Fix it up: Kilkenny farmhouse with foliage indoors

Ballyshane is a circa 800sq ft traditional two-storey farmhouse with outbuildings and small plot of ground. It is situated about 5km from the picturesque village of Inistiogue, Co Kilkenny, which will be well-known to film buffs as a location used in Circle of Friends, Widow’s Peak and The Secret Scripture.

​Tell me more about the place...

Nestled in a rural ‘clachan’ among properties of a similar architectural style, this rundown farmhouse comes with a number of outbuildings and sheds and is on a corner site. Nominally, the house has two bedrooms, a large living room with an open fireplace, a bathroom and a farmhouse-style kitchen.

​The bad news?

Garden foliage has poked its way inside. As yet, no survey has been completed on this property, but even a first glance suggests there is a lot of work to be done.

Though the roof does not appear to be in terrible condition, some of the ceilings may have rotted.

The entire house will require insulating and probably a window upgrade. Pretty much, it needs everything done.

​And the good news?

Ballyshane is not just a really well laid out house, it already has a private septic tank and well, and was connected to the national grid until only quite recently, as is evidenced by the modern-style fuse box. It is in a very quiet setting but not remote as there are neighbours on all sides. There is a good deal of the original architectural fabric of the building in ‘refurbishable’ condition, including many of the fireplaces for example, which are in excellent condition.

Though there is a reasonable amount of space in the existing house. The outbuildings, while in need of total renovation, offer plenty of potential for extra living accommodation subject to the requisite planning.

​How much to buy it?

The asking price is €145,000.

​And to fix it up?

Those who have inspected the property estimate that a basic retrofit to make the house once again habitable would cost in the region of €80,000.

To offset this, the property may qualify for the Vacant Property Restoration Grant subject to approval by Kilkenny County Council, while it could also qualify for grant aid to improve its Building Energy Rating (BER).

​What will I end up with?

A two-bedroom rural home with outbuildings that could potentially add income given the location is tourist-friendly. While there is not a huge plot of land, it comes with a decent-sized garden in a sheltered location.

Who do I talk to?

Ella Dunphy of DNG Ella Dunphy (056) 778 6000 will get you on to this particular set.