Buying a house in a remote location at 62 years old.

Graces7

the_syco wrote: »

Stone Circle Lodge had a very different circle of stones than those in the OP.


So, free lodging, and get paid to do the job at his own pace?

Perfect! OP you are far too trusting!

mikeymouse

If you're going to view this, print off a landregistry map (will cost about £5)
and check boundaries on map are clear on the ground and fenced.
Check rights of way and easements and water well and septic tank.
If you decide to go ahead sat a realistic budget and timescale, then double them.
It's a lovely part of the world especially if you're into stargazing -one of the darkest skies in the world. Just lie in the middle of your very own stone circle
( early J.C.B period) and meditate.

Graces7

OP. if this is as it was with me , some way of fulfilling a dream? That was why I first went to the island BUT I had the house checked and surveyed. You need to ask the agent re a structural survey; they have probably had one done as she is of the opinion that the house is uninhabitable? Please ask for that. In the UK it is a matter of course to do that. If there are really serious structural issues then you need to think very, very carefully. The cost of rebuilding alone ,and it would be a lifetime project that would take all your time, energy, finances. A professional survey will tell truth. If it were a stone dwelling maybe more hope, but if it is wood in this climate? There will be all kinds of rot. Also ask the agent re the BER rating; it is law that that must be given, and re water supply, sewage, electricity, phone. Thee are usually on the web site which concerns me that the structure has been written off. When I bought an old stone cottage here in Ireland, it was very cheap indeed, far less than half of this one and I had enough left to get a water supply in ( no bathroom or kitchen! ) although run off and brown, ie the third room became bathroom and kitchen. I can live with very very basic provision but that is not for everyone.. Here for you if you need. LATER.. gone very quiet and wondering if ..

Danjken

I honestly cannot believe how negative everyone is being. The only things I truly regret in life are missed opportunities because I was too afraid to take a chance. Of course there will be problems, but if you're passionate about being there then you'll find a way to surmount those problems. Trust me.

I moved from the UK to an old farmhouse in west Cork back in 2009. Sure, it was ice cold in winter, but that just gave me the opportunity to snuggle up to the fire and stay in bed longer. Sure, there were problems with damp and never-ending maintenance, but I learnt to deal with all of them myself (having no prior experience). The car broke down multiple times, leaving me doing the weekly shop on a push-bike and trailer. It was back-breaking, but did I ever get fit! I was even seriously ill once, but I was able to call a doctor out and get help. The only reason I ultimately left, four years later, was for a new job that I just couldn't resist. I can honestly say that it was the best place I've ever lived, and that includes Paris, western Canada, and all over the UK.

Don't listen to the naysayers. Do your research and understand what you're getting into, but don't let fear hold you back. The best things in life are always the hardest, and if the worst comes to the worst you can always sell up and move back. It might put a dent in your bank balance but you'll be richer for the experience.

Danjken

ps. You don't need to worry about isolation. You mentioned Couchsurfer - there's also HelpX and Workaway. That part of Kerry is one of the most beautiful places in the world, never mind the country. If you move there you'll attract travelers and helpers year round.

the_syco

Danjken wrote: »

I moved from the UK to an old farmhouse in west Cork back in 2009.

Was it brick or wooden?

Graces7

the_syco wrote: »

Was it brick or wooden?

You beat me to it again..and also what age were you? If there is serious rot at the agent avers, then it means taking out every scrap of wood and destroying it before any rebuilding can happen. Then planning permission etc. With a stone building it is different. My landlord took on " the home place" some ten years ago when he got married. He had to take out every scrap of wood. This old house I rent is drafty etc, and sure I get cut off. But not everyone can deal with that...It has a good stone framework. With a sound basic structure all is possible, With a rotting wooden framework nothing except demolition to be done and start over. Two very different propositions and West Cork old farms are grand and strong.

Graces7

Danjken wrote: »

I honestly cannot believe how negative everyone is being. The only things I truly regret in life are missed opportunities because I was too afraid to take a chance. Of course there will be problems, but if you're passionate about being there then you'll find a way to surmount those problems. Trust me.

I moved from the UK to an old farmhouse in west Cork back in 2009. Sure, it was ice cold in winter, but that just gave me the opportunity to snuggle up to the fire and stay in bed longer. Sure, there were problems with damp and never-ending maintenance, but I learnt to deal with all of them myself (having no prior experience). The car broke down multiple times, leaving me doing the weekly shop on a push-bike and trailer. It was back-breaking, but did I ever get fit! I was even seriously ill once, but I was able to call a doctor out and get help. The only reason I ultimately left, four years later, was for a new job that I just couldn't resist. I can honestly say that it was the best place I've ever lived, and that includes Paris, western Canada, and all over the UK.

