Using/enjoying a country getaway

[rstl99]

Hi again, all.
After my previous post on building vs buying already-built cabin and site, I have decided to go the already-built route (thanks to all who shared their thoughts with me).

I have found a nice old country house in a very small village located near a lake, and very close to thousands of acres of state land (forest, lakes, roads, trails, etc.). The house comes with about 1.5 acres sloping down toward the lake. It is situated a little over an hour from the major city in which I live, and has all amenities (phone, hydro, well, septic). I live in the Northeast.

Previously, I had been looking for acreage (10-20 acres) to give some room and privacy. However such properties with houses on them are very expensive, whereas this village house is attractively priced (and I could probably pay it off in a few years, before I retire). The relative proximity to some village neighbours (though there is a fair bit of distance between houses, as they are on sizable lots, and a fair amount of trees around) is something I am wondering about, given I was originally envisioning a more private and secluded dwelling on a larger acreage. However, there are benefits to having closer neighbours (people who can offer help if needed, and can keep an eye on my property when I'm not there).

I already own a nice house in the city, and would only be using the country house and property for recreational use (the odd weekend, some holidays, and more time when I am retired in a few years). One of my concerns is the work that would go along in maintaining two homes (my city house is 50 years old and needs occasional attention). The country house is in good shape and solidly built, and there is not an excessive amount of landscaping to maintain, so hopefully maintenance will be minimal.

Any suggestions on how I can best plan on utilizing this country getaway property, if I do buy it? I want to make sure that I (and others, I have a teenage son and daughter, though can't guarantee they will want to go up there, and a girlfriend) will make good use of it, in a way that justifies the expense. The road is open year round.

Things I see myself doing and enjoying there include:
- spending the odd weekend, at least once a month, and 1-2 weeks during holidays
- spending a good deal of time there after my early retirement in a few years
- just sitting around on the nice enclosed porch looking out at the birds and trees, and the lovely vista over the lake, the sunsets
- chopping wood and making fires in the woodstove (the property is not treed enough for harvesting, so I would get firewood delivered)
- fixing what needs to be fixed, and make some upgrades and maintenance to the old house
- setting up a little workshop in the shed beside the house, and doing some projects with my hands
- taking walks in the property down to the lake, and in the general surroundings
- mountain biking on the gravel roads around there
- going canoeing or kayaking on the quiet lake (no motor boats)
- take up fishing again, and explore the lakes and rivers around there
- getting to know some of the village residents and learning the history of the village and surroundings
- doing a lot of reading, radio listening, guitar playing, enjoying the stillness and quiet
- wildlife watching and photography
- using the house as a springboard to discovering the state forests around there, and all they have to offer
- a bit of gardening and landscaping
- eventually taking up painting, etc.

Bottom line: living (for part of the time anyway), the good simple life.

Does this sound viable to you?

[beaglebiz]

We have a river place, and enjoy it...its close enough for us to come home to take care of the critters, and the dogs can swim.We boat, tube and raft as well as fish. Plus you are not all worried about getting all of the house stuff done. .Our house/homestead has a creek running through it, and we live a mile from a state park with a big lake, but you cant beat your own vacation place, or the awesome bass and walleye fishing the cabin has. Plus the waterfront riverview of the Endless Mountains... Its nice to have your own place for any of the things you want to do...

[Willowdale]

Originally Posted by rstl99

Does this sound viable to you?

Viable? It sounds downright DELIGHTFUL :-) Congratulations! It sounds like you found something that suits your actual needs and desires. Enjoy it!

[Wolf mom]

Sounds like just the thing for you & your lifestyle.

When you retire, you may decide to spend all summer there. Isn't it great to have such options?

Please don't let those here who think that the more land you have is better discourage you or give you pause to rethink what you want/need.

[soulsurvivor]

You've been looking at it through your dream eyes. Consider looking at it through your magnifying eyes before spending money. Example, why is the porch enclosed? Is there a mosquito problem at certain times of the year? Better to find out the truth now, rather than later.

I hope it does work out to be all you dream it to be.

[MushCreek]

Make a schedule to go there, and stick to it. I've known too many people with vacation homes/boats/RV's that never quite get around to using them. Make it a priority in your life, and it will be well worth it! At least with real estate, you should eventually make money on your investment. I would try to establish some low-maintenance 'crops' to plant there, such as blueberries or nut trees that don't require frequent care, but could be a nice treat for when you visit.

