2900 Moores Mill RD, Spencer, VA 24165 (MLS# 868370)

Supplements: A conservation easement protects the extraordinary natural resources of Moss Rock but does not inhibit anticipated uses such as hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, forestry, agriculture, or even outdoor public events such as weddings, classes, and festivals if desired. Three additional dwellings can be built as well as a wide range of barns and o ... (Read more) A conservation easement protects the extraordinary natural resources of Moss Rock but does not inhibit anticipated uses such as hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, forestry, agriculture, or even outdoor public events such as weddings, classes, and festivals if desired. Three additional dwellings can be built as well as a wide range of barns and outbuildings. One of two significant benefits of the easement are that the Code of Virginia requires localities to offer land use assessment to conservation easement properties, assuring a lower tax rate regardless of its market value (the current annual real estate taxes on Moss Rock are only $963 a year thanks to the conservation easement). Another benefit is that the Code of Virginia makes it very difficult to condemn a Virginia Outdoors Foundation conservation easement (as protects Moss Rock) through eminent domain. The property comes with exceptional timber value to serve as a "growing IRA" or rainy day fund if needed. A professional timber cruise in 2018 established a value of $330,000 with 1.8 million board feet of sawtimber and 13,000 tons of pulpwood. With very well managed stands of hardwoods and pines, this timber volume increases every year. Years of progressive wildlife management have created the quintessential wildlife preserve. Trophy bucks and nearly all Virginia game animals thrive due to the many ideal habitat sites, including permanent food plots, small woodland openings, riverbank buffers, forest management trails, interior access roads, thinned pines, naturally regenerated hardwood areas, and field corners. Nearly 20 acres of agricultural land is maintained as a food source for the resident wildlife to supplement the abundant natural fruits and mast producing trees. Bring you horses for trail riding, explore for hours on ATVs, or hike in your own private nature preserve with over 5 miles of interior roads and trials. The entire river frontage is accessible by either graveled all-weather road, 4x4 forest road, or scenic pathways. An electric UTV is even included with the property! With 2.5 miles of frontage on the Mayo River, Moss Rock offers a fishing and water fun paradise. Kayak or tube the whole length of your river frontage with a private put-in and take-out at either end of the property. Fish for native small mouth bass or seasonally stock trout for your fishing adventures. Additional water resources on the land include a private well serving the cabin and multiple springs feeding small streams that flow to the river. "Doing nothing" at Moss Rock is anything but boring. Listen to the hypnotic water flowing over rocks, climb the river rocks and explore the small islands in front of the cabin, sit and sip on the expansive decks, or stroll along the river to hunt morel mushrooms, identify wildflowers, or spy a bald eagle fishing in the currents. Adventure and relaxation are equally offered. Privacy and security is assured at Moss Rock. The only way in is through a pass code protected iron gate mounted to stately stone columns. The Mayo River surrounds the vast majority of the boundary, providing a natural moat, and the only land access is uphill through forest. The surrounding community is completely rural for miles around with forestland and neat small farms as neighbors. Once on the property there are no rights of way or easements through it. All water rights and timber rights convey with the land and the conservation easement extinguished the mineral rights so there is no threat of mining or drilling. High ground in the very middle of the property provides commanding views and there are numerous potential building sites for river views or extreme privacy. A premium retreat property priced to sell, Moss Rock was recently offered at $1.35 million and is now available at only $995,000. This amount of maserfully managed land, well designed and sited cabin, extensive private river frontage, unusual privacy and security, and high timber value will not last long. Build complete self sufficiency at Moss Rock. A private hydro electric plant once powered the cabin and awaits restoration. Heat the cabin with the massive wood stove that conveys and never make a dent in the firewood resources. Hunting and fishing provide sport and food, and much of the land is suitable for agriculture. The land and water of Moss Rock afford the opportunity to create a self sustaining off-grid retreat in a outdoors vacation environment.