DESCRIPTION

The rich land in Monroe County was a prize for the early settlers and they soon established their homes here after crossing the Alleghenies from the Great Valley of Virginia. Long range views of the surrounding mountains and rolling hills add to the charm and grace of Lick Creek Farm.

Low taxes, clean water, clean air and friendly people contribute to the areas exceptional quality of life.

Numerous and various species of migratory songbirds, blue birds and finches are found on the property. The free flowing stream and rolling pastures create a tranquil setting offering a welcomed respite from today’s industrialized world operating at breakneck speed.

HIGHLIGHTS

*Large 106 acre surveyed parcel offers privacy and seclusion.
*70+/- acres of crop field and pasture.
* ½ hour to the mighty New River, the East Coast’s whitewater rafting and fishing mecca
* Healthy hardwood and cedar forest with some harvest-ready timber.
*1000’ of year round Lick Creek flows along the southern boundary
*1/2 mile of a second blue line creek runs along the western boundary and several ephemeral streams create and interesting terrain.
*A fantastic wildlife population.
*Spectacular long range views approaching 20 miles with a 270 degree view shed.
*High percentage of commercially – operable ground supporting farming, forestry, recreation.
*Potential for residential/recreational development.
*Elevations range from 1877’ to nearly 2200’
*1000’ hard top road frontage on a year-round state maintained road and great interior roadways.
*Electric and phone available nearby.
*Low taxes, low population density.
*Little or no light pollution reveals a canopy of stars overhead.

THE AREA 

The charming village of Union, which is the Monroe County seat, is just a 20 minute drive. Banking, healthcare facilities, drugstore, grocery shopping and a great family restaurants are readily available. Some of the friendliest people in West Virginia can be found in Monroe County. Monroe County has a population of about 13,000 residents and does not have a stoplight and has more cattle and sheep than people. There are no fast food restaurants but there are two local restaurant,  Kalico Kitchen and the Corner Cafe, in downtown Union that are packed each morning for breakfast and then again for lunch.

Lewisburg, which is the Greenbrier County seat, was voted the Coolest Small Town in American in 2011 and is an hour drive to the thriving downtown historic district. The downtown boasts a year round live theatre, Carnegie Hall, several fabulous restaurants, antique shops and boutiques. There is also a modern hospital and all attendant medical facilities along with all the big box stores.

The Greenbrier County Airport, which has WV’s longest runway, is located  an hour away and has daily flights to Atlanta and Washington DC. The world famous Greenbrier Resort is about 45 minutes’ drive and Snowshoe Ski Resort is about 2.5 hours’ drive. Rich Creek VA and US-460 25 minutes, Princeton on I-77 is 40 minutes, Blacksburg 1 hour, DC 5 hours and Charlotte is 3 hours away.

Rich Creek, Narrows, Pearisburg and Blacksburg offer shopping, schools, theatres, modern medical facilities and airports all within an hours drive.

Within an hour’s drive are located some of the finest recreational facilities in West Virginia. Winterplace Ski Resort, whitewater rafting/fishing on the New River, 2000 acre Bluestone Lake, Pipestem State Park and Resort and the 80,000 acre New River National Gorge National Park. Five other area state parks and state forests offer unlimited hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding and rock climbing opportunities.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

Lick Creek Farm is a very nice grazing farm with extraordinary long views stretching  20 miles across Little Mountain and along the Peters Mountain Range.  The farm is located in southern Monroe County, just a few miles to the Virginia Stateline. There are approximately 70 acres of gently rolling meadows, hay fields, and garden areas. Cattle, along with their attendant calves, graze on seasonal grasses in the pastures. Much of the land would be suitable for growing corn or other small grain crops. Sheep also do well in this area and one might consider raising alpacas or llamas.

The soils and elevation would be well suited for establishing a vineyard or fruit orchard. There is only 250’ in elevation change across the entire boundary which runs the perimeter of the property for over 12000’ (2.2 miles).

There is no shortage of room to establish a vegetable garden and the rich soil and abundant sunshine is perfect for growing tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, squash, cucumbers, carrots, onions and any of the “Greens” (kale, mustard and collards).

The open land is fenced and cross fenced and the fencing is considered good on most areas of the farm. Water for livestock is provided by two farm ponds.