[mamagoose]

r,

You might visit at different times of the day or night before you decide to buy. If you are a morning person and like to sit on the porch then you might want to know what the air is like in the a.m. It can be noisier at certain parts of the day/year if you are within a few miles of traffic or other noise. We can really hear the 4-lane at the house from late at night to about 8-9 in the morning and it's 2-3 miles away. Thank goodness I'm not a morning person and I can clearly hear the birds sing the rest of the day. Good luck!

mamagoose

[rstl99]

Thanks for all your thoughts and advice, which are very helpful.

I should note that one possible drawback about the property is that the neighboring property on one side has a ramshackle cottage and assorted small buildings, rather messy. Not very visible during summer due to foliage in bordering trees and such, and it's apparently used infrequently by someone from out of town who drops in a few times in the summer (long weekends) and has been known to have loud parties etc. They also occasionally rent out the place to friends who use it similarly. I'm told the place may be sold in the future, and I have concerns about disturbances from current or future owners.

Like all places in this area, there are blackflies at this time of year, and mosquitoes off and on during summer. Hence the enclosed porch. The river nearby the property flows gently and is part marsh (I mistakenly called it a lake earlier, because it almost looks like one because so tranquil).

The hamlet is surrounded by rural and forest land, lakes, rivers, so there is no indication of noise issues (hence the concern about the infrequent but occasionally noisy neighbor!).

Good idea about hiring someone to mow the lawn (not that there is THAT much of it, maybe an hour's worth). I actually just recently hired a firm to mow the lawn in my city house, which at least liberates me from doing it in one property!

[rstl99]

Originally Posted by MushCreek

Make a schedule to go there, and stick to it. I've known too many people with vacation homes/boats/RV's that never quite get around to using them. Make it a priority in your life, and it will be well worth it! At least with real estate, you should eventually make money on your investment. I would try to establish some low-maintenance 'crops' to plant there, such as blueberries or nut trees that don't require frequent care, but could be a nice treat for when you visit.

Thanks that is good advice. Because if I start thinking too practically, I get a little worried at the thought of maintaining 2 houses essentially, and a full-time job (for the next couple of years). Will I be able to find the time/energy to look after the city house (mow the lawn, clean, do laundry, etc.), and also look after (and enjoy) the country property (mow the lawn, clean, bring food, do upgrades/repairs/fixes, drive there and back)? I have hired a company to mow the lawn of my city house, so at least don't have that to worry about, and as was suggested maybe I can find someone who could do the same at the country house. But that still leaves a lot to do. I have my own house and 2 teenagers living part time with me. My girlfriend owns her own house too, and we both have busy day jobs. This country place is nice, but I'm trying to be realistic regarding to how much energy and time I'll have available to use and enjoy it (given all the above), at least until I'm retired. I thought one way to make it work while I'm still working would be to take occasional Fridays and/or Mondays off at work, and get some long weekends to do it all and still have quality enjoyment time.

Any words of wisdom or experience on this subject, which I'm sure many part-timers must face?...

[rstl99]

Originally Posted by rose2005

It sounds good. One thing I would do is to organise a firm to come in and take care of the yard. When we had the lake house, most of our time there was spent mowing and getting it looking nice again, then a little fishing and back home again.

If you can find a trustworthy person to keep the yard up, and air out the house and give it a clean before guests arrive, then you can truly relax and enjoy the place.

Rose

SOunds like very good advice Rose, thanks for suggesting that. Could be money well spent to increase enjoyment and relaxation! Cheers.

[ronbre]

Well if there is an area large enough for a food garden..or perennial garden, i think i would put in some perennial foods that pretty much take care of themselves..if you want to supplement your food sources..this would be GROWING while you are getting ready to retire..say rhubarb, asparagus, multiplying onions, corn salad and other perennial greens, a corner with some berry bushes, blueberry, raspberry and blackberry, and a few dwarf fruit trees like a postage stamp orchard of a couple of apple, cherry, peach, plum, nectarine, and pear trees, and then if there is still room maybe a few nut trees, some hazelnuts in a hedge, an almond, some pecans or walnuts (away from anything they could kill)..and some grape or kiwi vines..

that way when you are ready to retire..they all will be ready to bear !

[hunter63]

Your on the right track, as land prices seem down now, but I expect they will still keep going up, so a good investment.

Yes, you have double maintenance, and "the project of the year", out building, dock, drive way, new floor, list is endless. (Some times it's hard to go fishing when something is hanging over your head, to finish)

Don't forget, as owner of a "Place" (that's what we call ours), you are now the owner of a "resort" for all your friends and family.

