1233 River Ridge Road , Pipestem, WV 25979(Summers County)

Upscale cabin interiors include, custom hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, knotty pine paneling and Birch Kraft Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Outbuildings include a utility building, machine shed and wildlife viewing stands

Heat pump and Corner Stone propane fireplace

$25,000 farm tractor and brush hog plus a $5,000 John Deere riding mower conveys with property

Miles of forest trails winding through a mix of white pine and mature hardwoods

Rolling farm fields offer the flexible agriculture uses of meadows, crop and pasture land

Complete privacy no neighbors may be seen from the cabin and little noise pollution

Dark skies provide for excellent star gazing and planet observation

Wildlife is abundant with wild turkey, white tailed deer, squirrel, song birds, owls and hawks

Stunning long range views of the distant mountains with striking sunrises and sunsets

Extensive White Pine tree plantings diversify the landscape and improve animal habitat

Two small wildlife watering ponds located in the woods near wildlife viewing shelters

Valuable timber and mineral rights will convey

Winterplace Ski Resort located just 30 minutes away

A wetland marsh creates an interesting ecological and wildlife habitat consisting of frogs, ducks, turtles, dragonflies, butterflies, muskrats, song birds, crawdads, cattails, insects, mosses and sedges

Land legacy of careful wildlife management coupled with outstanding long-term forest stewardship

Perfect for anglers and water recreation enthusiasts

High percentage of commercially operable ground supporting farming, forestry, recreation

Potential for residential/recreational development

Elevations range from 2250 to 2450

Year round state maintained access

Internet, electric and phone available on site

Potential conservation value with its close proximity to New River Gorge National River Park lands

Low taxes, low population density

RIVER RIDGE RETREAT

River Ridge is an exciting 166 +/- acre family retreat and recreational property near the 80,000 acre New River Gorge National Park and 2000 acre Bluestone Lake. The custom built home overlooks a tranquil stocked pond with mountain and pasture views. Miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails wind through the forest. The oak, hickory and beech trees provides superior wildlife habitat for white tail deer, wild turkey, hawks and pileated woodpeckers are ever present. This is special forest, with large, mature trees that create a unique habitat which appeals to animals and humans alike.

There is little light pollution and the night sky is filled with millions of stars for hours of serenity after fun-filled days in your personal mountain retreat. The abundance of wildlife can be fully appreciated by spending a few hours hiking, looking and listening for all the River Ridge forest has to offer.

THE AREA

River Ridge is much more than real estate; it is an opportunity for adventure. Just minutes to Bluestone Lake, Sandstone Falls, Bluestone State Park, and Pipestem Resort, the surrounding area offers unlimited soft recreational activities including white water rafting, golfing, fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching and rock climbing. Snow skiing at the Winterplace Resort is less than an hour away. In fifteen minutes you can catch the Amtrak train in Hinton and ride to the Greenbrier Resort, Chicago or New York City. The Beckley Airport is just 45 minutes away. The new 10,000 acre Boy Scout high adventure camp is an hours drive and the 14,000 acre Wildlife Management Area is just across around the corner at Bull Falls.

The New River is the second oldest river in the world, preceded only by the Nile; it is the oldest river in North America. The New River is unique because it begins in Blowing Rock, N.C. and flows north through Virginia into West Virginia. The Nile and Amazon are the only other major rivers that also flow north. Year after year, it produces more citation fish than any other warm water river in WV. Small-mouth bass, large-mouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, hybrid striped bass, and muskie are all common species of fish found in the New River and Bluestone Lake.

Bluestone Lake is over 2000 acres at summer pool and is the states third largest body of water. Great hunting and fishing opportunities abound at the 17,632 acre Bluestone Wildlife Area adjacent to the park and nearby Camp Creek State Forest.

LOCATION

River Ridge is located in Summers County, WV near Hinton and the unincorporated community of Pipestem. This 166+/- acre agricultural- timberland-recreational opportunity is located in the scenic, mountainous region of southeastern West Virginia. The surrounding Summers County landscape is part of the southeastern Ridge and Valley Region, a scenic tapestry of elongated hardwood Allegheny & Appalachian mountain ranges. Much of Summers County remains undeveloped and is characterized by its scenic farm valleys, small communities and large expanses of hardwood forest.

