Description
BER Details
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Beds | 4 beds |
Price | €295,000 |
Property Type | Detached House |
Size | meters2 |
Energy Rating | BER-Exempt |
Refreshed on | Jul 4, 2025 |
Eircode | X91 XF90 |
Group Name | Liberty Blue Estate Agents |
Sales License Number | 001852 |
Description
Ivy House, Ballyduff, Co. Waterford Detached Period Residence on Approx. 10.2 Acres (4.13 ha) BER Exempt | Protected Structure | Full Renovation Required Important Note: Ivy House requires full renovation and modernisation. Buyers should be aware that substantial works are needed, including the installation of a new septic tank, upgrading and reconnection of the on-site well*, and full restoration of heating and internal systems. The oil-fired central heating system is currently not operational. Parts of the land are overgrown and will require clearing depending on use. However, for someone with vision and appreciation for character, this is a unique opportunity to restore a home rich in history and heritage. *Confirmation is required from Uisce Éireann regarding the availability of a direct mains connection to Ivy Lodge Tucked behind a bold red door and wrapped in climbing ivy, Ivy House has stood for over 150 years as a quiet witness to the changing life of Ballyduff. Built circa 1875, this charming two-storey detached home is set on approx. 10.2 acres, with land both surrounding the house (approx. 5.73 acres) and across the road (approx. 4.47 acres),some suitable for grazing, others currently overgrown. This is not just a house, it’s a story. A home of local significance, once filled with community life, trades, and tradition. A Home with a Deep Local History Ivy House’s history is closely linked to the nearby Fairbrook Woollen Mill, which itself was built on the site of a former paper mill established in 1776 by William Phair. The woollen mill was founded in 1847 by Patrick Stephenson and driven by water diverted from the River Dawn through man-made ponds. The mill passed into the hands of Stephenson’s sons and became known as Stephenson Bros. They built ten workers’ cottages nearby on neighbouring lands, now still known locally as Mill Street. One of the later Stephensons opened a bakery and provisions shop at Ivy House, which served mill workers and locals alike, thanks to its strategic position on the main road. The shop operated into the 1930s. Although the commercial side has long ceased, the original stone outbuilding at the rear of the property is still known as the bakehouse. From the 1930s to the 1950s, Ivy House also served as the surgery of Dr Edward Heskin, the local GP. Well-known in the area, Dr Heskin was often seen tending to sports injuries after parish hurling matches. Neighbours still recall the warmth of the kitchen, where epic games of cards were often played late into the night. The current owner's family purchased the property in 1958, and it has been both a home and a smallholding, with cattle, pigs, and hens once kept on the land. Running through part of the land is an overgrown mass path, a historical walking route that once led to Ballyduff Church and the local national school. Although unused for over 60 years, its stone steps and worn path remain as subtle reminders of the past. Even Ballyduff Glen, which forms part of the extended lands, holds a story. On 13th December 1920, during the War of Independence, the East Waterford IRA ambushed a British military convoy nearby. While there were no fatalities, several were wounded, an important historical footnote now woven into the land’s legacy. Property Features - Main House - Detached 2-storey period home (BER Exempt; Preservation Order in place) - Built circa 1870s - 4 bedrooms - 3 bathrooms - Entrance hallway - Two reception rooms - Kitchen - Separate dining room - Attached garage to rear - Oil-fired central heating (not in operation) - Private well on site (disconnected and in need of upgrading) - Confirmation is required from Uisce Éireann regarding the availability of a direct mains connection to Ivy Lodge - Septic tank may be required Outbuildings and Grounds - Large stone outbuilding to the rear known as the former bakehouse - Garden to the left-hand side of the house - Approx. 5.73 acres surrounding the house - some suitable for grazing, visible in aerial imagery - Approx. 4.47 acres across the road - currently overgrown but holding potential - Fields, old trees, and mature boundaries - Historic mass path on site - Former water pond visible, originally connected to Fairbrook Mill Location & Lifestyle Situated in a peaceful rural setting, Ivy House offers the best of both worlds: the serenity of countryside living with access to modern convenience. - Just minutes from Kilmeaden village, where shops, schools, and local services are easily accessible and Greenway access - Approx. 15-minute drive to Waterford City, with its bustling community, cafes, theatre, shopping. - The area is well-regarded for its active GAA club, thriving Ballyduff youth football team, community events, and warm, neighbourly spirit - Surrounded by scenic landscapes, riverside walks, and quiet roads perfect for cycling or exploring - Ideal for anyone seeking a peaceful rural life with strong roots, community, and access to amenities Ivy House is more than just a renovation project. It’s a chance to create something deeply personal, a home with layers of history, character, and quiet charm. For someone who values heritage and sees beauty in restoring what once mattered to a community, Ivy House offers the rare opportunity to shape a meaningful future while honouring the past. This is a place where time slows down, and where a new chapter can be written with purpose and heart. To arrange a viewing or for more information, contact Liberty Blue Estate Agents. Grants May Be Available A range of government grants may be available to support the renovation of Ivy House, including for protected and derelict structures. These include: - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant – Up to €50,000, or €70,000 if the home is deemed derelict, to help restore long-term vacant properties for owner-occupancy or rental use. - SEAI Energy Upgrade Grants – Up to €8,000 for insulation, €6,500 for heat pumps, plus supports for heating controls, solar panels, and more. - Septic Tank Upgrade Grant – Up to €12,000 for the replacement or repair of a failed or outdated wastewater system. - Private Well Grant – Up to €5,000 for a new well and up to €3,000 for repairs or upgrades, plus €1,000 for treatment systems. - Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) – From €2,500 to €50,000 for conservation works on protected structures. These supports may apply to Ivy House, subject to eligibility, planning requirements, and application approval. Further enquiries should be made with Waterford City & County Council and SEAI to confirm suitability and access to funding. *** Liberty Blue Estate Agents and their servants or agents assume no responsibility for and give no guarantees, undertakings, or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or up-to-date nature of the information and do not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions. The information does not constitute or form part of a contract and cannot be relied on as a representation of fact. Subject to contract / contract denied. Please note we have not tested any apparatus, fixtures, fittings, or services. Interested parties must undertake their own investigation into the working order of these items. All measurements are approximate, and photographs provided for guidance only. ***
BER Details
BER: Exempt
Date created: Jul 4, 2025