Nestled in the hills and hollows of Southern Indiana's Hoosier National Forest, you'll find this award-winning managed timber property that offers an incredible investment opportunity and unparalleled seclusion and tranquility while being perfectly situated to take advantage of the area's many attractions. Located behind a gated entry and over ½ mile within the property, this secure hilltop retreat features a fully functional, well-built 1200sq ft cabin was finished with lumber harvested from the grounds. Three additional bunkhouses, built in 2015, are connected with a great outdoor covered dining area and a large covered porch complete with swings and rockers. A massive sunken fire pit with plenty of seating serves as the perfect evening gathering spot for friends and visitors. Additional storage is provided by an equipment shed, lean too, and utility shed. The current owners use this property for occasional family gatherings and otherwise general outdoor recreation. The owners also occasionally rent the cabin as a vacation rental and have received as much as $500/night. With a shortage of cabin rentals in the area, there is no doubt you could supplement the cost of ownership with the occasional rental that suits your needs.Although this property has many uses and could be taken in a number of directions, at its core, it has really been a managed timber property. The current owners have worked tirelessly to properly manage the timber, being recognized and awarded with the Charles Deam Forest Stewardship award by industry professionals for their custodial and conservation efforts. Without a doubt, the hard work of managing the timber on this property has been well documented and designed. With approximately 200 acres of timber ground, predominant species include Walnut, Hard Maple, White Oak, Black Oak, & Poplar. In 2002, the owners also planted a bottom area with 1800 Black Walnut trees for future generations. At this point, the current timber stand is quite valuable and could provide immediate equity if select harvested. Professionals tell us this timber stand is in great shape, with current growth measurements reflecting the timber stand is averaging 17% growth per year! When compared to traditional investments, this property simply represents a safer, more consistent rate of return. Further, with proper management, this timber stand should provide a renewable income stream for generations to come.In 2005 the property received the prestigious state-wide Pioneer Award for its access road system and fire control measures. Therefore, incredible trail riding can be found leading in all directions from the cabin and extending for miles across the property, linking all its key features. Without a doubt, one of the coolest features on this property is the cave system. Sitting at the base of a rock ledge and at the headwaters of a natural spring lies what would most certainly have been a significant location for Native Americans and early humans of the area. These impressive dynamic caves are home to limestone stalactites, spotted cave salamanders, and various troglobites like albino crawfish, offering a unique and incredible exploration experience. The cave system has been explored by area spelunkers and supposedly mapped to be 1000' long!Further down the trail, you'll find several jaw-dropping vistas and photo points looking across the valley below. At 790' elevation, the property boasts the 2nd highest peak in the county. Looking north, you can even see the #1 Tee Box of the Pete Dye Golf course above the French Lick Resort. Further yet, you'll reach a nice Tower blind overlooking an established 3.5-acre food plot and wildlife orchard adjacent to approximately 150 acres of rarely accessed Hoosier National Forest. An additional 1-acre food plot on the other side of the farm is easily accessible via the trail system as well. The hunting on this property has been quite exceptional, with the owners filling their deer and turkey tags most every year. Trophy potential in this area is quite good, with several farms adjacent and nearby holding trophy-class bucks. Undoubtedly, if quality hunting ranks high on your list, this property will fit the bill as a premier hunting destination.Although this property offers you plenty of room to roam, you'll find tons of additional outdoor activities within a short drive. Orange County and the surrounding area is quite simply one of the best destinations for outdoor recreation in the state. Canoeing, hiking, boating, exploring caves, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities that can be found within a short drive. This area is also home to two nationally historic hotels, three challenging golf courses, world-class spas, impressive meeting and convention venues, and 24/7 gaming at French Lick Casino, not to mention special events, live music, and concerts. Step back in time to charming small towns, quaint eateries, and unparalleled Hoosier hospitality.Regardless of your intended use or interest, If you appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world and wish to reconnect with your role in it, there's no doubt you're going to fall in love with this property. With something for everyone, it truly should be considered a legacy-type property. It offers an incredible level of seclusion, beautifully rugged landscapes, towering old-growth timber, expansive vistas, geological wonders, a plethora of game and wildlife species, and comfortable amenities that will leave you begging to return or possibly refusing to leave....
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