At 166 acres, River Ridge represents an opportunity to create a classic family ownership legacy for the next tenure, or to carefully craft a rural residential project for future cabin sites. Terrain is typical of the region and considered rolling to mountainous, with upland hardwood flats and ridges separated by narrow hollows that flank the lower lying stream drainage.

Google Coordinates at driveway: 37.556273(N) -080.921577(W)

ADDITIONAL CONVEYANCES

In addition to conveying the cabin furnishings and appliances, the owner will convey a $25,000 farm tractor and brush hog plus a $5,000 John Deer riding mower.

ALL ABOUT THE CABIN (Conveying fully furnished)

Cabin Highlights

Open Concept Living Room with Stone Fireplace / Dining / Kitchen

2 Bedrooms

Bathroom

Bathroom & Laundry Room

Large Covered Front Porch facing a acre Pond

Open Side Deck

Garage / Utility Building

Home Square Footage Summary

1152 Square Feet +/-

Room Dimension Summary

Open Concept Living / Dining / Kitchen 30 X 15

Bedroom 12 X 12

Bedroom 12 X 12

Bathroom 11 X 10

Bathroom & Laundry 6 X 11

Outbuildings

Garage / Utility Building 12 X 20

Machine Shed 12 x 20

Wildlife Viewing Stands 8 x 8

The 1152 SF cabin was built in 2013 using construction materials and architectural design features to eliminate or reduce maintenance costs. The beveled cedar siding, soffit, guttering, aluminum railing, covered porch and metal roof provide resistance to the effects of sun, wind and rain. Attention to detail during construction and ongoing maintenance reflect the pride in ownership at River Ridge.

The interior has many upgrades and special touches. The wide plank oak flooring creates a warm feeling throughout the home. The flooring was custom installed by one of the premier flooring craftsman in the area. The open floor plan creates an efficient and easy flow from area to area.

The large Andersen window opens the entire front of the cabin to the outside covered deck and surrounding forest and fields allowing in soft summer breezes and the sound of birds singing. All other doors and windows offer a chance to open up the entire home and to enjoy nature undisturbed. The design of the home and placement of the windows take advantage of passive solar gain throughout the winter.

The beautiful Cornerstone gas fireplace is a popular area for everyone to gather and visit during the fall and winter seasons. The upscale kitchen features Birch Kraft Made Custom cabinets, solid countertops and stainless steel appliances.

The two bathrooms and laundry room feature ceramic tile floors. There are large closets throughout and the attic is floored for extra storage space.

The two spacious bedrooms have lots of light and were positioned to provide privacy and a quiet space away from the rest of the home.

The fire pit and picnic table down by the pond is a very special place to enjoy an evening around the fire telling ghost stories and eating Smores.

Water for the home is provided by well drilled to a depth of 400.

There are two outbuildings, one near the house for storage and another machine shed to housing the tractor and brush hog. There are also two wildlife viewing stands.

A great pond stocked with bass, bluegill and catfish at the cabin is where kids of all ages have fun fishing, canoeing and skipping stones. Several large bullfrogs enjoy the pond as well and their nightly singing is a welcome sound.

WATER

River Ridge is blessed with a year-round water source. Two dashed blue line streams drain from the east and west side the property. There are several ephemeral streams that flow during rain events and snow melt.

There is a nice pond stocked with bass, bluegill and catfish. There are also two small wildlife ponds in the forest.

A drilled water well serves the home with a depth of 400.

MINERAL RESOURCES

The owner has chosen not to lease the oil and gas rights and all the mineral rights the seller owns will transfer to the purchaser at closing. There are no known coal reserves underlying the property. All prospective purchasers are encouraged to have an attorney do a title search prior to purchasing.

