Monday, April 1, 2013

More to come

If you are interested in this property, please come back.  I plan to post more pictures and more information in the coming weeks.

Monday, March 25, 2013

The property

The land is located nine miles from Bellingham Washington.  Bellingham is an eco-friendly university town of 80,885.  There are many recreational activities available in the area.  It is 8 miles to Lake Whatcom, 15 miles to the ocean and 28 miles to the Mt Baker ski lodge.


Although the property is close to town it is at the end of a dead end road, which is very quiet, giving it the feeling that you are out in the middle of nowhere.   The East and South sides of the property are bordered by forestry land, where no one lives.  


Pear tree
There are two pieces of property, that are side by side.  Ideally we would like to sell both together.  Both pieces are zoned forestry and have very low property tax.   Both pieces were logged in 1996.  They were re-planted at that time and in about 15 years the trees will be ready to harvest again.   At that time the lumber should be very valuable and could provide the owner with a cozy retirement.   If you intend to cut your own firewood, you will have a limitless supply.  Both pieces use the same water source.  The water comes from a non-approved source and would not be qualify for a bank loan, but for a cash buyer, it is a working reliable source of water that has been in place for over 60 years.  Neither piece has a septic system in place.   The property is on the eastern slope of Stewart Mountain and gets good sun exposure year round.  It is also sheltered from the North-East winds that come down the Fraser valley.   

Picking apples.
The first piece of property is 35 acres.  There are three buildings on it.    The off the grid house is permitted as a monitor barn.   It has a functioning off the grid system that has been in use for over ten years.   Power is provided by a solar panel array mounted on a sun tracking stand.  There is also a wind generator that provides additional power.  The batteries are getting old and could use replacing.   A Trace DR series inverter/charger controls the electrical power.  The house has a propane refrigerator, a propane heater, a fancy wood cook stove which also heats the water, two composting toilets, an electric washer and dishwasher.  It is a two story, XX  square foot 'hippy' house that does not have a typical floor plan.


Pole barn, shop is behind.
The 35 also has a 40x48 enclosed shop.  The shop has two doors large enough that cars may be brought inside.  It also has a walled in 'office' room, whose roof serves as a storage loft.   The third building is a 36x48, open walled pole barn with a cement floor.


Apple and pear trees.
The 35 acres is zoned R5 and could be subdivided into 7 pieces.  The property is largely forested, but there are some areas of open pasture land, including two small fenced pastures.  There is a large lawn area that has older established apple and pear trees.  There are also newer plum and cherry trees.  The wild blackberries and huckleberries are abundant in the area.  The lawn area also has an outdoor fire pit.  None of the building currently have power or utilities.   The buildings are accessed via a gravel driveway.  The entire length of the west side of the property is assessable by a county maintained gravel road.


Apple trees.
The second piece of property is 40 acres.  It is zoned R20 and could be subdivided into two pieces.   There is currently a house on the property, but in the sale it is regarded as having no value.   The house is beyond repair and does not have an approved septic system or water supply.  The house would not qualify for a bank loan.  The house has easy access via a gravel driveway off a paved road.  There are utilities that have been run to the houses location.  It has electricity and high speed cable internet.


Up in the woods.
Most of the land is on a steeper slope and is heavily forested.  There are flatter areas near the house including a productive apple orchard with XX trees.  Several fenced pastures and pallet constructed animal shelters.   The soil is rich and has been successfully gardened.   A logging road provides recreational access to the properties forested interior.  The end of the logging road is at 1000 ft elevation and has a spectacular view.  Most  of Whatcom County, the ocean and parts of Canada are visible.  A small camp shack is located at the end of the logging road.


The 35 acres with the three buildings is being offered for $395,000 and the 40 acres for $225,000.  We are looking for a cash buyer, ideally someone who wants both pieces.   

 malevilfarm@gmail.com