The entire boundary is currently being rented as a grazing boundary but there are several sections of the farm that would be suitable for hay production if so desired. The rich, “sweet” soils are perfect for producing seasonal grasses for grazing or hay and this land could also be used in the production of corn, pumpkins etc.

Monroe County ranks 3rd out of 55 counties in WV for the production of beef and 1st in the production of sheep.

WATER ON THE FARM

A blue line stream meanders for about ½ mile along the western boundary of the farm. Year round Lick Creek flows for over 1000’ along the southern boundary. Several other seasonal and ephemeral streams are found on the property.

There are two very nice ponds that provide water for the cattle as well as fishing for the family and friends.

Public water is not available at this time.

FOREST RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE

Lick Creek Farm about 30 acres of forestland, some of which was recently lightly thinned by a licensed forest products company who took great care to leave the forest and trails in excellent condition. This woodland acreage is scattered about between the meadows in small woodlots creating an enchanting feel and look to the farm. Some of the trees would be considered “Heritage Trees”. These ancient trees, some of which are 200-300 years old, have withstood the test of time, weathering ice, wind, lightning strikes, fire and of course – woodpeckers. One extremely large White Oak (Quercus Alba) growing along the meadow below the old barn has a circumference of over 10 feet. There are also several Black Walnut trees scattered about that are very beautiful and stately and produce an abundance of tasty walnuts in the fall of the year.

Some of the species found on the property are Black Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Hickory, Sycamore and Ash. No forest pests such as Gypsy Moth or Emerald Ash Borer have been found on the property.

The farm is home to a wide array of wildlife which includes a variety of song birds, owls, hawks, woodpeckers, ravens and wild turkeys. White tailed deer, raccoon, opossums, rabbits, chipmunks, coyotes and bobcats are a part of the resident wildlife population.

MINERALS RESOURCES

The Marcellus Shale may underlie the property at a depth of 5000′+. The east coast Marcellus Shale Region is thought to contain enough natural gas to power the United States for over 100 years.

There is no current oil and gas lease on the property.  All oil and gas rights the seller owns along with any other mineral rights the seller may own 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.

LOCATION

Lick Creek Farm is located 14 miles south of Union, 2 miles north of Lindside, 20 miles north of Peterstown and 22 miles north of Rich Creek VA and US 460. The historic village of Union is the county seat. Elevation of the farm ranges from 1887’ to 2133’.

Google Coordinates for the main gate are:

LATITUDE 037.4871639 N
LONGITUDE 080.6550243 W

TAXES AND DEED INFORMATION

The property is assessed in Springfield District (#5), on Tax Map 31- parcel 18, containing106.17 acres.

Taxes for 2013 were assessed as Class II property in the amount of $302.39. Tax information may be found online at www.MonroeCountyWV.net.

The deed is recorded in the Monroe County Courthouse, Union, WV in Deed Book 275 page 385.

HISTORIC LIVELY CEMETERY

As is very common on old mountain farms, there is a cemetery sitting high atop a knob on the southern boundary of the property. The Lively Cemetery dates to the early 1800’s with the oldest marked grave being that of __________________________, born 1830, and died 1839. There is deeded access to the cemetery for families and others wishing to visit the cemetery.

ZONING

There is currently no county zoning in this area of Monroe County. All prospective purchasers are encouraged to contact the Monroe County Health Department for answers regarding installation of septic systems and water wells. Further information on county zoning may be answered by contacting the county commissioners at www.MonroeCountyWV.net.

UTILITIES

There is electric and phone service on the property. Public water is not available; public sewer or cable is not available at this time.

Satellite providers such as Hughes Net, Jet Blue or and air card may provide high speed internet service. Television reception may be provided by either DIRECTV or Dish Network.

Cell phone coverage is excellent in most places on the property. Weekly trash pickup, daily newspaper and daily mail delivery is available at roadside. UPS and FedEx service this area also. Public school buses run daily when school is in session.

ACCESS- BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

Access to the property is excellent and is served by year round, state maintained paved highways. The property fronts State Highway 219/7 for about 1000’.

There is a current survey on the property. The survey was conducted by Harold Bradley, Professional Surveyor, License # 625, in April, 2014.  Total surveyed acres were 106.17.  Much of the boundary is fenced or state road. The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

There is an access easement granted to the owners of the two adjoining properties to access their property. This easement follows the existing farm road and has been surveyed and recorded in DB 275 page 745.