UTILITIES

Electric and telephone service to the cabin

Internet connection can be obtained from Frontier

Due to the mountainous topography, cell phone coverage can be spotty in the hollows but excellent on the ridge tops

Television service can be provided by DirectTV or HughesNet

Weekly trash pickup is provided by Summers Sanitation at curbside

A drilled water well serves the home with a depth of 400

Sewer is provided by a county approved septic system

DEED and TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information:

Deed Book 182, Page 265

Deed Book 233, Page 709

Acreage: 166 acres +/-

Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:

Summers County, West Virginia

Pipestem District

TM 9 Parcel 12; CONSD: 9/2; 9/12; and 9/30 RIVER RIDGE

2016 Real Estate Taxes: $727.21

ZONING

The county is subject to some zoning and subdivision regulations. All prospective buyers should consult the County Commission and also the Health Department for details regarding zoning, building codes and installation of septic systems.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

Boundary surveys have been performed for portions that have been sold from the original tract. Older fencing is present in some locations on the balance of the property. There has been recent survey work done by some of the adjoining property owners. The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

CEMETERY

As is very common on old mountain farms, there is a small family cemetery in the corner of the far field. Historically there is granted access for families wishing to visit their ancestors burial place.

ACCESS

Year round access to the property is excellent. The property fronts the paved state maintained WV RT 44/10 (River Ridge Road) for 1500 on the eastern portion of the property.

Internal access is considered excellent with paved and gravel driveway leading to the cabin. Other unimproved 44 forest management road access nice stands of timber and fields. Several trails provide access to nearly all corners for recreational opportunities including nature viewing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding and ATV riding.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

The New River Gorge was a vast and largely unsettled wilderness until the C&O railroad was built on the eastern side of the river in the 1880s. The railroad opened up the rich coalfields and virgin timber stands of the region. Early mountaineers settled the area and soon were carving out mountain farms and raising families.

A visit to River Ridge, with its high meadows, is stepping back in time some 120 years. This early farmstead is an excellent example of the how the early settlers lived and is a testament to hard work, perseverance and ingenuity. Manpower and horsepower were the tools of the trade in the late 1800s. The 30 acres +/- acres of fields, is the results of countless hours of backbreaking work. The work is preserved in several stone piles found around the property.

Several tons of hay could be harvested each year from the near perfect laying fields. These hayfields are noted for their complete lack of field stone, which is highly unusual in this area of WV. When not mowed for hay, the fields are routinely brush hogged. One 5 acre area near the big pond and cabin has been planted in white pine tree and left to grow up into a rabbit warren, to the delight of the beagles who love to give chase.

The fencing is spotty and in need of attention.

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

The timber resource has a good hardwood sawtimber and pole stocking. This well managed timber resource can provide a great deal of flexibility to the next ownership in terms of potential harvest revenue and can be managed to provide cash flow opportunities to offset holding cost and long-term asset appreciation. Capital timber value has not been established at this time.

Species composition:

The forests predominately well-drained upland terrain has led to a resource dominated by hardwood species. Overall, the species composition is highly desirable and favors Appalachian hardwood types, consisting primarily of:

White Oak/Chestnut Oak, Red Oak Group, Poplar/Cucumber/Basswood, Sugar Maple/Soft Maple and a host of associate species.

The owner has planted hundreds and hundreds of superior white pine seedlings over the years enhancing the wildlife habitat and creating a pleasing evergreen backdrop during the winter months. Overtime, these white pines will reach a tower above the hardwoods.

Stocking, Stem Quality, and Forest Structure

Forest-wide, most stands are fully stocked, providing the next ownership with a great deal of flexibility in shaping their own silvicultual legacy. Stem quality forest-wide can be considered excellent with the forest containing an abundant future veneer source.

The timber component has been well managed over the years and generally consists of two age classes that have been managed under even-aged silvicultural guidelines. The predominant timber stand contains 40-120 year old stems ranging in size of 10-28 dbh. This stand was thinned some 20 years ago. This stand is on the cusp of graduating into higher-value sawtimber diameter classes over the coming decade.

