A secluded wooded property near Rosedale offers a pond, an aging log structure, and plenty of land—but access and renovation costs deserve serious attention.
Finding a rural property with more than 80 acres for around $120,000 is enough to attract attention. Add an old log cabin, a pond, and heavily wooded hillsides, and the property becomes particularly interesting to buyers searching for a private recreational retreat.
Located on Laurel Run Road in Rosedale, West Virginia, this approximately 87-acre property was advertised for $120,000, following a $10,000 price reduction in September 2026.
The property is marketed primarily for hunting and outdoor recreation. Its existing log structure could potentially serve as the starting point for a future hunting camp, although the building’s condition raises important questions about whether restoration would be practical.
The real attraction here is the combination of acreage, natural surroundings, and seclusion. But buying remote mountain land involves more than evaluating photographs and comparing asking prices.
Property Overview
| Feature | Listing Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Laurel Run Road, Rosedale, WV 26636 |
| Asking price | $120,000 |
| Land area | 87 acres |
| Property type | Unimproved land |
| Existing structure | Old log cabin or log building |
| Bedrooms | 0 officially listed |
| Bathrooms | 0 officially listed |
| Water feature | Pond mentioned in listing |
| Views | Wooded, scenic, stream |
| Property access | Right-of-way |
| HOA | None reported |
| Price reduction | $10,000 on September 9, 2026 |
These figures reflect the supplied listing information and are not independently verified. Price and availability may change.
What Makes This 87-Acre Property Interesting?
The biggest advantage is the amount of land.
At 87 acres, this is a substantially larger property than the small rural lots commonly advertised as recreational retreats. The listing photographs show extensive tree cover, uneven terrain, and a secluded setting.
For someone who values outdoor space more than a finished house, those characteristics may be appealing.
Potential uses worth investigating include:
- A private hunting property, subject to applicable laws and access rights.
- A seasonal recreational retreat.
- Hiking and nature observation.
- A future cabin or campsite, where legally permitted.
- Long-term woodland ownership.
However, acreage alone does not determine usability. Steep slopes, drainage channels, access limitations, and building restrictions can significantly affect what an owner can actually do with the land.
A buyer should understand how much of the 87 acres is reasonably accessible before making plans.
An Old Log Cabin Hidden in the Woods
One of the most distinctive features of the property is its existing log structure.
The photographs show a substantial older log building surrounded by dense vegetation. Portions of the windows appear boarded, and the building sits on a tall concrete-block foundation along sloping ground.
A raised porch or deck structure is also visible.
These details give the property a rustic character, but they should not be confused with evidence that the cabin is safe or habitable.
The listing identifies the property as unimproved land, with zero bedrooms, zero bathrooms, and no finished residential area.
That distinction matters.
Even if the structure resembles a cabin, buyers should not assume it is a legally recognized residence or that it qualifies for conventional home financing.
Could the Old Cabin Be Restored?
Possibly, but its condition needs professional evaluation.
Before budgeting for restoration, a buyer should investigate:
- The condition of the logs, particularly where moisture may collect.
- Roof integrity and evidence of leaks.
- Foundation stability and drainage around the hillside.
- The safety of the elevated porch and its supports.
- Wood rot, insect damage, and structural movement.
- Whether the building was permitted and can legally be occupied.
- The availability of electricity, drinking water, and wastewater disposal.
The photographs alone cannot establish whether the building is repairable at a reasonable cost.
In some cases, restoring a neglected structure can cost more than constructing a smaller replacement. That is why an inspection and realistic contractor estimates should come before any renovation plans.
The Pond and Wooded Landscape
The listing specifically mentions a pond, while the property features also describe scenic, wooded, and stream views.
A pond can be a valuable recreational feature, especially for buyers interested in wildlife observation and enjoying the natural landscape.
However, the presence of water does not automatically establish that it is permanent, usable, or suitable for fishing.
A buyer should confirm the pond’s exact location, whether it holds water year-round, and whether any maintenance or environmental restrictions apply.
The topographic imagery also suggests significant changes in elevation across the property.
That terrain can contribute to attractive scenery and privacy, but it can make road construction, building, and routine land maintenance more difficult.
A relatively flat clearing may be useful for a campsite or future improvement, but its boundaries, drainage, and suitability must be checked on the ground.
The Biggest Concern: Right-of-Way Access
The listing states that the property is accessed through a right-of-way.
This is one of the most important details in the entire listing.
A right-of-way may provide legal access across another person’s land, but its specific terms determine what the property owner can do.
Before purchasing, buyers should obtain and review the recorded easement or right-of-way documentation.
Important questions include:
- Is the access legally recorded and transferable to future owners?
- Does it allow ordinary passenger vehicles, trucks, and construction equipment?
- Who is responsible for maintaining the access road?
- Is the route usable during heavy rain, snow, or icy weather?
- Does the access agreement allow utility installation or road improvements?
A right-of-way that is sufficient for occasional recreational access may not necessarily support a future residential building project.
A title professional or local real estate attorney can help determine whether the recorded access meets the buyer’s intended use.
For additional background, see our guide to legal road access when buying rural land.
