Looking for the Farm

We spent three days last week with our friends at their lake cottage in central Michigan.  The above photo is a view from their deck overlooking the lake the cottage is situated on.  It was a wonderfully relaxing time with friends.  One of the things we did while we were there is look at property for sale in the nearby town (village?) of Evart.  

We found a beautiful centuries old 80 acre farm.  The property is located south of Evart about 4 miles and has a big old red barn, a newer, good condition pole barn, centuries old oaks, rolling hay and pasture fields, and an 1880 decrepit farm house. 

Old oak in front yard.

Decrepit Farm House

The house doesn't look bad from the outside, but once we entered, the smell of mold was overpowering.  The old lath and plaster upstairs was peeling off the walls.  It will be a tear down I'm sure.

Which brings us to an unexpected conundrum.  We hadn't seriously considered building a new home on property we found.  So why consider it now?  The appeal to this property is it's beautiful acreage and more importantly to me, it's soul and history.  I can see us continuing the tradition of farming here.  The property was owned by the current family for four generations.  Their last name is Johnson.  It seems fitting.

View from the top of the hill looking west towards the barns.

Looking north.

Looking northeast.

Peering directly east.

Southeast.

Looking south towards the woods, included in the acreage.

Southwest looking towards a private lake and the home and old oaks on the right.

Top of the hill again, looking down on the outbuildings and J.

Big red barn.

 As you can see from the above photos, the property is outstanding, in my estimation, anyways.
Since we're approaching this property purchase somewhat unconventionally, we are in the process of discussing financing with a "local bank".  

Peering in Big Red.

Pole barn with house in background.

Decrepit farm house.  A sad end to a house full of memories and history.

Looking east towards the house from the road.  Future home site?  Notice the majestic oaks.

We have no idea, if we qualify for a loan, if the seller will accept our offer.  I'm leaving the details of ownership in God's hands.  We will do our homework.  If this is where the Lord wants us to be it will happen.  I'm kinda hoping we're on the same page!

I'll keep you posted.

By the way, here is photo of the first major garden bounty!  Impressive, huh?

D :)