The second distinct stand was established over the past 40 years when some of the farm fields and pastures were abandoned and the forest began to naturally regenerate. Recently the owner planted white pine. These stands represent a quality hardwood resource with a pine component and will be reaching economic maturity in the next 40 years.

Several Heritage Trees are scattered throughout the forest and field edges. These ancient trees, some 200-300 years old, have withstood the test of time, weathering ice, wind, lightning strikes and fire.

The forest is healthy and there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth. The Emerald Ash Borer and the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid is present and the Ash and Hemlock trees are severely stressed and will die out over the next decade. There have been no forest fires in the recent memory.

The forest floor is home to several types of mushrooms, medicinal plants, wild ginseng, ferns and cool green mosses. One could spend a lifetime getting to know this inviting environ.

WILDLIFE

River Ridge is a wonderful wildlife sanctuary. The mixture of hayfields/pasture, mature forest and abandoned farm fields, pine thickets, marshes, coupled with the abundant water supply from ponds, creeks and springs, create the perfect wildlife habitat. The miles of edge effect created between field and forest is the perfect habitat for all the resident wildlife. White tail deer, wild turkey, squirrel, raccoon, fox and many species of songbirds, woodpeckers, crows and raptors make up the resident wildlife population.

The hardwood forest provides the essential nutrient source and produces tons of hard mast including acorns, hickory nuts, beech nuts and black walnuts. Soft mast includes stag horn sumac, black cherry, tulip poplar seeds, autumn olive berries and blackberries.

A number of Bald Eagles have been spotted up and down the Greenbrier and New Rivers and are a thrill to see with wingspans of 6-7 feet.

SURROUNDING AREA

The surrounding area offers unlimited soft recreational activities including white water rafting, golfing, fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching and rock climbing. Snow skiing at the Winterplace Ski Resort is less than an hour away. In ten minutes you can catch the Amtrak train in Hinton and ride to the Greenbrier Resort, Chicago or New York City. The Beckley Airport is just 45 minutes away.

River Ridge is supported with a great community known for its friendly residents and laidback lifestyle. Hinton, the county seat of Summers County is a 10 minute drive. Hinton, founded in 1871, grew rapidly as the hub of a growing railroad industry serving the New River coal fields, passenger travel and coast to coast freight lines. Today, Hinton serves the growing tourist and technology industries. Situate at the confluence of the New River, Bluestone River and the Greenbrier River. The 80,000 acre New River National River Park, Bluestone State Park, Pipestem State Park Resort and 17,000 acre Bluestone Wildlife Management Area are recreational cornerstones in the area. The new 10,000 acre Boy Scout high adventure camp is an hours drive. A hospital, grocery shopping, pharmacy, hardware/farm supply and dining are available in Hinton.

The New River Gorge was a vast and largely unsettled wilderness until the C&O railroad was built on the eastern side of the river in the 1880s. The railroad opened up the rich coalfields and virgin timber stands of the region. Early mountaineers settled the area and soon were carving out mountain farms and raising families.

The New River is the second oldest river in the world, preceded only by the Nile; it is the oldest river in North America. The New River is unique because it begins in Blowing Rock, N.C. and flows north through Virginia into West Virginia. The Nile and Amazon are the only other major rivers that also flow north. Year after year, it produces more citation fish than any other warm water river in WV. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, hybrid striped bass, and muskie are all common species of fish found in the New River and Bluestone Lake.

Bluestone Lake is over 2000 acres at summer pool and is the states third largest body of water. Speed boat racing events were held in the summer of 2016. Great hunting and fishing opportunities abound at the 17,632 acre Bluestone Wildlife Area adjacent to the park and nearby Camp Creek State Forest.

The largest and most popular 4th of July day parade in the state is hosted by nearby Alderson. The sleepy town of Alderson is a 30 minute drive and amenities include churches, elementary school, grocery store, hardware/farm supply store, motel, bank, Dollar General, gas/convenience stores, medical clinic and restaurants. Alderson is also home to Camp Cupcake, the minimum security federal prison where Martha Stewart spent her vacation.

