A small cabin surrounded by 20 acres of Michigan woodland is being offered for $85,000 in Newberry, Michigan. Located at 1690 Tower Road, this rustic property combines a compact living space, wooded acreage, and access to the kind of quiet outdoor environment that attracts buyers looking for a remote getaway.

The cabin measures just 352 square feet, but the surrounding land is the main attraction. According to the listing, the property includes wooded areas, wetlands, and a boundary adjoining state or federal land.

There is an important distinction, however: this is not a conventional home with ordinary utility connections. Its propane-powered systems, 12-volt lighting, holding-tank water arrangement, and separate shower and toilet facilities require a different approach to everyday living.

For someone interested in a seasonal hunting retreat, recreational cabin, or simple off-grid lifestyle, the property may be worth investigating. But before considering the asking price attractive, buyers need to understand what is included and what it could cost to maintain or improve.

Property Overview

Property Detail	Information
Address	1690 Tower Rd, Newberry, MI 49868
Asking Price	$85,000
Property Type	Single-family cabin
Interior Living Area	352 sq ft
Bedrooms	1
Bathrooms	Listed as 1, with separate shower/outhouse arrangement
Land Area	20 acres
Year Built	2001
Construction	Wood frame with log siding
Roof	Metal/steel
Heating	Propane wall furnace
Electricity	Solar generation and 12V lighting described
Water	Holding-tank arrangement described
Sewer	None listed
Road Surface	Dirt
Land Features	Wooded, wetlands, adjoining public land
HOA	No HOA services listed
Listing Date	September 27, 2026

Property information is based on the supplied real estate listing. Availability, price, utility conditions, and other details should be independently verified.

A Small Cabin With a Large Woodland Setting

At first glance, the most interesting feature of this property is the contrast between the cabin and the land.

The home occupies only 352 square feet, while the parcel covers approximately 20 acres. That gives the property a very different character from a typical residential lot.

The photographs show a rustic cabin with brown log-style siding, a metal roof, and green lower exterior panels. Mature trees surround the building, creating a sheltered woodland setting.

There is also a small detached wooden structure, an outdoor fire-ring area, and a clearing that appears suitable for sitting outside and enjoying the forest.

The property may appeal to buyers who value privacy, outdoor recreation, and having room to explore more than they value interior square footage.

However, wooded acreage does not automatically mean all 20 acres are easily accessible or usable. The listing identifies wetlands, which could limit building, clearing, vehicle access, or other improvements.

A buyer should review the parcel boundaries, wetland information, and terrain before assuming that the entire property can be developed or used for recreation.

Inside the 352-Square-Foot Cabin

The interior has a straightforward, rustic layout that makes use of nearly every available foot of space.

Wood-paneled walls, exposed beams, simple furniture, and a compact kitchen create a traditional hunting-cabin atmosphere rather than a modern residential interior.

Sleeping and Living Space

The photographs show a separate sleeping area with a bed and a window overlooking the surrounding trees.

Another section includes an elevated sleeping platform with a ladder and a couch beneath it. This arrangement helps maximize the limited floor space, although buyers should confirm the safety and load capacity of the elevated structure.

The main living area includes seating, a small dining table, and views of the woods through multiple windows.

For one or two people spending occasional weekends at the property, the layout could be practical. For a family or someone considering year-round living, the limited interior space would require more careful planning.

Kitchen Facilities

The kitchen has wooden cabinets, a sink, countertop space, and a freestanding stove.

The listing also identifies a refrigerator, oven/range, and tankless water heater among the appliances.

These features provide a starting point for basic cabin use, but buyers should confirm which appliances are included in the sale, how they are powered, and whether they are operating correctly.

With a small cabin, storage, food preparation, and energy consumption become important considerations, particularly during longer stays.

Understanding the Off-Grid Utility Setup

One of the most important parts of evaluating this property is understanding its utility systems.

The listing describes propane service, 12-volt lighting, solar generation, a 12-volt water pump, and a tankless water heater.

This suggests a simplified off-grid arrangement rather than a conventional residential electrical system.

Solar and 12-Volt Power

The photographs show a battery and small solar-related equipment inside the cabin.