Don't listen to the naysayers. Do your research and understand what you're getting into, but don't let fear hold you back. The best things in life are always the hardest, and if the worst comes to the worst you can always sell up and move back. It might put a dent in your bank balance but you'll be richer for the experience.

Gee! All any of us especially myself living so near that house, are doing is research assistance. By the way, anyone living so far out will have great issues getting a doctor out these days...all the local practices say that now.... And on that lane an ambulance will not get through. I am refused ambulance cover here on a better lane. The nearest shop is actually Blackwater Tavern, about 8 to 10 miles of rugged road.. How long ago was this for you? Far rather be very realistic than rose coloured glasses frankly. Nothing to do with fear either. Not here! Living far more remote than that house but care needed. But then I have no bank balance!

Graces7

Some comparisons... If I had the money I would try for this http://www.daft.ie/kerry/houses-for-sale/lauragh/cummers-east-lauragh-kerry-1032274/ it is structurally sound and look at the scenery! Oh would love it but no money! It is pretty remote too but that is not an issue.. or this! http://www.daft.ie/kerry/sites-for-sale/killorglin/treangarriv-glencar-killorglin-kerry-981171/ Would mean demolishing and building of course. And far far more remote than any others; I found it deep in the countryside after seeing it online. Dreaming is grand and a challenge is grand but with eyes wide open and knowing the structure etc. And your limits. The Lauragh one even I could sort out...and would love doing it. Apart from the well and I would do what I did in the cottage I bought ie bring water in ..and there are others like this.. For me just dreams unless someone gets very very generous! I have a small pension and have to rent sadly. very different from taking on a property that is "rotten". Still a dream...Even if I had the money I would not take that on.. and age does play a part...

pwurple

Op, the main thing which would dissuade me is the 7 acres. I have much smaller plot, under 1 acre, and the maintenance involved is huge. Cutting back overgrowth is heavy hard work. And if you can't do it yourself, then paying someone else is a big drain.

dixiefly

Graces7 wrote: »

Some comparisons... If I had the money I would try for this http://www.daft.ie/kerry/houses-for-sale/lauragh/cummers-east-lauragh-kerry-1032274/ it is structurally sound and look at the scenery! Oh would love it but no money! It is pretty remote too but that is not an issue.. or this! http://www.daft.ie/kerry/sites-for-sale/killorglin/treangarriv-glencar-killorglin-kerry-981171/ Would mean demolishing and building of course. And far far more remote than any others; I found it deep in the countryside after seeing it online. Dreaming is grand and a challenge is grand but with eyes wide open and knowing the structure etc. And your limits. The Lauragh one even I could sort out...and would love doing it. Apart from the well and I would do what I did in the cottage I bought ie bring water in ..and there are others like this.. For me just dreams unless someone gets very very generous! I have a small pension and have to rent sadly. very different from taking on a property that is "rotten". Still a dream...Even if I had the money I would not take that on.. and age does play a part...

Graces, I read your responses on this thread as I have an intermittent interest in possibly buying somewhere the west coast at some stage in the next 5 years but having it as a bolt hole if i could afford such a thing.

Well done on your knowledgeable and interesting responses, shows what a huge benefit a site like boards.ie can be.

danos

There are two more possible properties in Glencar shanacahel and keas can't load links first one is within walking distance to pub church small hotel and basic shop second is more remote about two an half from these

Graces7

dixiefly wrote: »

Graces, I read your responses on this thread as I have an intermittent interest in possibly buying somewhere the west coast at some stage in the next 5 years but having it as a bolt hole if i could afford such a thing.

Well done on your knowledgeable and interesting responses, shows what a huge benefit a site like boards.ie can be.

Let me know if I can help; I love looking at houses etc and giving help to seekers. Would dearly love some of the places I see but dreams only.. that mountain side one haunts me and I know its history now. Cannot get up there with my small car and too far to walk. daft is awesome; just toured Galway! There are some lovely places... drooling! I lived in Mayo when I was first here so am keeping an eye on west coast places and seeking total seclusion and solitude probably next year if God spares me... Agents really are "something else" which is why I take what Majella said re the rotten house very seriously indeed.