Is $120,000 a Reasonable Asking Price?
At the advertised price of $120,000, the simple land-area calculation is:
$120,000 ÷ 87 acres = approximately $1,379 per acre.
That figure is useful for understanding the asking price, but it does not establish market value.
The calculation includes the existing log structure and any other improvements. It also does not account for how much of the acreage is steep, accessible, buildable, or restricted.
The property’s asking-price history provides additional context:
| Date | Advertised Price |
|---|---|
| June 21, 2026 | $130,000 |
| August 24, 2026 | $130,000 |
| September 9, 2026 | $120,000 |
The supplied listing history also shows earlier contingent periods, followed by renewed marketing.
A previous contingent status does not necessarily indicate a problem with the property. Transactions can fail for many reasons, including financing, inspections, title issues, or buyer decisions.
Nevertheless, prospective buyers may want to ask the listing agent whether any relevant information became available during those earlier transactions.
To judge the price properly, buyers should compare recently sold rural properties in the same general area, paying particular attention to legal access, terrain, utilities, and usable acreage.
Utilities and Future Development
The listing does not establish that the property has functioning residential utilities.
Because the property is classified as unimproved land, buyers should investigate utility availability independently.
Electricity: Confirm the distance to the nearest usable power connection, whether an easement permits installation, and the estimated cost of extending service.
Water: Determine whether a well could be drilled, what nearby well records indicate, and whether water hauling or another lawful system would be necessary.
Wastewater: Confirm whether the land has an approved septic system or whether soil testing and permits would be required.
Building permissions: Contact the appropriate county authorities to determine whether a new cabin, permanent residence, driveway, or other improvement would require permits.
For more information, read our rural property utilities checklist and guide to building on cheap rural land.
Who Might Find This Property Appealing?
This property may appeal most to buyers who are comfortable with remote land and understand the work involved in maintaining it.
A recreational land buyer might value the wooded acreage and privacy without needing a finished home immediately.
An experienced cabin renovator might be interested in assessing the old log structure, provided its condition and legal status justify the expense.
A long-term landowner might focus primarily on the acreage rather than the building.
On the other hand, this is probably not an ideal choice for someone who needs a move-in-ready home, guaranteed utility service, easy year-round access, or a predictable renovation budget.
The listing does not provide enough information to promise any of those features.
Advantages and Potential Drawbacks
Potential Advantages
- Approximately 87 acres of wooded West Virginia land.
- An existing log structure with possible restoration potential.
- A pond mentioned in the property description.
- A secluded setting with scenic natural surroundings.
- No HOA reported.
- An asking price reduced from $130,000 to $120,000.
Important Drawbacks
- Access depends on a right-of-way that needs legal review.
- The old cabin’s structural condition is unknown.
- No finished residential living area is officially listed.
- Residential water, sewer, and electric service are not confirmed.
- Sloping terrain may limit construction and vehicle access.
- Remote property maintenance can be expensive.
- Restoration or development costs could substantially increase the total investment.
Buyer Due-Diligence Checklist
Before making an offer, a prospective buyer should complete the following checks:
- Verify the boundaries. Obtain a current survey or reliable recorded survey and confirm the exact acreage.
- Review the right-of-way. Confirm recorded legal access, maintenance responsibilities, and permitted uses.
- Inspect the cabin. Hire a qualified professional to assess the foundation, logs, roof, and elevated structures.
- Check the terrain. Walk the property with permission and identify steep slopes, drainage areas, and usable clearings.
- Investigate utilities. Request written estimates for electricity, water, septic, and any required access improvements.
- Confirm land-use rules. Ask local authorities about construction, camping, and other intended activities.
- Review flood and environmental information. Examine available flood maps, drainage patterns, and any relevant restrictions.
- Estimate ongoing expenses. Consider property taxes, insurance, road maintenance, vegetation management, and security.
- Confirm current listing status. Verify the asking price and availability directly with the listing agent.
These checks can make a significant difference between an affordable recreational purchase and a property that becomes unexpectedly expensive to use.
Final Thoughts
The 87-acre property on Laurel Run Road stands out because of its scale, wooded setting, pond, and old log cabin.
At an advertised $120,000, it offers an interesting starting point for buyers who prioritize acreage and privacy.
But its strongest selling point is also the reason careful research matters: this is remote, largely undeveloped land with an aging structure, not a finished country home.
The most important questions concern legal access, usable terrain, the cabin’s structural condition, and the true cost of creating a safe recreational or residential setup.
For a buyer willing to investigate those issues carefully, the property may deserve a closer look. For someone expecting a ready-to-use cabin, the uncertainty may be too great.




















Original Property Listing
View 87 Acres on Laurel Run Road, Rosedale, WV, on Zillow
Disclaimer: This article is an independent, educational property analysis based on supplied public listing details and photographs. It is not a property advertisement, appraisal, legal opinion, or financial recommendation. The author is not representing the seller. Price, availability, property boundaries, utilities, building condition, and permitted uses must be independently verified before making any purchase decision.




