prep « Robin Writes

We’ve narrowed down our search for land to 9 Missouri counties—17 properties. Of course, we aren’t quite ready to buy, and these could certainly change, but in just a couple months we’ll start driving around and checking things out.

We’re going to plan on 35 acres; this seems to meet our budget and we really have to stop saying, “Or whatever size we end up with.” Mostly wooded is the main criteria, some open/pasture is fine, and of course, a flat section for building. Live water is preferred, but probably not on a major waterway—tubing is popular in the areas we’re looking at, but that means people . . .

I printed off some graph paper and drew a rough sketch of the compound:

24’ X 30’ cabin with a driveway/parking area leading to the side

4 8’ X 8’ outbuildings: pump house, supplies, general storage, and fuel

12’ X 12’ platform for tent

Outhouse/outdoor shower

16’ X 24’ garden

There is also room for fruit trees/vines, and a small stall/stable/enclosure for a cow. No chickens! I’m still terrified of them—but we’ll have a hive as well. We can trade for eggs. And bacon. J

Now, in case you’re wondering about the tent and outhouse, the plan is to move out there WHILE we’re building the house. And, of course, we need something to live in, and somewhere to um, go, so there’s that. And, later, our friends can come out and camp—instant campground!

Of course, that’s if you know the location and the secret password . . .

We got some news over the weekend and, while we’re still working on the downsizing, we are starting to line up our costs for water, power, and shelter.

Here’s the big one, though: it’s time to find the property!

No, we’re not moving yet, but we wanted to get a head start so we can determine our needs, costs, and so forth. Instead of hauling everything out to the woods in, um, 23 months, we’ll start the building, etc., sometime in the next six months.

We’ve narrowed the location down to some 19 counties—don’t laugh, Missouri has a lot of them—south and west of St. Louis within about a two-hour drive.

What are we looking for, exactly? Ideally, about 35-50 acres, wooded; spring, live creek, electric to property line. Access, not landlocked. Oh, and affordable—like $50K, tops.

Believe it or not, something like this isn’t hard to find. In fact, there may be too many to choose from . . . But hey, it’s a start! Once we’re completely ready, we’ll narrow it down to a few in each area and start looking, in person.

And after we actually purchase the property, we’re going to start putting up the outbuildings and, if nothing else, will have a great place to camp over the next two years. Er, 23 months . . .