However, the presence of solar equipment does not establish how much electricity the system can produce or store.

Before purchasing, buyers should ask:

What is the solar panel capacity?
What type and age are the batteries?
Is there an inverter for standard household appliances?
How long can the system operate without sufficient sunlight?
Is a generator included or needed?
Is the wiring properly installed and protected?

A 12-volt lighting system may be sufficient for basic illumination, but it should not be confused with a full household electrical supply.

Propane Heating

The listing identifies a propane wall furnace and a gas stove/fireplace.

Propane can be useful in a remote cabin, but equipment condition, ventilation, fuel storage, and winter heating capacity deserve careful inspection.

A qualified professional should inspect the heating appliances and verify that carbon monoxide protection and ventilation are adequate.

Water Supply

The property description refers to a 50-gallon holding tank, a 12-volt pump, and a tankless water heater serving the shower facilities.

It does not establish that the property has a conventional well or a continuous potable water supply.

Buyers should determine where the water comes from, how the tank is filled, whether the water is safe for drinking, and whether the system is protected against freezing.

The Bathroom Arrangement Is Not Conventional

The listing identifies one bathroom and also mentions a half bathroom in its structured details. Yet the written description describes a separate shower house with an outhouse-style toilet.

The photographs show a compact bathroom area with a toilet fixture, small sink, and basic interior finishes.

This is a significant point for prospective buyers.

The listing states that the property has no sewer system, so buyers should not assume the toilet is connected to an approved septic system.

They should confirm the exact toilet type, waste-disposal method, shower drainage, local code compliance, and whether the facilities can legally support the intended use of the cabin.

Anyone planning to use the property as a full-time residence should investigate these issues before making an offer.

Twenty Acres of Woods and Wetlands

For many potential buyers, the land is likely to be the strongest reason to consider this property.

Twenty acres can offer room for walking, observing wildlife, maintaining trails, and enjoying a greater degree of separation from neighboring properties.

The listing describes the parcel as wooded and containing wetlands.

Woodland can provide shade, natural scenery, and wildlife habitat. Wetlands can also support biodiversity, but they introduce practical limitations.

Wet ground may affect where a driveway, additional structure, or trail can be placed. Certain activities may require permits or be restricted under applicable environmental regulations.

Buyers should obtain a survey and review available wetland mapping. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides a useful starting point through its Wetlands Mapper.

A map is not a substitute for a professional on-site wetland determination.

Adjoining State or Federal Land: An Important Feature to Verify

The listing states that the property joins state or federal land.

For outdoor enthusiasts, this may be one of the most appealing details.

Nearby public land can potentially provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and other permitted recreation.

But the listing does not specify the exact public land agency, acreage, or legal access points.

Adjoining public land also does not mean that every activity is permitted there.

Buyers should identify the neighboring landowner, review official maps, and confirm access rules before relying on this feature.

Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources provides information about state-managed land and recreation at Michigan.gov/DNR.

The Reality of Access and Michigan Winters

The listing identifies the road surface as dirt.

That matters for a rural property in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where snow, ice, spring thaw, and muddy conditions can complicate access.

A dirt road that works well in dry weather may require a different vehicle or additional maintenance during other seasons.

Before buying, ask who maintains Tower Road, whether the driveway is accessible throughout the winter, and whether there are recorded easements or shared maintenance obligations.

Buyers considering year-round use should also investigate heating costs, water-system freeze protection, emergency access, and the practical distance to groceries, medical care, and other essential services.

A secluded cabin can be enjoyable precisely because it is remote, but that remoteness brings responsibilities.

Is $85,000 a Reasonable Price?

The asking price is $85,000, with a listed interior area of 352 square feet.

That works out to approximately $241 per square foot.

On its own, that figure looks relatively high for such a small structure. But the sale also includes 20 acres, so a house-only price-per-square-foot comparison is not particularly useful.

Dividing the total asking price by the land area produces approximately $4,250 per acre.

That calculation includes the cabin and any other improvements, so it should not be treated as a raw-land valuation either.

