Finding a property that combines a year-round residence, substantial acreage, river frontage, and the freedom of an off-grid lifestyle is becoming increasingly uncommon. This 20-acre property offers a distinctive opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings of Upper Michigan while having a home equipped with several important improvements and backup systems.
Built in 1950, the ranch-style residence offers approximately 1,175 square feet of living space, with two bedrooms and one full bathroom. The home has received numerous updates over the years, including improvements to the kitchen and bathroom, new plumbing, a recently drilled well, and an updated water-heating system. Its interior features warm knotty-pine tongue-and-groove finishes, creating a traditional cabin atmosphere that complements the wooded setting.
Beyond the main residence, the property includes a detached recreational cabin with approximately 400 square feet of additional space, a kitchen, and a sauna. There is also a pole building, five additional storage sheds, an outhouse, and several outdoor recreational features.
One of the property’s most appealing characteristics is its Sand River frontage. The land also borders approximately 3,000 acres of state land to the east, offering additional access to the surrounding natural environment. A maintained trail circles the acreage, while a separate access path leads toward the river.
With solar electrical equipment, a propane automatic-start generator, a drilled well, a wood-burning stove, and multiple heating systems, the property has been thoughtfully equipped for off-grid living. At the same time, it is located on a maintained year-round road and is presented as a potential full-time residence rather than simply a seasonal getaway.
A Private 20-Acre Property Surrounded by Nature
The property encompasses approximately 20 acres of rural, wooded land, providing a substantial amount of outdoor space for recreation, relaxation, and a variety of country-living activities.
Unlike a conventional residential lot, this acreage offers room to explore beyond the immediate surroundings of the house. The wooded landscape creates a natural setting, while the maintained areas around the residence provide space for outdoor activities and everyday use.
The property is also bordered to the east by approximately 3,000 acres of state land. This nearby public land is an important feature for people who enjoy spending time outdoors and appreciate having a much larger natural area close to their property.
The combination of private acreage and neighboring state land may appeal to buyers interested in hunting, hiking, wildlife observation, and other outdoor pursuits. The listing also identifies the property as suitable for recreational use and homesteading.
The land has marked corners, helping identify the property boundaries. Buyers can review the parcel information and confirm the exact boundaries during their due diligence.
For anyone looking to establish a more independent lifestyle, having 20 acres provides considerably more room to enjoy the outdoors, maintain trails, and explore different ways of using the land.
Sand River Frontage and Access to the Water
One of the standout features of this property is its frontage along the Sand River.
The listing describes approximately one-quarter mile of Sand River frontage, while the structured property details separately list 670 feet of waterfront frontage. Buyers should verify the exact measured frontage as part of their property review.
The river adds a distinctive natural element to the setting. Rather than simply having wooded acreage, the property also provides a connection to a flowing body of water, creating another place to enjoy the surrounding environment.
A well-maintained access path leads toward the Sand River, making it easier to reach the water from the property. This is particularly appealing for people who enjoy spending time near rivers and streams.
The listing mentions opportunities for trout fishing, giving fishing enthusiasts another reason to appreciate the waterfront setting. The river may also provide a peaceful place to relax, enjoy the scenery, or spend time outdoors after a day exploring the acreage.
The property details identify the waterfront as riverfront, with creek, stream, or brook features and a sandy-bottom description. A river view is also listed.
For buyers who place a high value on water access, this is one of the most significant characteristics of the property.
A Ranch-Style Home with Two Bedrooms
The main residence is a single-story ranch-style home originally built in 1950. It offers approximately 1,175 square feet of interior living space, with two bedrooms and one full bathroom.
The listing description refers to the home as approximately 1,200 square feet, while the structured property details give the more specific figure of 1,175 square feet.
The single-level layout may be convenient for everyday living, with the main rooms arranged across one floor. The property includes an entry area, primary bedroom, second bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom.
An important feature of the residence is its large addition, which contributes to the home’s available interior space. The primary bedroom is particularly spacious, with the listing providing dimensions of approximately 21 by 20 feet and an area of 420 square feet.
The second bedroom measures approximately 14 by 9 feet, offering additional room for household members, visitors, or another practical use.
Both bedrooms and the full bathroom are located on the main level. This arrangement makes the home suitable for buyers who prefer a single-story residence without the need to use stairs for the primary living areas.
