Browsing Around - June, 1983

By Bob Heafner © 1983-2012

Issue: June, 1983

“BROWSING AROUND” is a regular feature of The Mountain Laurel. In this section we feature various pieces of real estate that are for sale in “The Heart of the Blue Ridge,” and we give some details and reasons why we find them particularly attractive. We do this out of editorial curiosity and neither The Mountain Laurel nor its staff have any interest in these properties and would decline any interest or compensation if offered. If you have or know of property for sale, whether you are an individual or a real estate company, that you think is unique or interesting, please let us know.

This beautiful 69 3/4 acre property is in the Terry's Fork section of Floyd County, Virginia. The home is tucked away in the center of the property and privacy, peace and quiet can be yours.This month we were browsing around the Terry’s Fork section of Floyd County and came across a peaceful and quaint old mountain farm. Located only 14 miles from Floyd and Christiansburg and less than 45 minutes from Roanoke, it would be perfect for someone who works in town but has their heart in the country. The property consists of 69 ¾ acres and has almost ½ mile of road frontage on State Road 612.

Rolling meadows cover almost 50 acres and the balance is in hardwood and white pines. A small stream meanders through the property and a pond provides water for livestock and a home for fish and bullfrogs. The stream is teeming with schools of minnows which caught my eye as I walked over the property.

The house is located near the center of the property and is surrounded by beautiful shade trees. A well maintained driveway provides access. There are several outbuildings and a barn. The entire property is fenced.

The two-story home has a character one would expect, but not often find, in an old mountain farmhouse. A wide front porch spans the entire front and overlooks the pond and fields. There’s one bedroom downstairs and two upstairs, plus a large country kitchen and living room. The fact that there’s only one bath is compensated for by such things as wide pine flooring and simple mountain charm.

Water is furnished by a spring which runs by gravity into a concrete trough in the basement, which was used years ago to store milk, butter and other foodstuffs that had to be kept cool. It’s an exceptionally bold spring and as cold as ice water. There is also a modern water system which forces the water to the kitchen and bath.

Whether you’re a “back-to-the-earther” or just a “get-out-of-the-city” type, this place has a lot to offer. The agent to contact is Mrs. Diana Wimmer, broker at Wimmer Realty in Floyd, Virginia. Her telephone number is (540) 745-2073 (at her office) or (540) 651-8202 (at home). The asking price is $92,000.

Our next Browsing Around feature this month is totally different from the first. It is located in Cascade Mountain Ski Resort, Fancy Gap, Virginia and overlooks the slopes.

Picture yourself on the patio, sunning in summer or sipping hot chocolate in winter while watching skiers on the slopes across the hollow.The house is two-story and designed as two separate units for rental and entertaining purposes. It was owner built and quality materials were used. It is fully insulated, including the floors, for heat and noise control. All of the windows and patio doors are thermopane for their insulating quality. A direct southern exposure provides passive solar heat, as well as a spectacular view.

The lower level unit has three bedrooms, one bath and a large living room, kitchen and dining combination. There’s also a patio and plenty of glass to capture the view. This unit has approximately 900 square feet and is fully carpeted.

The upper level unit has two bedrooms with one bath, and a large kitchen, dining and living room combination. This unit has approximately 800 square feet. Sliding glass patio doors open onto a balcony which spans the entire length of the house and partially down one side. A stairway provides a separate, outside entrance for this unit. A wide roof overhang protects a portion of the deck area. The view of the slopes and Piedmont, North Carolina is breathtaking.

Both units have dishwashers, ranges, ovens, disposals, telephone hookups and a rotary antenna system, plus draperies and full carpeting. A heat pump with central air conditioning provides year round comfort. An attic exhaust fan operates automatically. Other features include a paved driveway, washer and dryer hookups, exterior floodlights, water filter, underground wiring, plus a well landscaped lawn complete with rail fencing. As if this were not enough, the owner or his guests have complete privileges to Cascade Mountain’s recreational facilities such as tennis, swimming pool, hiking and skiing (discount fee charged) plus 24 hour security guard posted at resort entrance. An annual fee of $175.00 is charged for the above services including road maintenance, full time maintenance employee and the resort water system. There is also stables and over 15 acres of green areas for members to enjoy. Four slopes and a chair lift provide skiing fun in winter.

For an investment with tax advantages, this property is definitely worth looking at. The total price is $49,950, and the owner will finance. If you’re interested, call Arko Anglin, Broker, at (540) 694-3570 or (540) 694-4810 for an appointment.