Fix it up: Extreme expedition to behold in Kerry revamp

Dromavalla is a dilapidated farmhouse on just under half an acre outside the village of Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula.

Tell me more about the place?

On the face of it, this stone-built relic currently appears to present as much of an opportunity for archaeology as it does for a potential living space. With broken floor timbers and render eroded away by time, there is evidence this was once a comfortable family home by the standards of a bygone age.

The bad news?

Half of the building is protected by what looks like a relatively recently-added corrugated iron roof. The other is covered by an original slate version, which has an unfortunate hole in it at one end. As a result, the joinery of the first floor has been exposed to weather and has partially collapsed.

Just how much of this structure (estimated to be at least 100 years old) has the potential to be rescued and refurbished is subject to a survey. There is even a hole in one of the gable walls. There is an informal agreement with a neighbour for water supply, though any new owner may want to dig their own well at a cost of roughly €12,000 or so.

And the good news?

The views are spectacular. The property is roughly 8km from the village of Annascaul, the birthplace of Antarctic adventurer Tom Crean, in an area of unusual natural beauty. The house is a short walk from Annascaul Lake. There is electricity supply nearby, as well as high-speed broadband connection.

While this is no project for the whimsical renovator, as an example of 19th century vernacular rural building, this is about as close to perfect an example as might be seen, so a would-be renovator could save on design and spend on creative structural engineering. What is left of the joinery in the building, such as the staircase, could at least serve as inspiration, if none of it can be salvaged.

How much is it?

Asking €75,000.

And to fix it up?

It may be easy on the eye but renovating it won’t be so kind to the pocket. In fact, Crean could probably set off on another South Pole adventure for the cost of renovating this near-ruin, estimated to be northwards of €200,000.

That said, the property could qualify for a full suite of grants, including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant of €50,000 and possibly the top-up of €20,000. In addition, there could be further grants available for the inclusion of sustainable energy elements.​

Who do I talk to?

Any renovator with the adventurous spirit and constitution of Crean can get in touch with Dingle-based agent Fitzgerald & Associates at (066) 9152684.