Warm Knotty-Pine Interior Finishes
Inside, the home features knotty-pine tongue-and-groove finishes throughout, giving the interior a traditional cabin appearance.
Natural wood finishes are a characteristic feature of many rustic homes and can create a warm atmosphere that fits naturally with a wooded property. In this residence, the pine interior complements the surrounding acreage and the home’s Up North character.
The living room measures approximately 14 by 20 feet, providing a defined area for relaxing and spending time indoors. The listing gives its area as approximately 280 square feet.
The dining room measures approximately 10 by 9 feet, while the kitchen measures approximately 10 by 11 feet. These spaces provide designated areas for preparing meals, dining, and everyday household activities.
The property also includes ceiling fans, and the room arrangement provides a practical combination of shared living space and private bedrooms.
The listing identifies one fireplace and describes it as a wood-burning stove with wood-burning features. This provides another traditional element that complements the home’s rustic interior.
Updated Kitchen and Dining Area
The kitchen was updated approximately six to ten years ago, according to the property description.
It provides a functional area for meal preparation and everyday use, with an eat-in kitchen arrangement listed among the home’s features.
The included appliances are a dishwasher, range or oven, refrigerator, dryer, and water heater. The kitchen and dining areas are positioned as part of the main living arrangement, making them practical spaces for daily activities.
The dining room offers a separate area for meals, while the kitchen provides the space needed for cooking and food preparation.
For buyers considering the property as a full-time residence, the kitchen update is an important part of the home’s improvement history.
Bathroom Updated in 2023
The residence includes one full bathroom, located on the main level.
According to the listing, the bathroom was updated in 2023. This is one of the more recent interior improvements mentioned in the property description.
The bathroom measures approximately 11 by 6 feet, with a listed area of 66 square feet.
Having a bathroom update documented within the property’s improvement history may be a useful consideration for buyers comparing older rural homes. However, prospective purchasers should still inspect the fixtures, plumbing, ventilation, and overall condition to understand exactly what work was completed.
Recent Improvements to the Well and Plumbing
Water infrastructure is an important consideration for a rural property, particularly one designed around off-grid living.
The listing states that a new well was drilled in 2025. New plumbing and a water heater were also installed, providing several important updates to the home’s water system.
The property uses a private drilled well and a septic tank. These systems are typical considerations for buyers evaluating a residence outside a conventional municipal utility arrangement.
The recent well installation is particularly notable because it represents a significant improvement to the property’s water supply infrastructure.
Prospective buyers should review available well records, water testing information, septic documentation, and maintenance history as part of their inspection process.
Solar Electrical System and Automatic-Start Generator
One of the most important features of this property is its off-grid electrical setup.
The home has a solar electrical system, supported by a propane automatic-start generator installed in 2025. The generator is described as having a 10-year warranty.
This combination provides an alternative approach to electrical supply compared with a property relying entirely on conventional utility service.
The solar system is an important part of the home’s off-grid setup, while the propane generator provides backup support when additional power is needed.
The listing also identifies a 100-amp electrical service and states that electricity is connected. Buyers should clarify the exact configuration of the solar system, its storage capacity, the condition of its components, and how the generator integrates with the electrical system.
The generator’s automatic-start feature is another useful detail, as it is designed to provide backup power without requiring the same level of manual intervention as a conventional generator.
For anyone interested in a more self-sufficient property, these systems are worth examining closely.
The seller’s information also identifies a cell signal booster as included with the property.
Propane Heating, Radiant Heat, and Wood-Burning Stove
The home has several heating features listed, including radiant heating, propane, and wood.
The property description specifically mentions two propane heat systems installed in 2018. A wood-burning stove was added in 2008, providing another heating option.
Having more than one heating source may be useful in a rural residence, particularly during colder Upper Michigan winters.
The wood-burning stove also fits the traditional cabin atmosphere created by the home’s knotty-pine interior finishes.
The listing identifies the stove as a wood-burning fireplace feature. Buyers should confirm its present condition, installation details, and maintenance history.
The home also has ceiling fans, which are listed among its cooling-related features.
Detached Recreational Cabin with Kitchen and Sauna
Beyond the main residence, the property includes a detached recreational cabin measuring approximately 400 square feet.
This additional building provides another useful space separate from the main home. According to the listing, it includes a kitchen, a sauna, and an area designed for darts and gatherings.
