I searched for a long time trying to find a farm that was in okay condition, one that I could afford, and one that met my requirements. My requirements were simple. Sort of. A farm with more than five acres. No easements for access, not in a storm belt, outbuildings not completely decayed, good drainage, house in good size and condition, building permits reasonable, the age of the house older than 1940, all permits for existing services completed, a good drilled well with decent water, had electric service, had internet service through the ground wire, decent furnace and ac unit.
I wanted a fireplace with a good chimney, an area to build a barn for pigs, fowl, dairy, and cattle, a good area for a small vineyard, and orchard, is a decent place to raise a family, and vehicle requirements were reasonable.
I finally found one in the south-central area of Minnesota. The farm I chose was an old farm first farmed in 1897. Permanent building did not start until 1900. The house and buildings are in a state of disrepair, but I am hoping that the extent is not as bad as I fear. I am assuming that it is how I think it is or worse, so I don’t get too surprised. So far during my initial inspections, this farm has not seen decent maintenance in 30 to 40 years. It may be shorter, but we have not calculated the decay rate in this area yet.
I searched for the necessities that most people already have.
So far, the permits and vehicle requirements are reasonable in this area. The farm is slightly over six acres in size. Situated with southern exposure. Immediate access to a well-maintained road. There are storms but not in the main tornado belt. The barn is a write-off, but the other outbuildings are repairable. The whole farm has good soil and drainage. When the house is finished, it will have over five thousand square feet of living area. The well and septic are permitted and were recently serviced.
The well output is good but needs to be filtered to drink. The electric service to the farm is great but the house has the old 50-amp fuse box service. The old phone lines made a great connection to the internet. The previous owners put in a new furnace so that was great. The provisions are there for the ac unit I just need to install a new one. The fireplace is old but nice and should be easy to repair. I have spots picked out for the new animal barns with good grazing areas. The orchard and vineyard are debatable to be able to place with proper room for everything. This place looked like it was a great place to raise a family looking at the state of the house.
By, John Noll
