HIGHLIGHTS

• 363 +/- acres of fields and forest combine to create a recreational and farming property
• Two bold running, crystal clear mountain springs – Producing continuously for over 115 years
• Original 1,808+/- sq ft two story circa 1901 farm house in good repair and move in condition
• Recently constructed 1 1/2 story, 1,339 +/- sq. ft. modern cottage
• 344 +/- acres of very valuable timber should one decide to conduct timber harvest
• Miles of forest trails accessing nearly every part of the property
• Interesting moss covered rock outcrops and rock cliffs
• Everything in place to create a permaculture and experience its rewarding lifestyle
• Wiseman Branch runs for 1.5 miles through the heart of property
• Surrounded by timber tracts and farms in a nice rural neighborhood
• Superior access adjoining paved state road on school bus route, FedEx delivery
• Dark skies with little or no light pollution for star and planet gazing
• Rich soil offers numerous garden spots and fields suitable for hay, corn, pumpkins, etc.
• Vintage barn and other outbuildings in excellent condition
• ¼-acre pond supporting native sedges, rushes, ferns, songbirds, frogs, turtles, crawdads and rabbits
• Located in peaceful Monroe County just 15 minutes to Union, the county seat
• Some very ancient “Heritage” trees scattered about the forest and fields
• Excellent timber species include fragrant cedars, beautiful oaks, black walnuts, poplars, maples and hickories
• All mineral rights the seller owns will convey
• Electricity and phone on site
• Wildlife is abundant with several fur bearing species represented
• Winged wildlife includes hawks, owls, ravens, and Neotropical songbirds
• Diverse topography of forest, field, wetland, meadows create an interesting natural setting
• Near Fountain Springs Golf Course
• Secluded family recreation area located by the rocky stream includes the pond for fishing and a shelter for cookouts. This enchanting area is a place for telling ghost stories and roasting marshmallows around the campfire, and playing tag, hide and seek, volleyball, croquet, and Frisbee in the level grassy area.

HOMEPLACE FARMHOUSE

• Two stories
• 1,808 total sq. ft.
• Living Room 15 x 20
• Kitchen 10 x 20
• Dining 12 x 20
• Bath 6 x 8
• Laundry 10 x 16
• Storage Room 10 x 10
• Enclosed front porch 6 x 23
• Enclosed back porch 6 x 35
• Covered back porch 6 x 15
• Carport 12 x 21
• Bedroom (Upstairs) 16 x 15
• Bedroom (Upstairs) 10 x 10
• Bathroom (Upstairs) 6 x 8

MODERN COTTAGE

• 1 1/2 stories
• 1,339 total sq. ft.
• Bedroom (Main) 10 x 10
• Bath/Utility (Main) 12 x 13
• Kitchen (Main) 11 x 14
• Garage (Main) 20 x 25
• Living Room/Kitchen/Bedroom (Loft) 13 x 33

VINTAGE BARN AND OUTBUILDINGS

• The two story barn is old timey circle sawn oak and chestnut and dates to circa 1900. This is a sturdy barn and is in very good repair. There is a basketball hoop in the loft. The barn’s dimensions are 25 x 36 +/-.
• Original outhouse
• Outbuilding 16 x 20
• Pole shed 40 x 16
• Vintage storage building 16 x 20
• Storage building 10 x 12

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 37.487030°(N), -80.596852°(W)
Elevation Range: 1930 ft. to 2624 ft. +/-

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

Complementing the property’s 20 +/- acres of fields, streams and springs, the 344 +/- acre timber resource is well positioned for current timber income as well as value appreciation over the coming decades. With an attractive species mix, adequate stocking levels, and favorable diameter class distribution, the timber amenity represents a strong component of value to the investor.

The Two Brothers forest resource is composed of quality Appalachian hardwoods. 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 of the timber and pulpwood has not been determined at this time.

Species composition:

The forest’s 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:

•Black Walnut
•Sugar Maple
•Poplar/Basswood
•Red Oak Group
•White Oak/Chestnut Oak
•Soft Maple
•Hickory
•Black Walnut
•A host of associate species (ash birch, sourwood, black gum, beech)

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 current and future veneer source.