This can be a good thing as they do provide a lot of help in different projects.

It also can be a bad thing, as they show up, expecting to be entertained, had several family members ask if we were going to be at "The Place" on certain days, as that is when they wanted to show up.............

You are now the hunting and fishing guide, provider of recreational equipment (need a boat, canoe, 4 wheeler) and cooker of brats/burgers/hot dogs.
Don't forget the fire pit, and always supply of marshmellows..........

It even helps if you build a shooting range, so they(city people) can bring out your toys and play.
Good luck, it IS worth it!

[rstl99]

Originally Posted by ronbre

Well if there is an area large enough for a food garden..or perennial garden, i think i would put in some perennial foods that pretty much take care of themselves..if you want to supplement your food sources..this would be GROWING while you are getting ready to retire..say rhubarb, asparagus, multiplying onions, corn salad and other perennial greens, a corner with some berry bushes, blueberry, raspberry and blackberry, and a few dwarf fruit trees like a postage stamp orchard of a couple of apple, cherry, peach, plum, nectarine, and pear trees, and then if there is still room maybe a few nut trees, some hazelnuts in a hedge, an almond, some pecans or walnuts (away from anything they could kill)..and some grape or kiwi vines..

that way when you are ready to retire..they all will be ready to bear !

Great advice, thanks for that!! Less grass to cut, and more goodies to eat later on, I like it!!! THe lot has an interesting topography (not a flat square at all), so it provides interesting possibilities for creating these different food-growing areas.

Originally Posted by hunter63

Your on the right track, as land prices seem down now, but I expect they will still keep going up, so a good investment.

Don't forget, as owner of a "Place" (that's what we call ours), you are now the owner of a "resort" for all your friends and family.

This can be a good thing as they do provide a lot of help in different projects.

It also can be a bad thing, as they show up, expecting to be entertained, had several family members ask if we were going to be at "The Place" on certain days, as that is when they wanted to show up.............

Good luck, it IS worth it!

Thanks for that. Yes, I see what you mean, can be a bit of a double-edged sword... Well I don't have a big family, and my siblings are not the type to just "drop in" and expect to be fed and entertained, thankfully. We'll see how things go... The hamlet where the house is situated is apparently populated by people who are polite and civil, but like to keep a distance, which suits me just fine.

[hunter63]

Originally Posted by rstl99

The hamlet where the house is situated is apparently populated by people who are polite and civil, but like to keep a distance, which suits me just fine.

I have found that shopping locally, going to church, and local events, and yes and even buying a couple of rounds at the local saloon goes a long way to making friends, and having local support.

Example, at the local saloon, "so, how about another round on me, and by the way, if you were gonna have a new driveway put in, who around here would you use?"
Has worked well for us over the last 20 years.

[rstl99]

Hi all,
I bought the place!
I will move into it in a few weeks.
Looking forward to maintaining and enjoying this beautiful property.
Thanks again for your help and advice.
Cheers!

[MushCreek]

Congrats! We want pictures.....

[rstl99]

Here are pictures of my new country property, as posted on the seller's ad. Enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rstl99/...7618916736333/

[rstl99]

Originally Posted by rose2005

It's beautiful!
Now what are you going to do when you are relaxing on the porch in the evening and the next day it is time to go home? How will you make that trip and leave it behind again?

Thank you Rose. Indeed, I feel that this property will get quite attaching. Well, it's good that it's only 70 minutes away from my city house (and not 2-3 hours), as that will encourage me to go there more often!

During the inspection of the house, I was struck by how solid it is: the foundation is poured right on the bedrock, and has not not shown any sign of settling or cracking in almost 60 years; the lumber in the attic looked as if it was new, no sign of any leak, ever; the lumber throughout the house is excessive in size and quantity (there used to be a sawmill down below, and the house was likely built by people who worked there, so wood was dirt cheap). This is a house that will stand a long time, if well cared for. Now I am its custodian for a while...

Cheers!

[mamita]

it's beautiful, CONGRATS!!!!! we did the same thing, bought a weekend getaway. we like to build/remodel for relaxation, so we worked on this place for ten years. started out coming on weekends in the summer, next thing was weekends all year. then it was 3 days here, 4 days at the house in the burbs. well...9 years ago we decided this was home, so we moved here. we've never been so happy. I won't lie, maintaining 2 homes did get to be a chore. especially while we were both working full time jobs and had kids at home. I think you'll love your country home!

[roadless]

Wow, what a beautiful house and property. To be only 70 min. away is awesome! I think you made a great decision. Congrats!!