The recreational cabin could serve as a place for entertaining, hobbies, exercise, or simply spending time away from the main residence.
Its flexible arrangement may appeal to buyers who want additional space for activities without needing to use the primary home’s living areas.
The building also has its own well, an important detail that distinguishes it from a basic storage structure.
Depending on the buyer’s preferences, the recreational cabin could become a dedicated entertainment area, a hobby space, or a place for gatherings with family and friends.
The listing does not identify it as an approved independent residential unit, so buyers should verify its permitted uses before considering any conversion or separate occupancy.
Pole Building and Five Additional Storage Sheds
The property includes several additional structures that contribute to its practical appeal.
One of the larger buildings is a pole building measuring approximately 25 by 31 feet. It has a gravel floor and may be useful for storing equipment, tools, recreational vehicles, or other belongings, depending on its configuration.
In addition to the pole building, the listing identifies five additional storage sheds.
Having multiple storage structures can be particularly valuable on a 20-acre property, where owners may need space for outdoor equipment, maintenance supplies, and recreational gear.
These buildings provide different storage possibilities and may help keep the main residence and recreational cabin less cluttered.
The listing also identifies an outhouse among the property’s additional structures.
Buyers should inspect each building individually to assess its condition, construction, and suitability for their intended purposes.
Maintained Trails Around the Acreage
The outdoor layout includes a cleared walking and recreational trail that circles the acreage.
This is an appealing feature for people who enjoy exploring their own property without having to establish an entirely new trail system.
The trail is also described as suitable for four-wheelers, providing another recreational possibility.
A maintained path to the Sand River adds to the property’s outdoor accessibility, connecting the wooded acreage with its waterfront setting.
These improvements may be particularly useful for buyers interested in hunting, hiking, outdoor recreation, or simply spending more time exploring the land.
The combination of marked property corners, an established recreational trail, and a maintained river access path gives prospective owners several existing outdoor features to consider.
Maintained Shooting-Range Area
Another distinctive outdoor feature is a maintained shooting-range area.
This may appeal to buyers who enjoy recreational shooting and want a designated area on their property for that activity.
The presence of this feature adds another dimension to the property’s recreational possibilities, alongside the trails, wooded acreage, and river frontage.
Any use of the area should be evaluated in accordance with applicable safety practices and local regulations.
Former Maple Syrup Sugar Bush
The listing also notes that the acreage has previously been used as a maple syrup sugar bush.
This detail adds an interesting element to the property’s history and may appeal to buyers interested in traditional homesteading activities.
Maple syrup production is closely associated with the wooded landscapes of the northeastern United States and Upper Michigan. For someone interested in exploring this type of activity, the property’s previous use may provide a starting point for further investigation.
The listing does not provide details about existing equipment, the number of tapped trees, or whether the property is currently being used for syrup production.
Nevertheless, its history as a sugar bush is a noteworthy characteristic for buyers interested in the possibilities of rural living.
Perennial Plantings Around the Home
The outdoor improvements also include perennial plantings around the residence.
These plantings add seasonal color and contribute to the appearance of the immediate home surroundings.
For buyers who enjoy gardening and maintaining outdoor spaces, established perennial areas can provide an additional feature to appreciate.
The surrounding wooded setting, cleared lawn areas, and plantings create a combination of natural and maintained outdoor space.
The acreage may also provide room for additional gardening projects, subject to the property’s soil, sunlight, and other growing conditions.
Access to Approximately 3,000 Acres of State Land
An especially appealing detail is the property’s location beside approximately 3,000 acres of state land to the east.
For outdoor enthusiasts, access to a large neighboring area of public land can be a significant advantage.
The nearby state land may provide additional opportunities for recreation beyond the property’s own 20 acres, subject to public access rules and the applicable regulations governing those lands.
Buyers interested in hunting, hiking, wildlife observation, or exploring the surrounding region may find this proximity particularly attractive.
Combined with the Sand River frontage and the established trail system, the neighboring state land helps make the property especially interesting from a recreational perspective.
Year-Round Road Access and Rural Location
Although the property offers a private wooded setting, it is situated on a maintained year-round road.
This is an important consideration for buyers planning to use the home throughout the year rather than only during warmer months.
The listing describes the property as approximately 16 miles from Marquette, providing a reference point for its regional location.
