Skip to main content

Adding an acre? Why we are considering buying some more land.

 There is an old saying that goes something like "You can never really own the land, you are only borrowing it from future generations."

The exact quote escapes me at the time of this writing.  However the sentiment holds true.   We are considering the possibility of buying our next door neighbors one acre lot. At one time Harvey, who long time readers of this blog know was helpful when we first moved into our home, lived there.

However the property and the trailer he lived in where showing signs of falling apart; when he moved unexpectedly the property fell into further disrepair.  For the past year or so, it has simply been empty.

Susan and I are considering buying it.   Partly because we can put another trailer on the land to rent if we wish, as the plumbing and electrical wiring is all ready in place and we don't believe the current property is worth saving.  That of course, means tearing the old one down.

Rents in our area are actually below the national average and where we are is at least 30 minutes away from larger towns and universities.  Which would make renting the property difficult but the idea does have some merit as it would create another source of income for us.  We are also the owners of a small trailer that could be moved onto this property easily.

Partly because this land could be used for a large garden if we ever decide to pursue that; or even for animals.  The idea of homesteading and self sufficient living does appeal to us both.  However we are both just part time homesteaders and only the front half of the half acre is suitable for a garden.

The back half is uneven ground and wooded.  It's also been used as a bit of a dump.

Harvey, for example had a horse on that land for several years.  This extra acre could possibly allow us to to raise chickens or even quail if we ever reach that level of commitment.  Perhaps even a small orchard consisting of a few fruit trees.

Only the front half of the acre however is clear of woods and the property as a whole would need some extensive cleanup.  

The current trailer has to go.

We have yet to contact the owner of the property or really seriously discussed the costs of such a venture.  Generally speaking the cost of 1 acre of land in about $30,000.  However that includes a livable home in most cases.   We don't believe this property is habitable nor would it be worth rehabbing. 

It's an idea that we are just starting to explore and we would be at least one more year from making any serious commitments.  We are still in the process of redoing our primary home and honesty I don't feel like I have enough time now to do everything that I want to do as it is.  Only now are we just finishing out kitchen and repainting the walls.   Leaving just a remodel of both our upstairs and downstairs bathroom to complete.  

Investing our money in these projects might make more sense in the long run, it's a good strategy for long term investments.  Like I stated above however, it depends on a few things and if we can obtain the property at a good price.  

Stay tuned.


 
This building might be worth saving


 

Labels:
Location: Stoneboro, PA 16153, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

What all the cool kids are reading.

The summer that I go to war

When I first moved into my house some five, nearly six year ago, one of the first things I noticed was that we had a tree out back that was nearly strangled by an invasive woody vine called Oriental Bittersweet.   At the time I didn't think much about it as other more pressing problems, like a new roof and insulated windows, came first.  Other problems and projects kept pushing that "little issue" back onto the corners of my mind.   Small "little issues" tend to become bigger ones.  Oriental Bittersweet That's the problem with home ownership, their is always "one more project."  One more bill. I was considering where to plant the Pawpaw and new Bur Oak   and this corner seemed to be a very good option.  That's when I noticed my problem,  I have several Multiflora Rosa growing in my "wilds" and one that somehow I've missed over the last few years, it's become rather well established.   The Oriental Bittersweet was reaching o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Digging in the dirt

In a lot of ways I feel rejuvenated.  It's a glorious morning as I am driving down to Pittsburgh with the local radio station playing a mix of old and new that elevates my mood, the sun shining strong through the sun roof.   I am on my way to buy plants.   I have a list in my pocket and I expect that I'll be coming home with a few of them.  I had hoped to buy spicebush and maybe serviceberry , in addition to what I did end up buying.  As I talk to people there, I use the term " food forest " because that's about the closest definition to what I'm trying to do, although it's also not the best one.     What I'm more interested in doing is creating a refuge.  A place for a weary traveler in the future to stop, rest under the trees and have access to wild strawberries and blueberries (which sadly didn't take last year), apples etc.   A place of respite rather than a place that can self maintain itself over time, although I do...
Post a Comment
Read more

When it rains - The conclusion

The month of May for what ever reason seems to be passing slowly, but the year seems to be flying by.   Suddenly we are nearing the end of the month and I'm only now getting to work on the yard.   I did go in search of an electric powered riding lawnmower, for the same reasons that I went in search of an electric car.    Both searches failed, as the local hardware, lawncare and "big box" stores simply didn't carry any electric riding mowers.  I could have ordered an electric mower off of Amazon, or similar site, and had it shipped but then I would be looking at a two week delivery timeframe, and would have exceeded t he budget that I had set for myself. The grass, though high and feeding a variety of pollinators and other insects would simply not wait much longer.  Plus ticks are always a concern in Western PA at this time of year, and one way to control them is to keep your grass cut.   I had already had a few instances of dealing with...
Post a Comment
Read more