and coverings should be thoroughly evaluated by a qualified building surveyor to ensure there are no hidden leaks or sagging.
- Future retrofit capital cost: Bringing this D2-rated property up to modern energy efficiency standards will require a significant capital investment in heat pumps or external insulation.
Price positioning
?
- The asking price appears somewhat undervalued given the substantial 1.13-acre site footprint, offering a competitive entry point compared to wider rural East Cork house sales.
- Valuation signals include the relatively modest floor area of 65 square meters and a D2 energy rating, which suggest potential modernization costs for prospective buyers.
- Support for this price level stems from the peaceful rural setting and private gardens, while lower-priced local rural transactions could undermine aggressive bidding.
- Additional relevant factors include the property's proximity to regional towns like Midleton and Youghal, enhancing long-term appeal for commuters seeking countryside living.
Build Analysis
What we know from similar construction types
- The property is a detached two-bedroom cottage built around 1950, with an overall floor area of approximately 65.74 square metres.
- Features a spiral staircase leading to the first-floor bedrooms, which may pose challenges for furniture removal or accessibility.
- Services include a private well and oil-fired central heating (O.F.C.H.); buyers should investigate the condition, capacity, and quality of the private water supply and sewage disposal arrangements.
- Set on a substantial c. 1.13-acre site, offering potential for future extensions or modifications, subject to securing the necessary planning permissions.
- Given the age of the structure (1950s), a thorough structural survey is recommended to check for damp, insulation levels, roof condition, and general wear and tear.
Retrofit Cost*
Possible renovating / insulating expenditure
- The property holds a D2 BER rating, which indicates poor energy efficiency and places it in the D–G bracket requiring a deep retrofit to achieve a modern energy standard.
- A comprehensive deep retrofit for a property of approximately 65 m²—including external wall insulation, upgraded heating systems like a heat pump, high-performance windows and doors, and roof/attic insulation—is estimated to cost between €30,000 and €50,000, depending on contractor rates and grant availability through SEAI schemes.
Heating cost*
Estimated expense to heat this property every year
- Estimated annual heating cost is between 1,400 and 1,800 euro.
- The property has a D2 BER rating and utilizes oil-fired central heating (O.F.C.H.) with a floor area of approximately 65.74 square metres, meaning energy efficiency is moderate and heating expenses will vary depending on oil prices and usage habits.
Pollution Safe
9/10Environmental situation to investigate
- The property is situated in a tranquil rural agricultural setting in East Cork, appearing well removed from heavy industrial sites, major incinerators, or active landfills.
- Any historical or localized environmental concerns should be verified by the buyer through standard conveyancing and local searches.
Flood Safe
8/10Water overflow reports to follow up
- The location sits on an elevated rural site surrounded by agricultural land, suggesting a generally low likelihood of widespread river or coastal flooding.
- Buyers should consult local flood maps and verify site-specific drainage conditions, particularly given the reliance on a private well and rural topography.
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 Ballymacoda area
RING BALLYMACODA, BALLYMACODA, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €375,000.00
14 GHLEANN BUI, BALLYMACODA, CO CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €281,000.00
GLENAWILLING, BALLYMACODA, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €140,000.00
GORTNASKEHY, BALLYMACODA, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €185,000.00
BARNFIELD, BALLYMACODA, CORK
- Sale date
- Declared sale price
- €350,000.00
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 outlay and VAT.
- Land registration fees: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the property value and registry type.
- Property valuation fees: approximately 150 to 300 euro for a standard mortgage valuation.
- Surveyor fees: approximately 500 to 1,200 euro depending on the level of detail required for a structural survey.
- Annual home insurance: approximately 400 to 800 euro depending on the level of cover and property location.
Forum Talk
What people are saying about this area
- Residents in the Ballymacoda and Killeagh areas frequently discuss the peaceful, rural lifestyle and community spirit in East Cork.
- Local forums highlight the convenience of the N25 for commuting toward Midleton, Cork city, and Youghal.
- Proximity to coastal amenities such as Knockadoon Pier, Ballycotton, and Garryvoe beaches is frequently praised by locals and visitors alike.
- Community discussions often revolve around rural water services and septic tank management, which are common topics in the surrounding countryside.
LifeFit Assessment
How well this property may suit your lifestyle
Family
7 areas- Young Children5/10
The property offers a large c.1.13-acre private site which provides ample outdoor space for children to play, though the two-bedroom layout and compact 65.74 m² floor area may feel restrictive as families grow.
- Teenagers4/10
While the extensive outdoor grounds offer plenty of space, the limited two-bedroom accommodation and remote rural setting may lack the independence and proximity to amenities that teenagers typically prefer.
- Multi-generational Living2/10
With only two bedrooms and a modest floor area of 65.74 m², the property is unsuited for multi-generational living arrangements without significant expansion.
- Single Buyers6/10
An affordable entry point at €250,000 for single buyers wanting a detached home with generous land, though the rural location requires reliance on private transport.
