Former School For Sale in Co. Kerry

Located on approx. a third of an acre near Cordal village, the property is bounded by a beautiful existing cut-stone wall and set in a charming rural situation just beside the Shanowen river.

The building, which has an overall floor area of 206m.sq (2220 sq.ft), has some very fine architectural details including gothic cut-stone window arches, reveals and cills. The original pine trusses and purlins are still intact and the building is effectively set-up as a great conservation project with the bulk of the major work already completed.

The structure was completely reroofed in late 2009 as a conservation project part funded and approved by the Heritage Council. The original slate was reused in part with matching salvage slates and new natural stone slates also being used.

Existing pine rafters were substantially retained and repaired with new matching treated timbers in line with conservation principles. Roof coverings were set on new pre-treated counter battens and a breather membrane with eaves venting installed.

Salvaged cast-iron gutters were used along with the original cast-iron downpipes to reinstate the rainwater goods system. A new heavy duty aluminium channel was installed in the central valley.

The front doors were reinstated with new teak heavy replica doors in 2010 and the door lintels were also reinstated with reinforced concrete beams.

There is a small additional plot across the road available as a separate parcel and this has river frontage so it may be possible to install a water source heat pump heating system.

The property would suit a builder or DIY enthusiast with an interest in conservation. It could possibly be converted into one or two exceptional houses with unique characteristics and fine traditional workmanship, or converted into home/ artist studio or workshop, remote working offices, etc; subject to the necessary consents.

There is great potential for utilising solar and heat pump technology to develop an eco-friendly future proofed project as the building has solid lime-mortar masonry walls with their embedded insulation and thermal mass characteristics.

Waste water is via a septic tank and there is mains water available. The property requires flooring, ceiling work, windows, plumbing, heating and electricity.

Possible Funding
Conservation grants may be available from Kerry County Council to carry out work such as timber sash window installation. Funding may also be available from other sources such as Leader particularly in relation to rural tourism initiatives. Grants are available from SEAI to install renewable heating systems and insulation.

New substantial funding (up to €70k per unit) is now available in schemes to restore vacant & derelict buildings for housing and these are readily available on the basis of two units.

Details are at www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.

Planning Permission History
There was a previous planning permission to convert the school into two semi-detached dormer style houses, with 2 to 3 bedrooms, by dividing the building down the middle. This planning subsequently lapsed but in principle it could be possible to get planning for a similar layout again. There is a lapsed planning on the building to change use into a single dwelling house (Ref 06953).

Distances
– Castleisland 6km
– Killarney 25 km
– Tralee 23 km
– Kerry Airport 12 km
– Cork City 90 km
– Shannon Airport 110km

BER Details
Exempt

Auctioneer PSP Licence No: 002657