The combination of acreage, river frontage, and rural surroundings may appeal to people who want more privacy while remaining within driving distance of a nearby city.
The property is presented as suitable for full-time living as well as recreational use, making it worth considering for buyers with different plans.
Internet and Cell Service Information
Connectivity is another important consideration for anyone planning to live in a rural or off-grid setting.
According to the listing, Starlink service worked well for the previous owners.
However, buyers would need to establish their own service and obtain the necessary equipment, as applicable. Existing Starlink equipment or an active subscription should not be assumed to transfer with the property.
A cell signal booster is included, which may be useful for improving cellular reception depending on the available signal and network coverage.
Anyone planning to work remotely or depend on internet access should independently verify service availability and performance before purchasing.
A Property Suited to Hunting, Fishing, Recreation, and Homesteading
The combination of 20 acres, Sand River frontage, nearby state land, and multiple outbuildings creates several possibilities for future owners.
For hunting enthusiasts, the wooded acreage, neighboring state land, and maintained recreational areas may be attractive.
For fishing enthusiasts, the Sand River offers a natural feature with trout fishing opportunities mentioned in the listing.
For buyers interested in homesteading, the property’s previous use as a maple syrup sugar bush, its acreage, and its off-grid electrical and heating systems may be worth exploring.
Others may simply appreciate having a private residence surrounded by woods, with trails to walk, a river to visit, and additional buildings for hobbies and recreation.
The detached recreational cabin and sauna provide another area for relaxation and gatherings, while the pole building and storage sheds offer practical space for equipment and belongings.
Rather than being limited to one particular lifestyle, the property brings together several features that may appeal to buyers looking for a versatile rural retreat.
Property Details at a Glance
- Property type: Single-family residence
- Architectural style: Ranch
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 1 full bathroom
- Main living area: Approximately 1,175 square feet
- Year built: 1950
- Land: Approximately 20 acres
- Waterfront: Sand River frontage
- River frontage: Described as approximately one-quarter mile in the listing; structured details list 670 feet
- Bedrooms and bathroom: All on the main level
- Interior finishes: Knotty-pine tongue-and-groove
- Kitchen: Updated approximately six to ten years ago
- Bathroom: Updated in 2023
- Primary bedroom: Approximately 420 square feet
- Second bedroom: Approximately 126 square feet
- Heating: Radiant, propane, and wood
- Wood-burning stove: Added in 2008
- Propane heating systems: Two systems installed in 2018
- Well: New drilled well installed in 2025
- Plumbing: New plumbing and water heater
- Electrical system: Solar
- Backup generator: Propane automatic-start generator installed in 2025, with a 10-year warranty
- Recreational cabin: Approximately 400 square feet, with kitchen and sauna
- Pole building: Approximately 25 by 31 feet, with gravel floor
- Additional storage: Five sheds
- Other structures: Outhouse
- Outdoor features: Maintained walking and recreational trail, river access path, shooting-range area, perennial plantings
- Nearby public land: Approximately 3,000 acres of state land to the east
- Road: Maintained year-round road
- Water: Private drilled well
- Sewer: Septic tank
- Internet information: Previous owners used Starlink; new owners must establish their own service
- Additional equipment: Cell signal booster included
- HOA: None
A Well-Equipped Upper Michigan Retreat with Year-Round Potential
This property brings together many of the features buyers often look for when searching for a private rural retreat: substantial acreage, wooded surroundings, river frontage, recreational trails, additional buildings, and systems designed to support off-grid living.
The two-bedroom ranch home offers approximately 1,175 square feet of living space, with warm knotty-pine interior finishes and several improvements completed over the years. The newer well, updated plumbing, water heater, solar electrical system, and propane automatic-start generator are particularly important features for buyers evaluating the home’s year-round potential.
The additional 400-square-foot recreational cabin, complete with a kitchen and sauna, provides valuable space for hobbies and gatherings. The pole building, five storage sheds, and other outdoor structures add even more versatility to the property.
Perhaps most importantly, the Sand River frontage, neighboring state land, and maintained trails create an outdoor setting that is difficult to replicate with an ordinary residential property.
Whether the next owner envisions a full-time country home, a hunting and fishing retreat, a recreational property, or a place to explore a more self-sufficient lifestyle, this 20-acre offering provides several possibilities worth considering.