Fix it up: Under €200,000 to buy and renovate Drogheda period home

Number 9 St Peter’s Place, off Church Lane in Drogheda, is a terraced three-bay two-storey over-basement home built in the centre of town in 1712.

If it were built two years later, it would be classified as a Georgian. With about 1,000sq ft of living accommodation, it has two (interconnecting) bedrooms and two reception rooms over a basement. It has a small rear yard and storage shed.

Tell me more about the place...

This house was built by the Church of Ireland as part of a development of 16, intended for use by widows of clergymen.

Situated to the east of the church, this small complex of buildings forms an important part of the architectural heritage of Drogheda. As a result, they have a slightly quirky layout.

​The bad news?

It’s only six months since someone lived here, so this building does not qualify for a grant under the vacant homes scheme.

This is also a protected structure, so any material changes to the layout of the building would be subject to planning.

It will most likely need rewiring and replumbing, along with a new kitchen and bathroom, and a complete cosmetic makeover inside.

This is not a great area for parking, so may ultimately suit some who does not need a car.

​And the good news?

It’s in a quiet, little-known enclave in the centre of the town. The agent thinks this may actually be the first of these houses to go on the open market in the history of this stretch.

The roof is in good condition, he says, having been redone in the not too distant past. Given the age of the building, there doesn’t seem to be any obvious issues with damp, although a thorough survey is always required.

It’s hugely elegant and has plenty of character with very high ceilings.

How much to buy it?

For €130,00, it’s yours.

And to fix it up?

According to the agent, you would probably need a bare minimum of €30,000 to bring it up to modern standards with regard to electricity and plumbing, but he says you could probably make it quite comfortable for as little as €50,000.​

What will I end up with?

For south of €200,000 and with a bit of imagination, this could become a really stylish two-bedroom townhouse.

The basement, which has not been in use for a number of years, has a stone-flagged floor and could, according to the agent, be converted into a kitchen without too much difficulty, freeing up space on the other two floors for living/bedroom accommodation.

​Who do I talk to?

Gary Little of Property Partners Little (041) 983 1448 is favourite to take you back in time to the era of Queen Anne.