Icepick

140k? :pac:

Graces7

My family would disown me, or have me committed but...http://www.daft.ie/mayo/houses-for-sale/belmullet/graughill-inver-belmullet-mayo-1173485/ And look at this! http://www.daft.ie/mayo/houses-for-sale/belmullet/inishkea-south-blacksod-belmullet-mayo-714848/ No that is not the house! You have to email them for that.. always wanted my very own island and church! When I lived near Belmullet there were so many abandoned houses and no one knew who owned them.... Had there been a suitable one at this price I would have stayed there....

Danjken

It was a stone house, but it hadn't been modernised, so I had to contend with original single-glazed windows and cooking/heating on a wood-burner. The roof leaked, which caused damp, but I was able to fix that. It did have electricity, a septic tank, and even a phone line connection.

The point I was making is that you can easily overwhelm someone by focusing entirely on potential problems. Whatever direction you take in life there will always be pitfalls and issues to overcome. When living in cities I find I can't sleep because of traffic noise. My asthma is also worse because of pollution. It makes pets more difficult. There's less space. You can't grow your own food. You have to contend with noisy neighbours. And so on...

Ursus Horribilis

I don't think anybody's particularly telling the OP not to move to a rural location if that's what he wants to do. In my opinion, he would be utterly foolish to rush out and buy a property such as this one without looking at the potential pitfalls. I get the impression from the other posts the OP has posted on boards that he's not exactly flush with money. So if he was to sink every last penny of his money into a property like this, he would want to be extremely careful that it won't break him financially. Already he's talking about a friend helping him out with this.

You're not comparing like with like here. What you moved to was an old house that was structurally sound. The estate agent has told the OP that the wooden house in this place needs to be demolished. There's no harm in him knowing about neighbours disputes, that the ground is marshy, the upkeep could be an issue etc. Nobody's forcing him not to buy it.

the_syco

Graces7 wrote: »

Some comparisons... If I had the money I would try for this http://www.daft.ie/kerry/houses-for-sale/lauragh/cummers-east-lauragh-kerry-1032274/ it is structurally sound and look at the scenery!

Dropping in price. It was €120k http://www.daft.ie/11032178 but then, it also had four bedrooms in that two bedroom house... :pac:

bigroad

Could be into a new septic tank and also drill for water .
Great area if you like that sort of thing ,I think buying any of those rural places,you are only buying the site and the fact that you don't need planning.
I would invest in a caravan to live in while doing the renovation.

Graces7

the_syco wrote: »

Dropping in price. It was €120k http://www.daft.ie/11032178 but then, it also had four bedrooms in that two bedroom house... :pac:

Ah no; if you read again you will see the difference in the amount of land in those two adverts. Hence the price difference. I was in touch with the agent re a site and the only fault for me was that the house is on the road..... If you check sites for Lauragh, there are two for that area. Did not notice the 4 rooms! Next time I am that way will check it out. Could be a lovely house.. Love the bike too! Always one in these old houses. One here too...that range looks grand and look at the hand made chair on the left of one photo. Ah stop dreaming!!!!! A little house in the mountains!!!YEARNING!!!!!!!!

Graces7

Danjken wrote: »

ps. You don't need to worry about isolation. You mentioned Couchsurfer - there's also HelpX and Workaway. That part of Kerry is one of the most beautiful places in the world, never mind the country. If you move there you'll attract travelers and helpers year round.

As long as you realise that the nearest national bus service is Killarney some 30 miles away...and would think fine in summer etc..but winter is a different matter altogther... I would not want strangers in anyways but there we are! And what will be needed is not helpers but expert professionals. When I renovated the cottage, there were fewer building regs then there are now. Even so there was terrible trouble as my builder decided to put in a different sewage system then the one the previous owner had applied for planning for. The inspector admitted it was probable a better system but all the same the rules had been broken etc... You need also to find out who owns/is responsible for the lane? I would suspect it is private and owned by Riverstar Lodge as far as there then of the house. In which case there will be a serious right if way issue and I do not envy you that! I am amid my fifth major right of way situation up here in 8 rentals. Cost me E10,000 and nearly lost me the sale also.

Danjken

Good point about buses. I tried to get one from Sneem once and found out they're non-existent, even during the summer (this was in August). Cork has much better coverage, for what it's worth. Anyone moving to a remote property is going to need a little car, unless they're a sucker for punishment and love to cycle...

