1799 FORT SPRING PIKE, WV 24970 (MLS# 13-1493)

Water Source: Well

Sewer Source: Septic

Views: Mountain; River; Valley; Wooded

DESCRIPTION The Forren Farm is the classic West Virginia mountain farm, sustaining several generations of farmers since the 1880's - over 130 years. The farm is a multi-use property located in the quite river valley community of Fort Spring. There is something for everyone: long peaceful views, river frontage, crop fields, rolling meadows and an exceptional forest with magnificent old growth trees. The panoramic views stretch for miles in every direction across the surrounding mountains and valley farms. There is no better place to sit and enjoy the beauty of the West Virginia Mountains than from the kitchen of the old farm house. Sunrise and sunset are very special times on the farm. The Forren Farm adjoins the lazy Greenbrier River for about 8/10ths mile (4000' +/-). Lots of fun can be had skipping stone, fishing or turning over rocks to find Crawfish and salamanders, while just being a kid playing on the river bank. Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn would be well at home here. Access to the river is limited by the river cliffs but it should be possible to establish a hiking trail from the farms meadow down through the cliffs to the river. Public access to the river below is just a short walk or fun bike ride. A long and easy to traverse hiking trail winds over the meadows and through the woodland. Early morning or late evening is the perfect time to enjoy a stroll along the trail and let the birds keep you company with their singing. Late summer evening brings the night sounds of crickets, bullfrogs, cicadas, owls and doves cooing all within the flashing backdrop of countless lightning bugs. The cool temperate climate and loamy soils are conducive for the production of grapes, apples and peaches. The pastures may be used for grazing sheep, cattle, llamas and donkeys and all do well on the native bluegrass that grows so well in the region. Pigs do well here too and love munching on acorns, hickory nuts and crabapples from the native trees in the fall of the year. Beekeeping is also a very popular pastime in the area and the Forren Farm would be well suited for the production of honey with some well-placed hives. A portion of the property is also suited for the production of row crops and vegetables. Several nice garden spots are available but be sure to plant a little extra for the rabbits to enjoy. Pumpkins will do well here too. The trees scattered about the farm are very beautiful with some old growth Walnuts and Oaks that started growing in the 1800's. The song birds, deer, rabbits, wild turkey, and squirrels thrive here as the gentle laying land, abundant water and vegetative diversity create the perfect wildlife habitat. The Greenbrier Valley has more cattle per square mile than people and the night sky is filled with stars and not light pollution. Adjoining Monroe County is noted as the #1 producer of sheep. For the water enthusiast the Greenbrier River is short walk and a 30 minute drive to the New River and 2000 acre Bluestone Lake. The 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 45 minutes away. In 10 minutes you can catch the Amtrak train in Alderson and ride to the Greenbrier Resort, Chicago or New York City. The Beckley Airport and Greenbrier Valley Airports are just 30-40 minutes away. THE HOME The original farm house is circa 1880 and has beautiful long range views in every direction. The homes lives very comfortably and has a grand staircase that is still well known after 130 years in the area for it beauty, charm and graceful architecture and still is. The original hardwood floors are in excellent condition and there are no less than 6 fireplaces. Plenty of windows let the light stream in and when opened, sometimes the muffled rumble of a train and its whistle toots can be heard in the distance before entering the Fort Spring tunnel. The old fashion front porch overlooks the distance hills and farms on Flat Mountain and is the perfect place to rock away the hours, enjoy a sunset over the far distant mountain, read or just spend time with friends and family. DIMENSIONS First Floor 1232 sq ft Living Room: 14' x 14' Kitchen: 20' x 14' Dining Room: 14'x14' Family Room: 14'x14' Utility/Mud Room: 8' x 6' Foyer: 10x12 Second Floor: 808 sq ft BR1:12'x14' BR2:12'x14' BR3:12'x14' Storage:12'x12' Bathroom:8'x8' Storage:8'x12' Attic: not finished, storage only HOME INFORMATION Historic: circa 1880 Two Story Farm House Siding: Wood 2500 sq. ft.