Four Charming Cabins Under $100k
They may be small but they sure are mighty.
I personally love a project. After buying our 150 yr old one room schoolhouse the neighbors would pass by and say hello, most of them exclaiming something to the extent of “Wow, you really have your work cut out for you”. Yep, that’s the point!
I was ready to work hard and get my hands dirty; to learn more of the ins and outs of antique post and beam construction and what it means to own and maintain a historic home. But I also put a lot of time and thought into the type and the size of project I wanted to take on, so when I walked into the schoolhouse for the first time I was hit with that feeling. I knew it was the one. I wanted a place under 1000 sq ft, a place that had good bones, something located in a private and rural setting, and a building that holds an intriguing history. All these aspects (plus more) made me know with certainty that the schoolhouse was for us. They also keep me motivated to continue on with the renovations even thought its been 1.5 years and it feels like we’re just getting started! Yes, there are many days when I question what the heck we’re doing. But in the end I know this renovation stage will be just a blip in time while bringing this special building back to life in the way it deserves will last a lifetime.
So this week I wanted to share a handful of properties that, to me, can all be transformed into peaceful, personal retreats with a bit of vision and work. And isn’t it just that much more gratifying in the end when you put so much of yourself into a project? I’d take hard work and a bit of time to transform a cabin into a place that feels like an extension of me and my creative vision vs. buying something with a higher price tag that’s already been transformed by someone else. Maybe you agree!
-Alice
452 Hostile Valley Rd Palermo, ME 04354 • $55,000
At only 232 sq ft, this small Maine camp is a perfect size to be transformed into someone’s dream woodland retreat. The camp is located on an acre of land and is right off a publicly maintained road which is a huge perk in New England; most of the time these off grid camps are set back into the forest and hard to access if there is snow on the ground or if you don’t have 4 wheel drive, but you don’t have to worry about that here! You have an older Jotul wood stove (a model I personally love!) for heat and a solar panel mounted for some power needs. And you’re only 30 minutes to Belfast and the Maine coast.
74 Packard Rd Monson, ME 04464 • $81,500
At 555 sq ft this is the largest cabin I’m sharing this week! Our cabin is about this size and honestly, it’s the perfect amount of space. Here you have an open living and kitchen space with a lofted sleeping area - perfect. Wood stove for heat, gas refrigerator, gas stove and gas lights - also perfect. And you’ve got a nice outhouse! I really love this log cabin, it checks all my personal boxes. Plus Lake Hebron is only 20 minutes away - spend your days swimming, fishing, and paddling around in the canoe. Or just go on long walks in the woods via the trails located right outside your door.
5 Moose Run Rd Wellington, ME 04942 • $99,500
This small, bare bones camp is located on over 10 acres of land in central Maine. Honestly, I love a classic no frills New England camp like this. You have a wood stove, a sink that drains so you can bring in your own water to cook and wash dishes with, an outhouse, and propane lights - the basics are taken care of! All you need to do is dream up how to make this 200 sq ft space cozy and practical. Build a platform bed with a very comfy mattress, find a few chairs so you can sit and read, and get a small table at an antique store so you can light a candle and enjoy a meal cooked over a camp stove and you’re good to go. Then go out and explore the many, many miles of trails right outside the door. This lot is adjacent to almost 400 acres of conservation land that you are welcome to hike and cross country ski on. A dream!!
1401 Jefferson Hill Rd. Newbury, VT 05069 • $100,000
Just look at this charming place! Yes, it needs a little TLC on the exterior, but embrace that and turn this camp into your dream Vermont getaway in the woods. Located on over 5 acres with a private driveway, this camp has not only a dug well but also a natural spring. You don’t even need to carry in water! Plus the sellers are offering the camp furnished so you can easily start staying here and enjoying the place while working on the exterior renovations. Soak up the quiet Vermont mornings from your covered porch with a cup of coffee and fresh notebook to be filled with all your renovation ideas.
And here’s our weekly cabin inspiration via the Forestbound Pinterest
