Inexpensive retreat type structure to build on currently unimproved land?
December 20, 2009 by
Filed under company retreat
I have about 14 acres of land with nothing on it, there’s only about 1/2 an acre that is cleared and flat, the rest is mountainside and would take some grading to get flat. I want to have a simple retreat to use for myself on weekends as a “getaway” or to rent to people for similar purposes (i.e. nothing too fancy, this land is out in the sticks of western NC mountains) but I don’t have the money right now to build anything- estimates for even a small cabin are around $65,000 and my budget is more like under $15,000 right now. Does anyone have any good ideas for something simple I can put on it or a way to get something built more cheaply than a company would do? I don’t want to put anything on it that would decrease the land value. Thnx for any ideas!
Two things that come to mind for me are a geodesic dome shelter or a yurt (see URL’s below). A 24′ dia. yurt is only about $7500 US., a 26′ dome shell kit is slightly more. Smaller versions are also available.
we are looking into something similar for our property down here. There are so many options. We were looking into Log Homes/cottages which are available in all different sizes and price ranges. During this researches we found Octagon homes. They look a kind of interesting as well and are price wise cheaper. Since you are not planing to live there, just use it as a retreat, that might be an option for you as well. Below two sites i found but i am sure there are others, may be even better ones.
http://www.raisearoof.com/the-octagon-cedar-gazebo.php
http://www.mandalahomes.net/mandala/display.cgi?type=cat&cid=4
But there are also some very nice Log Homes, you can have in any sizes and almost any price range.
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There’s always a mobile home or travel trailer.
One thing to consider is water, septic, and electricity. It could very well cost more than $15K just for those.
I am a highly skilled master carpenter. 25 years experience. I would love the chance to build a small cabin in a rustic area. my life will be changing soon. need to sell family home and get away for awhile. Need minimal funding, good food and a new adventure. would love the chance to continue teaching others how to build. feel free to contact me.