A more meaningful evaluation would compare the property with other recreational parcels in the Newberry area that have similar road access, wetlands, timber, utilities, structures, and public-land proximity.

The listing reports a tax-assessed value of $15,787. Assessed value is not the same as current market value, and it should not be used alone to determine whether the asking price is fair.

Buyers also need to account for inspections, insurance, closing costs, potential repairs, utility upgrades, and ongoing land maintenance.

Advantages and Trade-Offs

Potential Advantages

Twenty acres of land: Substantially more outdoor space than a typical residential property.
Existing cabin: A structure is already present, rather than starting with vacant land.
Rustic character: Wood finishes and compact furnishings suit a simple woodland retreat.
Off-grid equipment: The property already has some propane, solar, and low-voltage systems.
Public-land boundary: The listing reports adjoining state or federal land, subject to verification.
Outdoor setting: Trees, a clearing, and a fire-ring area contribute to its recreational appeal.

Important Trade-Offs

Very small living area: At 352 square feet, interior space is limited.
Unconventional sanitation: No sewer is listed, and the toilet/shower arrangement needs verification.
Limited water storage: The described 50-gallon tank requires a reliable filling arrangement.
Off-grid power limitations: Solar and battery capacity are not established.
Wetlands: Some areas may have restricted use or difficult access.
Dirt-road access: Seasonal conditions and maintenance could affect travel.
Financing and insurance: The unconventional utilities and sanitation setup may make some financing or insurance options harder to obtain.

Buyer Due-Diligence Checklist

Before making an offer on 1690 Tower Road, a prospective buyer should complete several important checks.

Verify the acreage and boundaries. Obtain the legal description, survey information, and parcel map.
Inspect the cabin. Have a qualified inspector evaluate the roof, structure, crawl space, moisture, pests, windows, and safety features.
Confirm the bathroom system. Determine how waste is handled and whether the arrangement complies with applicable requirements.
Test the water setup. Check the holding tank, pump, heater, plumbing, water source, and freeze protection.
Inspect the electrical equipment. Establish the actual solar capacity, battery condition, wiring safety, and available power.
Review wetland limitations. Understand which portions of the property may be subject to restrictions.
Confirm road access. Check legal access rights, seasonal conditions, and maintenance responsibilities.
Investigate public-land adjacency. Verify the boundary and permitted recreation activities.
Discuss financing and insurance early. Ask lenders and insurers whether the cabin’s existing systems meet their requirements.
Verify listing status and sale terms. Confirm the current price, included items, title condition, and any property disclosures.

Who Might Consider This Property?

This property may be most relevant to someone looking for a simple recreational retreat rather than a conventional suburban home.

A buyer who enjoys outdoor activities and is comfortable managing limited utilities may appreciate the cabin’s small footprint and wooded setting.

It could also interest someone who wants a base for occasional trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, provided the cabin and its systems are safe and suitable for the intended use.

On the other hand, buyers expecting reliable municipal-style utilities, a standard bathroom, easy winter access, and generous indoor living space may find the property impractical without substantial upgrades.

The right decision depends less on the asking price alone and more on whether the existing conditions match the buyer’s needs.

Final Thoughts

At $85,000, this Newberry property offers an unusual combination: a 352-square-foot rustic cabin, 20 acres of wooded land, an off-grid utility arrangement, and reported adjacency to public land.

Its appeal is easy to understand. The setting is quiet, the cabin has a traditional woodland character, and the acreage provides more outdoor space than the interior dimensions might suggest.

But the property also comes with important questions about sanitation, water supply, electrical capacity, wetlands, and seasonal road access.

For a buyer willing to investigate those issues carefully, it may be worth a closer look as a recreational property. For someone seeking a fully equipped, move-in-ready residence, the existing setup may not be the right fit.

Original Property Listing: View 1690 Tower Rd, Newberry, MI on Zillow

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. Property details, pricing, availability, permitted uses, and conditions may change. Information is based on listing materials supplied for review and has not been independently verified through a property inspection or title search. Readers should consult qualified real estate, legal, inspection, financing, and environmental professionals before making any purchase decision. This website is not affiliated with Zillow or the listing brokerage.