+/- Main Floor Sq. Ft. 1232' +/- Upper Floor Sq. Ft. 808 +/- Basement: parcel Covered Front porch Covered Back porch Total Rooms: 12 Bedrooms: 3 Total Bathrooms:1 Full Bathrooms: 1 Items to Convey: outside wood burning stove, antique kitchen cook stove Lot Acres: 285+/- Foundation: Cut Stone Roof: Galvanized Metal (original?) Date of Roof: 130 years (?) Floor: Hardwood, Linoleum Heat: Outside woodstove (hot water baseboard) Air-conditioning: none, seldom needed Water: 2 drilled wells one for house, one for barn. Sewer: Septic Crawl space: yes Sump pump: none Generator: none Telephone: Landline Cellphone Coverage: Excellent Hot water: electric Electric: 200 amp, needs updated BARN-OUTBUILDINGS & IMPROVEMENTS Barn lot, meadow and part of woodlot fully fenced. Other sections need fence replaced or improved Spring fed concrete water troughs Large barn with tin roof-needs to be dismantled-lots of beautiful old growth lumber to be repurposed (paneling, flooring and moldings) Woodshed Large wooden open machine shed Corn crib 2 Storage wooden buildings ACCESS, BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY Access is provided by Route 43, an all season state-maintained paved road. There is over 3000' of road frontage. The property consists of approximately 285 acres. The property has not been surveyed recently, although many of the adjoining properties have been surveyed so most of the boundary lines are well established on the ground. The boundaries consist of the river, state road, fences, former rail grade and cliff line. Property is sold by the boundary and not by the acre. TAXES AND ZONING Property taxes for the 2012 tax year were $1,113.26. The parcels are listed in Irish Corner District, Greenbrier County on Tax Map 3, parcel 3 and Tax Map 8, parcels 16, 48 and 51. The deed descriptions for the property are found in Will Book 61, page 677. Greenbrier County has a Subdivision Ordinance and all prospective buyers contemplating division of property into lots should consult the Greenbrier County Planning Commission. All prospective buyers should contact the Greenbrier County Commission and Health Department when considering purchasing or developing any property in the county to determine if the property is subject to any additional zoning ordinances. UTILITIES Electric- Mon Power Propane - R.T. Rogers Landline Phone - Frontier Internet - High speed, Frontier Cable TV - Frontier/Dish Water - Wells {2}, Sewer - Septic Trash Pickup - Greenbrier Valley Solid Waste at curbside Cell phone coverage is excellent in this area. USPS and Overnight Couriers deliver to the area TIMER RESOURCES The timber on the farm is comprises about 130 acres and is exceptionally well stocked with mature timber as well as young and vigorous growing stock. Some trees are well over 100 years old and classify as "Heritage Trees". These wonderful trees have withstood the test of time and lend an air of grace and permanency to the property. A portion of the property was selectively thinned about 10 years ago and the forest has responded very well and is growing at a rate of around 4-10% per year. The 40 acre river front forest growing between the cliffs and the river has not been harvested in several decades, if ever, and supports a unique and diverse timber and plant population. Some of the trees are 200-300 years old, and some maybe even older. The Nature Conservancy may have an interest in purchasing this area to forever protect this very special waterfront environ. With excellent hardwood quality and numerous pole-sized and sawlog-sized stems, the remaining 90+- acre woodland tract is dominated by Sugar Maple, Yellow Poplar, Black Walnut, Black Cherry, White Oak and Red Oak, Sycamore and Basswood. The forest is healthy and there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth or Emerald Ash Borer. There have been no forest fires in the recent memory. From downtown Lewisburg, proceed south on Rt. 219 about 2.5 miles. At the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, stay straight onto Davis Stuart Road {CR 37/3}. Follow Davis Stuart 4 miles to t-intersection then bear Right onto Rt. 63. Proceed 1.3 miles then bear Left onto Fort Spring Pike Rd {CR 43}. Take Route 43 ¾ mile crossing the Greenbrier River and stay left on Rt. 43 for 1.1 mile and passing through Fort Spring. The entrance to the farm will be on the left at the black board fence and farm gate with cattle guard. The gate is locked. Please call the office for entry.