A secluded cabin surrounded by evergreen forest, 20 acres of mountain land, and thousands of acres of nearby public land may sound like the ideal escape from city life.

At 2518 A Bodie Mountain Road in Colville, Washington, a property listed for $110,000 offers that combination—but with several important challenges that potential buyers should understand before making a decision.

The property includes approximately 20 acres of wooded terrain, an older Dutch barn-style cabin described as roughly 500 square feet, and additional outbuildings. According to the listing, it borders approximately 2,500 acres of public land and is accessed by a deeded easement road.

There is no available electrical service or established well reported in the listing, and the structures have reportedly gone unused for years.

For someone interested in an off-grid recreational retreat or a long-term restoration project, the property offers possibilities. However, the asking price is only one part of the total cost of making this remote location usable.

Property Overview

Feature	Listing Information
Address	2518 A Bodie Mountain Road, Colville, WA 99114
Asking Price	$110,000
Land Size	20 acres
Property Type	Unimproved land with existing structures
Cabin	Approximately 500 sq. ft., according to the description
Bedrooms	Not specified
Bathrooms	Not specified
Electricity	Not available
Well	No established well reported
Sewer	Not available
Access	Deeded easement road, according to the listing
Annual Property Tax	$64 reported
Parcel Number	5061850
Original Asking Price	$120,000
Price Reduction	$10,000 on October 16, 2026

These figures are based on the supplied listing information. The price, status, structures, acreage, and utility conditions should be independently verified.

Twenty Acres of Forest and Mountain Privacy

The land is one of the most appealing aspects of this Washington property.

Listing photographs show a heavily wooded landscape with tall evergreen trees, uneven mountain terrain, and clearings surrounding the cabin. Aerial views also show extensive forest extending across the surrounding hills.

Unlike a small residential lot, 20 acres may offer space for outdoor activities, private trails, and future improvements—subject to terrain, permits, access rights, and applicable land-use regulations.

The listing states that the property was selectively logged in the past. That activity reportedly opened portions of the land and created opportunities for views and trail access.

However, buyers should not assume that all 20 acres are easily accessible or suitable for construction. Mountain properties can include steep slopes, rocky areas, drainage channels, and locations where excavation or road construction would be expensive.

A professional survey and an in-person inspection are important for understanding the property’s actual boundaries and usable acreage.

An Existing Cabin With Restoration Potential

The property includes a rustic Dutch barn-style cabin described in the listing as approximately 500 square feet.

Its weathered wooden exterior and distinctive roofline give it the appearance of an old mountain hunting camp.

Photographs show a chimney, several windows, and what appear to be solar panels mounted near the front of the structure. A large satellite dish and an exterior water-storage tank are also visible.

These features suggest that previous occupants may have attempted some form of independent utility setup. However, the photographs do not establish whether any equipment is functional, connected, permitted, or included in the sale.

The property’s formal classification is unimproved land, and Zillow’s structured information does not report an officially recognized residential living area.

That distinction matters.

The cabin’s approximate 500-square-foot size comes from the marketing description, not a verified residential square-footage record. Buyers should confirm whether the structure was permitted, whether it can legally be occupied, and whether rehabilitation is allowed.

What the Cabin’s Condition Means for Buyers

The seller describes the cabin and outbuildings as having been unused for years.

Visible weathering, deteriorated exterior materials, and damaged outbuildings indicate that a substantial restoration project may be necessary.

A buyer should have qualified professionals examine:

The roof, including its covering, framing, flashing, and signs of leaks.
The cabin’s foundation, floor structure, and overall stability.
Exterior siding, windows, and potential moisture or pest damage.
The chimney and any former heating equipment.
Existing wiring, solar equipment, batteries, and other electrical components.
Water-storage equipment and any plumbing installations.
Whether the structure meets applicable safety and occupancy requirements.

It is also important to consider whether demolition and replacement might ultimately be more practical than renovation.