Lewisburg, a 45 minute drive, is the county seat of Greenbrier County and home to the WV Osteopathic Medical School (800 students) and the New River Community and Technical College. The area is a strong economic generator with a solid workforce employed in county/state government, tourism, hospitality, education, retail, construction, wood products, mining and agriculture. The Greenbrier Valley and surrounding area is richly blessed with a wide array of cultural events that keep life in the valley interesting and satisfying. A year round live theatre, Carnegie Hall (one of four in the USA), fine dining, art galleries and boutiques make up the thriving downtown historic district in Lewisburg.

Lewisburg was named Coolest Small Town in America and offers complete shopping, churches, schools, medical-dental facilities, fine dining, and a modern hospital. The airport, with the longest runway in the state is located here with flights to the Charlotte NC hub.

The world renowned 4-Star Greenbrier Resort, home of the PGA tour, is a 60 minute drive. Several other area golf courses are available in the area. Rock climbing, ziplining, horseback riding and the 100 + mile long Hatfield-McCoy ATV trail makes for a very active recreation area.

GREENBRIER RIVER AND RIVER TRAIL

River Ridge is a 10 minute drive to the lazy Greenbrier River. The Greenbrier River is 173 miles long is the last free flowing river east of the Mississippi. It is an excellent river to float or canoe and is well known for its large and small mouth bass fishing. It is at most times lazy and easy to navigate.

The Greenbrier River is formed by the confluence of the East Fork Greenbrier River and the West Fork Greenbrier River in the town of Durbin, West Virginia. From Durbin the Greenbrier River flows southwesterly through Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Monroe, and Summers Counties. It flows through several communities including Cass, Marlinton, Hillsboro, Ronceverte, Fort Spring, Alderson, and Hinton. The Greenbrier River joins the New River in the town of Hinton, just 10 minutes away.

The property is a 45 minute ride to the Greenbrier River Trial and is operated by the West Virginia State Parks. The trail is a 77-mile long former railroad, now used for hiking, bicycling, ski-touring, horseback-riding, and wheel-chair use. The trail passes through numerous small towns and traverses 35 bridges and 2 tunnels as it winds its way along the valley. Most of the trail is adjacent to the free-flowing Greenbrier River and is surrounded by peaks of the Allegheny Mountains.

Regional Information

Amtrack Station at Hinton, WV

Barns of Summers County Info on Historic Barns and Great History of Area

Bluestone State Park

Bluestone Wildlife Management Area

Camp Summers

Concord University

Groundworks Nursery

Mercer County Convention and Visitors

Mercer County, WV Official Page

New River Gorge National Park

Otter and Oak General Store and Art Gallery

Pipestem Resort State Park

State of West Virginia

Summers County Appalachian Regional Healthcare Hospital

The Boy Scouts of America The Summit Bechtel Reserve

Three Rivers Avian Center

West Virginia Cave Conservancy

West Virginia Conservation Agency

West Virginia State Parks

Willowood Country Club and Golf

Winterplace Ski Resort

WV Department of Natural Resources

State Information

State of West Virginia

West Virginia Government

West Virginia State Parks

West Virginia Tourism

Wonderful West Virginia Magazine

WV Department of Natural Resources

Directions

From Athens, West Virginia: 13 miles +/-

Travel RT 20 North for 12 miles (passing Pipestem State Park); turn right onto Tom Honaker Road WV RT 20/3; travel Tom Honaker Road for 7/10 of a mile; turn right onto River Ridge Road WV RT 44/10; travel River Ridge Road for 2/10 of a mile; the driveway for the cabin will be on the right; the cabins pond can be seen from the River Ridge Road. From Hinton, West Virginia: 10 miles +/-

From the Hinton side of the Hinton New River Bridge, travel RT 20 South for 9.4 miles; turn left onto Tom Honaker Road WV RT 20/3; travel Tom Honaker Road for 7/10 of a mile; turn right onto River Ridge Road WV RT 44/10; travel River Ridge Road for 2/10 of a mile; the driveway for the cabin will be on the right; the cabins pond can be seen from the River Ridge Road.