I think you're missing a trick with online helpers Graces7. Websites like HelpX and Workaway are used by people of all ages looking to travel, learn new skills, and share what they know. Volunteers are given ratings and reviewed by hosts (and vice versa) so it's easy to filter out the bad eggs and see who is trustworthy. I've used the sites both as a helper and a host without any issues. The host provides food and a bed in exchange for 20 hours work a week, and helpers come with all manner of different skills and experience, so don't assume they're all clueless students, as that definitely isn't the case. Of course, you're not going to want a volunteer to rewire your house or fit a new roof, but I found a huge amount of the work, especially on the land, didn't require specialised knowledge, just energy and time. Have a browse of helpx.net if you're curious.

Graces7

Danjken wrote: »

Good point about buses. I tried to get one from Sneem once and found out they're non-existent, even during the summer (this was in August). Cork has much better coverage, for what it's worth. Anyone moving to a remote property is going to need a little car, unless they're a sucker for punishment and love to cycle...

I think you're missing a trick with online helpers Graces7. Websites like HelpX and Workaway are used by people of all ages looking to travel, learn new skills, and share what they know. Volunteers are given ratings and reviewed by hosts (and vice versa) so it's easy to filter out the bad eggs and see who is trustworthy. I've used the sites both as a helper and a host without any issues. The host provides food and a bed in exchange for 20 hours work a week, and helpers come with all manner of different skills and experience, so don't assume they're all clueless students, as that definitely isn't the case. Of course, you're not going to want a volunteer to rewire your house or fit a new roof, but I found a huge amount of the work, especially on the land, didn't require specialised knowledge, just energy and time. Have a browse of helpx.net if you're curious.

Actually they are boasting a better service this year but that does not link with the national network; anyone coming in would be to Killarney.. Yes I know West Cork very well; lived there several years .No thank you to strangers.. I am a very private person indeed. And no spare beds here either. I have always found way round work even at my advanced age. With the Ops situation given the state of that house it is going to need total rebuilding and expert help. I lived in a West Cork old stone farmhouse and as long as you can keep a fire goinbg.. Had to leave as they had painted over the worst infestation of toxic black mould I have ever seen and i was at stage three of the disease. With walls three feet thick and no damp course... In that house too you could hear the rats in the walls...eg this would be a better proposition...http://www.daft.ie/kerry/houses-for-sale/sneem/ardshillane-sneem-kerry-1166733/

seamus

I know this thread has moved on, but I want to add one more echo to the rest that buying a doer-upper on a large site in a remote location at 62 years of age is a little bit of madness.

Summer is OK, you can potter around outside to your heart's content and breathe in the fresh air. But come the winter (especially a winter like the one we've had), it'll be dark, windy and raining, and you've the heating and the fire burning constantly to try and keep you warm. Then the wind knocks out your power overnight and you're left with no phone, no TV, just sitting beside a candle reading a book and hoping ESB network are working on your power

For a far smaller price you might be able to get your hands on a nice cottage on half an acre instead, arrive in March or April, tend the gardens, enjoy the air, then lock her up in October/November and go back to where you are now, throwing some local farmer a few quid to keep an eye on it. Best of both worlds, a nice rural location to relax and enjoy without the crippling isolation during the winter.

riclad

My advice is buy a house within 5 or 10 minutes walk of a rural town ,
you,ll have a cheap house ,while having easy acess to shops and medical
services .
A Town maybe with 20-30 thousand residents ,
one with a hospital and a few doctors .
Forget about buying in a remote location .
The closer to town you are they easier it is to get broadband,tv,
or a phone service .
I know someone living 18mins drive from town ,
they are waiting for 14 months to try and get a eircom landline .
There,s no free cables in the area .
The only net acess they have is a 3g data modem.

jeamimus

riclad wrote: »

A Town maybe with 20-30 thousand residents ,
one with a hospital and a few doctors .

That narrows the choice quite a bit

New Home

And it also removes the 'remote' part of the equation, which is one of the most attractive points of the property...

bigroad

Good point about loosing the esb in bad weather or even good.
Its best to have a small generator that runs on diesel ,this will take the hardship and stress out of any chance of loosing your esb.

Thargor

OP, would you think about spending your money on a decent camper van with all the mod cons instead (Or even better a decent caravan and a reliable vehicle to tow it)? Use it for 6 months of the year and store it or take it to warmer climates in the Winter with the money you save, I think it would tick all the comfort/adventure/interesting location boxes for you without risking tying up all your savings in a mess like this.

Ursus Horribilis

riclad wrote: »

My advice is buy a house within 5 or 10 minutes walk of a rural town ,
you,ll have a cheap house ,while having easy access to shops and medical
services .
A Town maybe with 20-30 thousand residents ,
one with a hospital and a few doctors .

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tullamore No need for him to move at all.