The existence of an old cabin does not automatically establish the right to build a new residence or occupy the current structure.

Bordering Approximately 2,500 Acres of Public Land

One of the property’s most notable selling points is its reported boundary with approximately 2,500 acres of public land.

For outdoor enthusiasts, that could create opportunities for exploring a much larger landscape without needing to own it.

The listing promotes activities such as hiking, hunting, wildlife observation, foraging, and off-road recreation.

However, the exact public-land ownership and management agency have not been independently confirmed here.

That matters because permitted activities vary depending on whether land is managed by a federal, state, or other public agency.

Before relying on this feature, buyers should verify the shared boundary using official maps and confirm that lawful access exists directly from their parcel.

Hunting seasons, motorized vehicle restrictions, camping regulations, and other rules may apply.

A public-land boundary can be valuable for recreation, but it does not provide exclusive access or control over neighboring public property.

Private Easement Access: A Critical Detail

The listing states that the cabin is located at the end of a deeded easement road.

A photograph shows signage identifying a private easement and private property, while a supplied mapping image illustrates a route crossing several parcels before reaching the cabin area.

This is one of the most important aspects of the purchase to investigate.

A deeded easement may establish a legal right of passage across another owner’s land, but the exact rights depend on the recorded documents.

Buyers should request the full easement agreement and have it reviewed by a qualified title professional or real estate attorney.

Important questions include:

Does the recorded easement provide continuous legal access from a public road to the property?
Is the easement valid for residential use, construction vehicles, and utility installation?
Who is responsible for maintaining and repairing the access road?
Are there gates, seasonal restrictions, or other limitations?
Can emergency vehicles reach the cabin?
Will a lender or insurer accept the current access arrangement?

The seller recommends using a truck or SUV to reach the property.

That recommendation suggests that road conditions may be challenging for ordinary passenger vehicles. Buyers should inspect the entire access route, preferably under different weather conditions.

Winter snow, mud, fallen trees, and road washouts could make the property more difficult to reach at certain times of year.

Off-Grid Living: No Power and No Well

The listing reports that electricity and gas are unavailable, and that the property does not have an established well.

Sewer service is also listed as unavailable.

These are significant limitations for anyone considering year-round living.

Electricity and Solar Power

A solar system with batteries could potentially provide electricity, but feasibility depends on energy requirements, available sunlight, equipment placement, and local installation requirements.

A forested property can present additional challenges because tree cover may reduce solar production.

The visible solar panels should not be treated as evidence of a working electrical system.

Before purchasing, a buyer should determine the cost of a properly designed off-grid power setup, including batteries, an inverter, wiring, and backup generation if needed.

Water Supply

The listing does not identify an established well.

A buyer considering full-time occupancy should investigate whether drilling a well is feasible and what local contractors charge for drilling in this mountainous area.

Well depth, groundwater availability, water quality, and drilling access can substantially affect costs.

Rainwater collection or water delivery may be possible under certain conditions, but those options also require appropriate storage, treatment, maintenance, and compliance with applicable rules.

The blue storage tank visible in the listing photographs does not confirm a reliable or potable water supply.

Wastewater and Sanitation

No sewer service is reported.

Installing a septic system may require soil evaluations, suitable terrain, setbacks, permits, and approval from the relevant local authority.

Mountain terrain and shallow or rocky soils can complicate installation.

For buyers planning a residential conversion, wastewater feasibility should be confirmed before committing to major improvements.

The Real Cost of a $110,000 Mountain Property

The asking price works out to approximately $5,500 per acre when the entire $110,000 purchase price is divided by 20 acres.

That figure includes the existing cabin and other improvements. It should not be used as a direct comparison with vacant land.

The property’s reported annual tax bill is only $64, although future taxes may change after a sale, reassessment, or improvements.

The more important financial question is how much additional money would be needed to make the property safe, accessible, and functional.

