By Patty Wilber
A while back, our neighbor behind us offered to sell a little 1.44 acre strip of land between our back fence and the arroyo. That seemed interesting, so we starting looking for property in our area so we could understand how much that bit was worth.
The 1.44 acres was along the back (left) of our place. The arena would be at the bottom of this picture but it is cut off below the parking area.
We found a frontage lot for $16K/acre and The Hill, which was listed as 30 acres, for WAY less than 16K per acre. WAY WAY.
So, Jim called.
Then, I looked at the listing map and the photos. The pictures showed the property had frontage DIRECTLY across the street from us (cool!), but the map showed a 10 acre parcel, which seemed a more reasonable acreage given the price. But, it was not adjacent to our property and lacked good riding opportunities.
So, we gave up on the hill and made an offer on the 1.44 acre strip.
Then The Hill real estate agent called back.
- The Hill WAS 30 acres.
- It did border our property.
- The listed price was NOT a typo.
Our offer on the strip was not accepted. Whew!!!
We bought the hill!
Coulson: u what?
Lani: they bought The Hill. over there.
The Hill is actually a hill, another hill, another hill, some roads, trails and an arroyo and a lot of rock. Who needs Extreme Trail? I’ve got my own now, across the street from the house (where the normal training stuff–like an arena and round pen and jumps and bridges– is located)!
Lacey and I are about the climb over these rocks to the top of this hill. All the horses get out on this sort of terrain, no matter what their show ring skills. I think it is great for their minds, and also really helps them learn to use their bodies. I have plans for a trail that goes along the top of this hill.
View from the top to the west. Thirty acres is not that big when you are talking LAND, but hey, that red barn and arena is ours and so is all the stuff in between!
Looking eastish.
An arroyo on the east. I think a trail should go through here–but it will be a tough one as both sides get really steep.
In the middle of this picture is where the arroyo begins. The property extends about to the house and goes right (over the hill!)
There is even a little meadow!
I still cannot believe all this is across 20 feet of black top from where we have lived since 1997.
It might be a miracle.
Oh, that is SO COOL!! More !!!
It’s that trail we rode up that one time!
Okay, the “shortcut” to your place, or the long trail that we rode that once? Because wow, if the long trail, that’s amazing!
Part of the long one–not all the way to the really cool canyon, but behind the hill and up that really steep rock stuff and one time we turned around there. But basically on our road from the A-frame to our house and back three lots, then it makes a weird jog and goes up to almost the highest point to the east of us…
Oooohhhh….
DEFINITELY a miracle! Wow–it looks so pretty! Hurray for you, and for your horses, who will certainly benefit from a nearby “real world workout” even though I know you will haul them for longer and different trails because it’s good for them.
Thanks! It is very exciting! I rode on one particular trail on this property a lot already, but now I can freely use much more! “Fill the trailer, if possible,” is my motto! We are really lucky to have lots of riding very close-by.
Congrats Patty. It will be great for training and all around fun!
Thanks Barb–great training area, indeed and now we don’t have to move to get property! I can’t believe it is across the street!
Looks like you have some really nice views on that new property. Lucky you!!
Thanks Sue–yes we do!