The property’s 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 40-140 year old stems ranging in size of 10”-30” dbh. Portions of this stand have been thinned several decades ago as prudent forest management called for. More recently, a selective thinning was conducted on approximately 50 acres in order to recover the Eastern Hemlock trees that were dying out due to the attack from the Hemlock Wooly Adegid. During that harvest, some of the hardwood species interspersed in the harvest unit were selectively removed.

The second distinct stand was established over the past 50 years when some of the farm fields and pastures were abandoned and the forest began to naturally regenerate. These stands represent a quality hardwood resource and will be reaching economic maturity in the next 20-40 years.

Diameters are well represented across the commercial spectrum with a notable mature size class, as well as abundant pole size timber and growing stock. 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, which has inundated the entire Northeast US, is present and the Ash component will significantly decline over the next decade. The Eastern Hemlock species is under attack by the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and the remaining hemlock will significantly decline over the coming decade. There have been no forest fires in recent memory. However there is some evidence of decades old forest fires.

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.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

Two Brother’s rich soil, abundance of water, climate, and topography provide the necessary elements for a permaculture lifestyle. There are currently about 20 acres of nice fields suitable for hay or row crops like corn, pumpkins etc.

There are several fruit trees scattered about, some of which were part of the early homestead. The bottomland field is fenced. Crops of black walnuts are produced each year from the abundant black walnut trees scattered about.

Honey bees would do well here and it would be possible to produce maple syrup from the sugar and red maple trees growing on the property.

WILDLIFE

The mixture of mature forest, emerging forest, farm fields, old fruit trees, coupled with the abundant water supply from Wiseman Branch and springs, create the perfect wildlife habitat. The “edge effect” created between, branch, field and forest is the textbook habitat for the resident wildlife. The edges create long wildlife food plot. The hardwood forest produces tons of acorns, hickory nuts, beech nuts and soft mast. White tail deer, black bear, red/gray fox, bobcat, wild turkey, squirrel, raccoon, fox and many species of songbirds, owls and raptors make up the resident wildlife population. It is hard to find a property that has a better mix of wildlife as there has been little hunting pressure for many years.

The branch is a major contributor to the local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals. Great fishing is found in the pond with bass, catfish, and bluegill present in good numbers.

The creeks and pond and its surrounding aquatic plant life create a water supported community with a wide variety of wildlife. Some of creek and pond margin is fringed by wetlands, and these wetlands support the aquatic food web, provide shelter for wildlife, and stabilize the banks. The plant life associated with the wetland includes, watercress, rushes, sedges, cattails, duckweed, bee balm and algae.

There are many animals that live in the water and around the edges of the creek, springs and pond including raccoons, opossums, blue herons, Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, minnows, fish, turtles, salamanders, newts, crayfish, muskrat, bull frogs, and redwing blackbirds. Of course there is the insect and microscopic world including butterflies, dragonflies, water skaters, water beetles, damselflies, tadpoles and various insect larve.

WATER

The farm also has a small watering pond that is about ¼ acre. Most assuredly, Two Brothers is blessed with an abundance of crystal clear water. There are two proven year-round springs, one of which has served as the water source for the original farm house for over 115 years. The output flow from this spring does not vary with the season. The spring is protected by the vintage cut-stone spring house and houses a modern pump system. There is another spring below the house spring that is just as prolific and crystal clear.

Wiseman Branch, a dashed blue-line stream, runs through the property for over 1 ½ miles and contributes to great aquatic value to the property. This stream is fed by 25 ephemeral streams on the property and by hundreds more ephemeral streams on surrounding properties further up the hollow. This stream is full of interesting rock, small waterfalls and is particularly active during rain events and early spring snow melt. There is a pretty pond fed by Wiseman Branch and is stocked with catfish, bass and bluegill. The pond is about ¼ acre in size.

MINERAL RESOURCES

A title search for actual mineral ownership rights is recommended.  All rights the owner has will convey with the property.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

Some of the boundaries are evidenced by stock fencing.  The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

UTILITIES

Water:   Drilled well and two historic and proven springs
Sewer:   Septic system
Electricity:   Onsite
Telephone:   Landline in place
Internet:  May be possible through landline and or Hugesnet
Cellphone Coverage:   Great on the ridges and can be spotty in the deeper hollow

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property has excellent access throughout the property. The farm has about 700 feet of frontage on the paved, county maintained, Pete Amos Road RT 219/14. There is a very nice, level, very well maintained gravel farm road winding along the stream and through the property from the county road to the farm house and cottage.

