Small Cabin Picture

Selecting a Property for your Cabin

Cabin Property Picture 1 This page summarizes information which can help you in selecting a right property for building your small cabin. The factors described below can influence your decision.

Location and Driving Distance

This is perhaps the most important factor in selecting the site for your small cabin. How far are you willing to commute to your property and how often are you planning to do that? If possible, try selecting a property within 30 min - 2 hrs drive from where you live. From my personal experience:
  • If your cabin site is too close (less than 30 min), you would not get that hideaway / get-out feeling (i.e. then it is almost home)
  • If your cabin is too far (more than 3 hrs) long commutes may deter you from going there as often as you would like to.
Although this decision personal - some people don't mind driving as much as others, enjoying scenery by occasionally taking different routes. My cabin site is located 2 ˝ hour drive from home - it's OK but 1˝ - 2 hrs would be better...

Property Price

How important for you to have your private hideaway cabin somewhere in the wilderness - vs. how much can you afford? It's also a personal decision. 0
Tip:
Consider possible geographical price advantage / a "sweet spot".
It appears in most areas there is so-called "drive-to-price" relationship - further from the major urban center you drive, less expansive land becomes. "Under 2 hours" seems to be a common criteria people ask real estate agent when they look for a cabin or cottage property.
If possible, use this to your advantage:
If, let's say, you live in the East suburb of the major city, then consider selecting your cabin property further in East direction - this way, you are already an hour or so closer to your site then others in the city, and 2 hrs drive for you is 3 hrs drive for others further West in the city.

Access to the Cabin Property

  • If your area has snowy winters and you require access to your cabin property during winter months, check if property is located on the serviced/snow-plowed road.
  • Is road to the cabin site accessible with your type of vehicle or it requires off-road/all-wheel access?
  • Sites with boat-only access are usually less expensive and offer better privacy, but consider how you will deliver bulky items and building materials there, not to mention an obvious requirement for a boat...

Lot size and Privacy

Cabin Property Picture 2
  • My choice would be at least 1 acre wooded property
  • Check for highway and other noise

Terrestrial Features

  • Waterfront property is nice and scenic, but it is more expensive. At least a small creek or pond is desirable - it will provide a supply of non-drinking water, perhaps allow some fishing and swimming during hot days
  • Not even properties (with steeper slope) are generally less expensive.

Utility Hookups

  • Do you need electricity, water of phone line hookup? If yes, make sure this option is available.
  • Do you need/want a cell phone service at your small cabin property
In my case, I selected a cabin property where electricity and phone lines are at the property edge (road) but I decided not to hook them up and to be off-grid, at least for now - I wasn't looking forward to having another set of utility bills. After all, it meant to be a wilderness getaway cabin...

See other sections on options for having off-grid power and water.

Surrounding Area

  • Do you like the area? Are you planning to have local exploration/excursion trips?
  • Investigate nearby amenities: grocery shop, drug store, coffee shop, pizza... beer/liqueur store.
Tip:
It is nice to have a building supply store nearby - several times I would forget to bring some small thing (set of nails for example) and I wouldn't be able to continue with my the cabin construction until I get it somewhere.

Aesthetics of the Small Cabin Property

Do you feel you like the cabin property?
Does it appeal to be comforting and pleasant?

Cabin Property Picture 3 An unobstructed view of the pristine wilderness is ultimately desired. Picture-perfect sites are usually out of price reach for most people, but you can find a hidden gem now and then...

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