Potential expenses include:

Cabin structural repairs or replacement.
Road maintenance and possible access improvements.
Well drilling or an alternative water system.
Septic evaluation and installation.
Solar power, batteries, and backup equipment.
Tree removal and vegetation management.
Debris cleanup and removal of deteriorated outbuildings.
Permits, inspections, surveys, and professional fees.
Insurance and ongoing maintenance.

Remote construction can cost more than comparable work in town because materials, machinery, and contractors must travel farther.

A buyer should obtain site-specific estimates rather than assuming that an inexpensive purchase price will lead to an inexpensive completed retreat.

Location and Outdoor Recreation

The property is in the Colville region of Stevens County in northeastern Washington.

The listing describes Northport as approximately 25 minutes away, but actual travel time should be checked using the complete access route and current road conditions.

The area is promoted for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, hiking, hunting, snowmobiling, and four-wheel-drive exploration.

The listing also mentions wildlife such as deer, elk, moose, grouse, turkey, bear, and cougar.

These species may occur in the broader region, but their presence on the individual parcel is not guaranteed.

For buyers interested in hunting, Washington’s wildlife regulations, licensing requirements, game management units, and public-land rules should be reviewed independently.

Who Might Find This Property Interesting?

This property could appeal to several types of buyers.

Recreational land buyers may appreciate the forested acreage, privacy, and potential access to nearby public land.

Experienced off-grid enthusiasts may see the cabin as a possible base for a carefully planned remote living project.

Hunters and outdoor recreation enthusiasts may value the location, provided access and activity restrictions are confirmed.

Buyers comfortable with major renovations may be interested in evaluating whether the existing structure can be restored.

On the other hand, this property is probably not an ideal match for someone seeking a move-in-ready cabin, reliable utilities, easy year-round access, or a predictable renovation budget.

Seven Questions to Answer Before Buying

Before making an offer, prospective buyers should prioritize these questions:

Is the cabin legally habitable? Obtain permit and building records rather than relying on its appearance.
What is the actual structural condition? Arrange an inspection by professionals familiar with older rural buildings.
Is the deeded easement adequate? Confirm recorded rights, road maintenance responsibilities, and access limitations.
Can a dependable water supply be established? Consult local well contractors and review available groundwater information.
Is a septic system feasible? Contact the appropriate local health or permitting authority.
What is included in the sale? Verify whether the solar panels, tank, satellite equipment, vehicles, and other items shown in photographs will remain.
What will the completed project cost? Prepare a realistic budget with contingency funds for unexpected repairs.

Buyers should also obtain a title report, review property boundaries, investigate wildfire exposure, and check insurance availability before closing.

Is This Washington Cabin Property Worth Considering?

At $110,000, this Colville-area property combines 20 acres of forest, an existing rustic cabin, and reported access to a large area of neighboring public land.

Those features make it interesting as a potential recreational retreat or long-term restoration project.

But the property also presents substantial uncertainties.

There is no reported electrical service, no established well, no sewer connection, and no assurance that the old cabin is ready for occupancy. Access depends on a private easement, and the condition of the buildings requires careful investigation.

The strongest reason to consider this property is the land and its remote setting—not an expectation of immediately comfortable cabin living.

For a buyer who understands the risks and can manage the logistics of a remote property, it may be worth investigating further. For someone who needs dependable utilities and a ready-to-use home, the challenges could outweigh the appeal.

View the Original Property Listing

Address: 2518 A Bodie Mountain Road, Colville, WA 99114

Reported asking price: $110,000

View property details and current listing status on Zillow

Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a real estate advertisement, financial recommendation, legal opinion, or guarantee of property condition or availability. Information is based on the supplied listing details and photographs and has not been independently verified. Prices, listing status, taxes, property boundaries, access rights, building permits, and utility conditions may change. Buyers should conduct independent due diligence and consult qualified local professionals before making a purchase.