- Couples7/10
Well-suited for couples seeking a peaceful rural retreat with manageable upkeep, open-plan living, and a spacious 1.13-acre site.
- Empty Nesters6/10
The single-level living potential of the ground floor combined with low room counts appeals to downsizers, though maintenance of the extensive 1.13-acre grounds should be factored in.
- Retirees5/10
The peaceful rural setting and manageable footprint are attractive, but the spiral staircase to the bedrooms and rural isolation might present challenges for ageing in place without modification.
Work
3 areas- Remote Working8/10
The peaceful rural environment provides a quiet backdrop for home offices, though buyers should verify broadband connectivity speeds.
- Hybrid Commuting5/10
Provides easy access to the N25 for commuting toward larger employment hubs like Cork or Youghal, though a car is essential.
- Retired8/10
An ideal setup for retirees looking to escape urban life for a manageable home with expansive private outdoor space.
Practical
8 areas- Ageing in Place4/10
While ground-floor living areas exist, the first-floor bedrooms are accessed via a spiral staircase, which may pose mobility challenges later in life.
- Low Maintenance4/10
While the internal 65.74 m² footprint is compact, maintaining the c.1.13-acre site and mature gardens requires ongoing effort.
- Secure Gated Entry8/10
Features a private gated entrance leading to a spacious driveway and parking forecourt, enhancing security and privacy.
- Minimalist Design7/10
The open-plan ground floor layout lends itself well to a clean, minimalist design approach.
- Flexible Floor Plans3/10
The two-bedroom, single-bathroom layout of 65.74 m² offers limited flexibility for reconfiguration without extension.
- Heritage Home7/10
Originally built in circa 1950, the property retains a charming traditional character set within a mature rural landscape.
- Ecological Setup5/10
Relies on a private well and oil-fired central heating, with an energy rating of D2 indicating potential for future environmental upgrades.
- Outdoor areas10/10
Outstanding outdoor provision featuring c.1.13 acres of private grounds, mature trees, established gardens, and a block-built garden shed.
Interests
9 areas- Gardening9/10
The extensive grounds extending to c.1.13 acres with established garden areas and mature trees provide an exceptional canvas for gardening enthusiasts.
- Walking8/10
The surrounding East Cork countryside and nearby coastal areas offer excellent opportunities for walking and outdoor exploration.
- Gym2/10
There are no gyms within immediate walking distance, requiring travel to nearby towns for dedicated fitness facilities.
- Cycling7/10
Quiet rural roads surrounding the property offer pleasant cycling routes, though regional traffic on main connectors should be navigated with care.
- Golf5/10
While local golf facilities require a drive to surrounding towns, the region generally supports access to regional courses.
- Fishing7/10
Proximity to coastal spots like Knockadoon Pier and Ballycotton provides good access to coastal and local fishing opportunities.
- Horse Riding6/10
The rural setting and large site offer potential for equestrian interests, though specialised facilities would need to be investigated locally.
- Water Sports7/10
Proximity to nearby beaches and coastal locations supports a range of water sports for enthusiasts willing to travel short distances.
- Entertaining6/10
The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area combined with vast outdoor grounds offer good hosting potential, though indoor seating space is limited by the home's footprint.
Lifestyle
5 areas- Quiet Living10/10
Located in a peaceful rural setting in Yellowford, Ballymacoda, offering exceptional privacy and quiet surroundings.
- Rural Living10/10
Set on a substantial c.1.13-acre site surrounded by the East Cork countryside, perfectly embodying rural living.
- Village Living6/10
Conveniently located within easy reach of Ballymacoda and Killeagh villages for local shops and community facilities.
- Coastal Living7/10
Proximity to the East Cork coastline, including Knockadoon Pier, Ballycotton, and Garryvoe beaches, makes it appealing for coastal enthusiasts.
- Urban Living2/10
The rural location lacks urban density and convenience, requiring a drive to Midleton or Youghal for major town amenities.
Social
6 areas- Community Involvement6/10
Proximity to Ballymacoda and Killeagh villages encourages participation in local community groups and rural activities.
- Café Culture3/10
Café culture is limited locally, requiring trips to Youghal or Midleton for a wider selection of eateries.
- Nightlife2/10
The rural location offers virtually no local nightlife, which is concentrated in nearby larger towns.
- Health/Wellness groups4/10
Local wellness groups will likely require travel into nearby village centres or larger towns.
- Networking Opportunities2/10
Rural setting offers very limited local professional networking opportunities.
- Tech-Hub Connectivity3/10
The rural location lacks proximity to dedicated tech hubs, meaning remote workers depend entirely on home internet performance.
Listing information
- Agent
- Hegarty Properties
- Phone
- 021 463 9411
- Published on HouseDelve
- 7 October 2026
- Correction
- Report an issue
HD-40FA48HouseDelve · 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.