ZONING

There is currently no county zoning in 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 Monroe County Commission.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY

This farm is currently in fields, pastures, and forestland.  A breakdown is as follows:

Fields and Pastures: 19 acres +/-
Small Pond: ¼ acre +/-
Forestland: 344 acres +/-

(This summary is an estimation of current property use as determined from aerial photography.  It is made subject to the estimation of property boundaries and any errors in the interpretation of land use type from the aerial photography utilized.)

DEED AND TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: WB 39 Pg. 629, DB 254 Pg. 621
Monroe County, West Virginia

Acreage: 363 acres +/-

Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:
Monroe County (32), West Virginia
Springfield District (5)
Tax Map 32 Parcels 49, 49.2, 59, 59.2
Tax Map 33 Parcels 3 and 10
Tax Class 2
2017 Real Estate Taxes: $ 805.71

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Monroe County School District

Public Elementary and Middle Schools:

Mountain View Elementary and Middle School
Peterstown Elementary and Middle School

Public High School:
James Monroe High School

SURROUNDING AREA

MONROE COUNTY

Two Brothers is located near the charming village of Union, which is the Monroe County seat, and is just a 15 to 20 minute drive. Banking, healthcare facilities, drugstore, grocery, hardware, auto parts and farm supply are readily available in nearby Union and Peterstown. There are no fast food restaurants but there are the local restaurants that are great places to meet friends and enjoy a great home cooked meal.

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. Monroe County is a special area with interesting folks, both “born and raised” and newer members from many different states. People from all walks of life reside in harmony in this lovely pastoral setting. Located south of Union, near Rock Camp, and west of Blacksburg, VA, the parcel offers those from urban areas the opportunity for a rural retreat well within a half days drive to Washington, DC and Charlotte, NC. Lindside and the Lindside Volunteer Fire Department is a 10-minute drive.

Shortly after Monroe County was created, James Alexander offered 25 acres of land, including a lot for a courthouse which in time became the town of Union. On January 6, 1800, the Virginia Assembly passed an act creating the town of Union. The Monroe County Historical Society preserves several historic structures in the town, including the Caperton Law Office, Owen Neel House, Clark-Wisemen House, Ames Clair Hall, and the Old Baptist Church. The Union Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

The Town of Peterstown is just down the road from Two Brothers. Banking, healthcare facilities, drugstore, grocery, hardware, auto parts and farm supply are readily available in Peterstown. The town is on the border with Virginia and Virginia Tech is less than an hour from Peterstown.

Peterstown was chartered in 1803 by the Virginia General Assembly, incorporated in 1892 by the Circuit Court. Peterstown was named for Christian Peters, Revolutionary war soldier, who settled nearby and founded the town shortly after the Revolutionary War. The town is the site of the 1928 discovery of the 34.48 carat (6.896 g) Jones Diamond by Grover C. Jones and his son, William “Punch” Jones.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS GOLF COURSE

Fountain Springs Golf Course, located along U. S. Route 219, at 93 Fountain Springs Dr, Peterstown, is a 18 hole Public course. From the back tees, the course plays over 6278 yards with a slope of 120 and rating of 70.4. Fountain Springs was designed by Russell Breeden and opened in 1998.

GREENBRIER VALLEY

Historic Lewisburg is located just 1 hour to the North with all the charm of a small town and all the amenities of a larger city. Designated the “Coolest Small Town in America” in 2011, fine dining, arts and entertainment flourish in the Lewisburg area while “big box” stores like Walmart and Lowes are also available along with the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center and other medical services.

Lewisburg is also home to Carnegie Hall, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine, a community college, and is the county seat for Greenbrier County. The Greenbrier Valley Airport with daily flights to Atlanta and Washington, DC is located just outside of Lewisburg. The world famous Greenbrier Resort is 1 hour drive and Snowshoe Ski Resort is within a 2 hour drive as well.

Within an hour to two hour drive are located some of the finest recreational facilities in West Virginia. Snowshoe Ski Resort, whitewater rafting / fishing on the Greenbrier, New River and Gauley River, 2000 acre Bluestone Lake, 919,000 acre Monongahela National Forest 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.