Land Finalist #1 (ranking)

Creek

Creek and hill

This piece of property (which I mentioned in the last update) was at the top of our list for several weeks. The largest so far at 25.5 acres, it's listed at about $5,700 per acre. It's very remote, almost at the end of a county road near Bluffton, and about an hour and 20 minutes from home (getting a little farther than desired). A small wet-weather creek runs along the edge of the property near the road, and has to be crossed to reach the property. There is no bridge, so a low-water crossing would have to be built. Once you cross the creek, the property goes up a hill, and the reward is at the top. Gorgeous views in all directions, and Lake Buchanan in the distance! At the bottom of the hill, on one edge, there are some old log fenced stock pens and a cattle ramp, which add character. The view had us captivated, and we even got estimates from a well business and a septic business.

View on the way up

So those are the pros. Here are the cons that eventually caused to back away (after three dates). 1) The land is very rocky, and would be expensive and difficult to have a well and septic put in, as well as to build. 2) Added expense of a bridge over the creek and a road up the hill. 3) Possibility (though slight) of getting flooded or iced either off or on the property. 4) The road is paved until a short distance before the property, then it turns to dirt road. Mr. D.H. has a strong aversion to living on a dirt road. 5) The vegetation is mostly cedars and cactus; not particularly verdant. 6) The owners had a new survey done, and it turns out the old pens aren't on the property. And the most important con, to me 7) It would be impossible to move an old house to this property; we would have to build new. Ultimately I decided I just couldn't give in to never having my old house dream!

View from top



Old pens and ramp



Old pens