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SMOKESHIRE VALLEY PRESERVE is one of Vermont's largest, privately-owned historic properties. This 1,919.37-acre forest preserve is etched into the southern Vermont landscape, and is truly one of New England's premier recreation and sporting retreats. It is tucked into the hillside of a region known for its excellent ski resorts, world-class fly-fishing, fine dining and shopping, local arts and crafts, farmer's markets, scenic bike touring routes and seasonal festivals. The property's privacy and magnitude are especially unique given that Smokeshire Valley Preserve is easily accessible from several major east coast cities including Boston, New York and Washington, D.C., as well as international and regional airports. A corner of the property is handsomely outfitted with an old home (circa 1819 Cape home), antique barns and guest quarters, a newer caretaker's residence, kennels, period gas lamps and lush gardens. This area of the property is punctuated by a tapped sugar bush, apple orchard, 40+/- acres of rolling meadows and fields, deep water trout pond and extensive stone walls.The trout pond, framed by a stone wall and pine stand, affords tranquil fishing, excellent summertime swimming, and wintertime ice skating. There are bold views of the stone walls, meadow, mature tree lines and distant mountain ranges. There is also a permitted building site with total privacy, southern orientation and incredible views all the way to New Hampshire. The enchanting forest features a cozy mountain cabin, mountain streams, waterfalls, apple and berry orchards, beaver wetlands, miles of roads and recreation trails, an extensive internal road system, stone cellars, remnants of early settler homesteads, hydro-mills and stone-lined wells. Professionally managed for wildlife and ecosystem diversity, this environment is home to beaver, white-tail deer, moose, black bear, red and gray fox, coyote, wild turkey, fisher, bobcat, mallard, wood duck, osprey, blue heron, native and stocked trout, woodcock, grouse, red-tailed hawks, owls and songbirds. Recently, the property was selected to participate in a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified harvest of red maple. The Recreation: Select and careful management of the natural resources, coupled with limited and by-permission-only hunting over the ownership's 30-year stewardship period, has resulted in a healthy and abundant population of white-tail deer, moose, turkey, grouse, woodcock and ducks. The pristine condition of the forest has enhanced the water quality of all headwaters and tributaries flowing on the property, making for some of the best fly-fishing in the northern woodlands. The varied terrain, timber stands and ecosystems will complement a full day of recreational endeavors. The Retreat: The main residence at Smokeshire Valley Preserve is a handsome brick Cape constructed in 1819. Added to over the years, the expansion has been done in a manner that has preserved its period look and feel. The home features 4,930+/- sq ft of finished living space, 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a cozy living room with brick fireplace, quaint formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen, sun-filled billiards room and a quiet office/library. The exterior is accentuated by a mixed architectural shingle and standing seam metal roof, brick and painted wood clapboard siding. In 2000, a 2-story residence was added not too far from the main home. It features 2,146+/- sq ft of finished living space, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, comfortable living room with gas stove insert, master suite with woodstove and Jacuzzi spa, walk-in pantry and laundry room. There is an attached, heated garage with attached storage area. There is also a nearby guesthouse, 3-story antique sheep barn with 4,195+/- sq ft and stalls, antique utility barn with 1,655+/- sq ft, drive-in capacity for cars, tractor, etc, plus loft. An antique milk house provides excellent continuity to the core estate area, and could be used as a children's playhouse, artist studio or writer's getaway and garage. There is a also a cozy cabin in the heart of the private forestland, 2 seasonal rustic camps and storage cottage. The Location: Smokeshire Valley Preserve is nestled in the hillside about 5 miles from Chester, VT, which provides access to a wide variety of recreational, dining and cultural activities. Conservation: In light of the ever growing demand and value for private estate parcels in this region, as well as the increasing interest in creating gated, luxury developments, a conservation easement here could generate a sizeable tax benefit, cash flow or a combination of the two while setting aside this unique, beautiful and diverse preserve for human and wildlife generations to come. As such, Smokeshire Valley Preserve represents an excellent conservation easement opportunity for those passionate about protecting wildlife habitat, ensuring the long term health and welfare of the natural resources, and creating a legacy that can be enjoyed by future generations.
Keywords: Horse Farm, Mountain Farm, Mountain Home, Mountain Land, Mountain View, Equestrian, Duck Hunting, Ranch, Horse Ranch, Hunting Ranch, Vacation Home, Log Cabin, Old Home, Historic Home, Premier Country Property, Premier Mountain Estate
PROPERTY NUMBER: 44014-00001
PRICED AT:
$14,500,000.00
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