SALE PENDING...Once in a very great while, we get a property that is unusually unique. Here is such a property... a historic old cabin located on 5 acres in what might be the most private area on the mountain... Empress Mountain. Protected by a security gated access are a collection of 12 private parcels at the 6,000 foot elevation in the forest area between Sequoia Lake and Grant Grove. These are old family properties that rarely ever come on the open market and, unlike the Wilsonia cabin properties, these are not postage stamp sized parcels. This property is at the top of the mountain and is one of the very few private properties able to have a view of Sequoia Lake. And, you are in hiking distance to the park... just a short jaunt to Hitchcock Meadow and the wonders of Kings Canyon National Park and the Giant Redwoods. Here is the kind of property you will want to pass down to your family for generations to come.

It isn't cheap, but it is very special.

Intrigued? Read on...

This property was the site of a chinchilla ranch that dated back to the 1940's. The chinchilla barns are gone now, but the rustic cabin housed the ranch supervisor and the old workshop and office is still here, in surprisingly good condition. The elevated 18x60 shop structure is all metal clad with solid wood floors. It could make a great bunkhouse for those large family gatherings. How's Christmas in the forest sound? The rustic cabin shows its age but is in very serviceable condition with 3 bedrooms and a bath (bet you have never seen a bathroom like this one... side by side hall doors with one into the lav & toilet and the other to the shower). Water is provided from a large spring fed tank collection and distribution system that also serves the other parcels. There is a very informal owner's association that maintains the system. Of course, you could also drill your own well if you like. Yes, there is electricity and propane as well. The kitchen stove is combo wood and propane. The largest bedroom has its own wash sink and there is a utility area for washer/dryer, hot water heater, and freezer. Heat is provided from a propane heater... add a fireplace if you like.

This is a great property... a real step back into history. It's a 3/4 mile scenic drive in from the highway to the cabin. Along the way you will pass by a few neighbors. The larger parcel size insures that everyone can enjoy their own privacy and it's a great group of owners. Of course, the land has sat undisturbed for many years and there's lots of undergrowth. The property has a great knob on it that could be an awesome potential new cabin site which could both overlook Sequoia Lake and the San Joaquin Valley. The owners of this property also own the adjacent parcel and they have built a home that has just such an overlook with an amazing view of Sequoia Lake. That spot will require quite a bit of clearing but would be well worth the effort.

How about the negatives to this property? The 6,000 foot elevation means that many times in winter access will be very limited. The snow can get quite deep which means a snowplow at best, if you've got the bucks, and more likely snowmobile or snowshoes. But, hey, if you are looking to turn the clock back to the quieter times of the good old days, what's not to like about that? On the other hand, what a great place to decompress from spring to fall only an hour's drive from Fresno. Everything you need is here but it does need a lot of work. There is a lot of raw material available in the form of old seasoned lumber and beams. The property has seen little use over the last 30 years and it needs some attention. This isn't a fancy ski chalet but it has everything you need for a great family get-away place.

The great thing about this property is its ready access to the park. Lots of places to hike or cross country ski to. Meadows and giant redwoods to see, remnants of the old logging operations, small creeks to explore, even hike to Wilsonia and Grant Grove if you are feeling energetic. This truly is one of the only private places on the mountain offering such memorable experiences for you and your family.

This isn't a property for everyone. It takes someone special with the desire, financial capacity, and foresight to acquire what really is a purchase for generations to come. Purchase will be cash only and proof of financial capacity to do so will be required prior to any showing. Showings are obviously subject to weather conditions but we will do our best to get you in to see the property when it is feasible to do so. There is a real chance that there will be limited opportunities over the course of the winter. There are also a few additional purchase conditions that will be discussed during the course of any serious purchase negotiations. Finally, the owners are serious about their price. They know that what they have is very special. It is time for them to sell this property but they will still live next door and they are looking for a buyer that will love it as much as they do.