193.8 Acres in Salem, NY - $1,275,000

Resting peacefully among the gentle hills near the Vermont border sits the Lazy J Ranch on nearly 200 acres. Imagine the most bucolic farm scene you can think of and you would envision this property...white horse fences trace the terrain like ribbons and frame the house and barn against the large sprawling lawn and 3 ponds. The ranch features a large colonial house, 3-car garage with a guest apartment, large livestock barn, streams, fields, marketable timber, trails, excellent hunting, an airplane hangar and sweeping valley views. The centerpiece of the ranch is the historic colonial home offering 4,132sq’ of living space set against the backdrop of breathtaking acres. Originally built in 1830 the house is warm and welcoming with character and unique custom features throughout with modern updates and amenities. From the brick floor in the kitchen to wide plank hardwood floors and exposed beams to built-ins with detail and craftsmanship that harken back to a simpler time. The house maintains its character while featuring numerous updates including a Buderus high efficiency heating system, Mitsubishi cooling system, and a metal roof and windows with a lifetime warranty. There are also 3 new Vermont Castings Woodstoves in the house which can provide additional warmth and comfort. The back door opens to a large mudroom with plenty of space to hang coats and take off boots and shoes. Enjoy your morning coffee in the kitchen, including custom built-ins, a brick floor, exposed beams on the ceiling and a Vermont Castings woodstove. Celebrate holidays and enjoy family gatherings in the formal dining room. For those needing to work from home there is a beautiful library and office with large built-in shelves and a fireplace. Gather around the Vermont Castings Woodstove set on among exposed brick and a large mantle in the massive family room. Large exposed hand-hewn beams add great farmhouse charm, and multiple windows provide incredible natural light. There is also a smaller more intimate family room on the first floor with built-ins and its own half bath. The double entry door in the front of the house opens to a large foyer with a beautiful custom staircase open to the second floor. The upstairs consists of 4 large bedrooms and an additional 2 baths. The heated 3 car garage features an incredible workshop for the aspiring woodworker. Sit on the porch swing overlooking the pond on the back of the garage and listen to the trickle of the stream that runs by. Above the garage is a 2-bedroom 1 bath apartment perfect for guests or a possible rental. With a cathedral ceiling and exposed box beams it carries the same charm as the house. The large hardscaped back patio sets the stage for incredible gatherings in the summer with friends and family around the custom outdoor fireplace. The large lawn stretches out up the hill and features multiple apple and cherry trees. Up behind the house is the largest of the 3 ponds and includes a dock for swimming or fishing. Take a stroll over the stone bridge that crosses the small stream running down the hillside or sit and take in the expansive views. The 90’ x 36’ barn includes multiple horse stalls and a large cattle pen that each opens up to a paddock and the fenced pasture beyond. The barn includes a heated tack room with water and power as well as lean-to’s off both sides for additional storage and space. In total there is over 30 tillable acres which can be used for crop production or pastures. Plenty of space for horses, cows or other livestock. At one point the ranch had over 20 head of cattle. Behind the barn is a trail that leads to the south and up to the top of the hill where you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding or ATV’s. An old stone wall stretches up the hill marking the southern boundary. The east side of the property on top of the hill includes a high volume of marketable hardwood timber with white and red oak, cherry, ash and a significant amount of maple. Hunters and outdoorsmen, this property has everything you can ever hope forexcellent cover, browse food and water. While taking pictures numerous deer were witnessed on multiple sections of the property as well ducks, turkeys and geese. Consistently used trails, beds and buck rubs illustrate heavy use. Numerous apple trees provide excellent mast and there is an abundance of red osier dogwood a preferred browse for deer. The terrain features create natural funnels and there are ample stand locations to take advantage of various wind directions. This area is known for producing quality mature whitetails. The West branch of Black Creek borders the fields on the west side of the property. Barnstormers and pilots notice the property features its own landing strip and a 1,320sq.’ hanger with a large folding power door. In the event the power goes out don’t worrythe property includes a Generac Generator that will automatically kick on! Whether you are looking for a family estate, summer retreat or functional horse farm this ranch has everything to offer to enjoy the very best of country living. The size and layout of the house and guest apartment with its picturesque landscaping and views sets the stage for the ultimate Bed and Breakfast or wedding and event location. Survey available. Call the listing agent to set up an appointmentor fly in to check it out!