Would anyone like to climb a mountain to see a home??

Don't laugh!  True story.  It happened to me just this past weekend.

A buyer I am working with is relocating to this area and is searching for a horse property.  They searched the internet and saw this property listed for a great price.  The home is on 43 acres, zoned agricultural, is secluded and has privacy.  Sounds nice.  Certainly plenty of room for horses. 

I called the listing office to set the appointment.  The receptionist confirmed it and mentioned to me that a 4-wheel drive vehicle is a must to go up to see the home.  I asked about the road and she said that it is a dirt road with a couple of hairpin turns.  From what she told me, I didn't think there would be a problem.  I have a 4-wheel drive Chevy Tahoe which I've used for a couple of properties before.  I'm sure I could handle it.  It didn't even look too bad on the aerial map.

The time came to see this property.  I was to meet my buyers at this house.  I turned into the driveway.  Yes, it was most definitely dirt.  I continued driving and saw a clearing with a small car parked along the side.  Didn't pay any mind to it.  It may have had engine problems.

I continued driving and the road began a steep climb.  OK.  As I said, I've driven in 4-wheel drive before.  Onward and upward. 

I came across my first hairpin turn.  It was quite steep with a mountain on one side and a cliff on the other.  No choice but to continue on at this point. 

After going around the hairpin turn, I saw an area up ahead that looked like it had washed out and was filled.  This is where I started wondering what I got myself into.  I hope I don't bottom out on this road.  That is all I need.  As I'm going through the "washed out area" my phone rings.  No way am I answering that now.  It doesn't matter who it is. 

Came upon another hairpin turn and another spot that had washed out and filled in.  At this point I was praying to God to get me through in one piece. 

I finally reached a point where it began to level off a bit.  Then, in a distance, I saw the house.  Yipee!!  The end of the drive is near.  I made it!!  I would like to add that the drive was about half a mile long.  It felt more like 5 miles.

Parked the car at the house and took a few deep breaths.  I checked my phone to see who called.  It was my buyer.  They were lost.  They finally arrived at the property and it turns out they do NOT have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.   Yipes!!  That means I have to drive down and pick them up and drive up this road again.  The seller happened to be there and he offered to drive my vehicle down so we could pick up the buyers.  Without hesitation, I agreed.  After all, he has driven this road so many times.

The buyers parked the car in the clearing, and we picked them up and brought them to the house.  We walked around and viewed the home.  Great views from the property and a nice house.  But, where do we put the horses??  With some discussion, we decided this property will not work.  Maybe, if we placed a barn at the bottom of the drive and one at the top with the house, they could ride up and down the drive instead of driving.  (It's an idea!?!)  Nah!  It's great property for mountain goats.

We moved on to the next home.  Instead of taking the shorter route, I took them around the long way.  The short way had a gravel winding road over a mountain.  I had enough of mountain climbing for one day.  The easier, scenic route sounded much better.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Residential, Rural and Horse Properties and Farms

Cindy Stys Equestrian & Country Properties, Ltd.

The Premier Equine & Country Realty Firm covering Eastern Pennsylvania from back yard to world-class facilities.