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4 of a kind
4 of a kind: Beautiful former rectories transformed for modern living
Try a bright and modern option in Cavan, or enjoy geothermal heating in Offaly.
BROWSE THROUGH A LIST of period properties for sale around Ireland, and you’re bound to happen upon a rectory or two – usually on enviable plots of land and with plenty of space inside.
These historic homes have all retained many of the architectural details that make them special, but they each have upgrades, like geothermal heating or updated kitchens, that mean they’re ready for modern family life.
Whether you’re looking for a home in Waterford or Cavan, you could move into a former rectory – and take advantage of expanses of space, inside and out…
Kilmeaden, Waterford City
This stunning former rectory, Kilmeaden House, was built in 1806 and has been a family home for years. However, the six bedroom, six bathroom property has had adjustments over the years. Most recently it served as a bed and breakfast, so you’ll find fire doors throughout, a large parking area, and a sizable utility room.
The 400 sq m property has maintained many of the period details that give it charm, from the front door fanlight to the marble fireplaces. Set on 12 acres, the sale also includes stables, a detached gardeners cottage, a three-car garage, a glasshouse and additional outbuildings.
You could move in for €1,200,000.
Lough Gowna, Co Cavan
For an older home, built in 1850, this former rectory in a lakeside spot in Cavan is more modern than most. The bright front entryway provides a lovely welcome home, and the sunroom with three walls of windows would be a nice spot to read a book, no matter the weather.
Robin Hill house is situated on Lough Gowna, and has a separate garage and shed. It has six bedrooms, two of which are large enough to accommodate adding en suites, and two generous living and sitting rooms. The kitchen has a homey vibe, with an Aga stove ready for a family to put to use.
It could be yours for €475,000.
Tullamore, Co Offaly
This former rectory, not surprisingly known as the Old Rectory, is located on a one acre site. Parts of the property were built as early as the seventeenth century. Between 1998 and 2003, the property was renovated and restored to add geothermal heating – including underfloor heating on the main level.
The Old Rectory has four bedrooms, each with its own en suite. Outside, the property not only has its own well and rainwater collection system, it also has its own wind turbine, gardens and poly tunnel, making it quite self-sufficient.
It’s on the market for €400,000.
Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny
This four-bedroom, three-bathroom rectory in Bennettsbridge has a smaller piece of land than some of the others on this list, but it’s well-situated in relation to the town, so you won’t be short of local amenities. Just across the street from the local playground and close to the national school, it could be the perfect family home.
The property is made up of over 1,300 sq feet of space, including a two-storey extension to the rear. The mature trees throughout the property, as well as the virginia creeper that adorns the exterior, give the Rectory a stately feel.
You could purchase it for €310,000.
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