Two weeks after closing on a 120 year old Victorian log cabin, a couple introduced their new home to the world. Anna and Brock, the owners of Piney Fork Homestead and the voices behind @wildnorthfamily, shared a first tour of the 57 acre property in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
The main cabin is only part of the story. The property also holds six cabins in total, some hidden deep in the woods and all filled with antiques. Here is what the couple shared, followed by general tips for anyone who dreams of owning historic land.
@wildnorthfamily
Meet the Owners of Piney Fork Homestead
The couple introduced themselves as Anna and Brock, owners of Piney Fork Homestead. Two weeks earlier they had bought a 120 year old Victorian log cabin on 57 acres of land. It sits in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, and they invited people to follow along as they renovate the old home and build a family homestead.
Woods, Creeks and Pasture
They described the land as mostly wooded, with two large creeks and three and a half acres of pasture. That mix of forest, flowing water and open ground gives a homestead a great deal of flexibility, from gardening to grazing to simply exploring. It is easy to see why the couple felt so strongly about the place.
Orchard, Old Garden and Greenhouse
The property is laid in with fruit trees and berry bushes. There is also a beautiful old garden with a stone wall and a grapevine, which Anna said she cannot wait to start cleaning up. Nearby is an adorable little greenhouse that she said is begging for new life. Between the garden, the orchard and the greenhouse, there is plenty of work waiting once the weather and the schedule allow.
Six Cabins and a Mile Hike
The biggest surprise came next. Besides the main log home, there are six cabins on the property. Some of them are hidden in the woods, a mile hike from the house. Anna said so much history was left behind in these cabins, and each one is filled with different antique treasures waiting to be discovered. For anyone who loves old things, that is a remarkable thing to inherit along with a piece of land.
A Place That Fits Like a Glove
The couple said they feel lucky that the place found them, and that it fits them like a glove. They closed by inviting people to follow along as they renovate the old home and build their family homestead. Their enthusiasm shows in every detail they listed, from the stone wall to the grapevine.
General Tips for Owning Historic Land and Old Cabins
These are general suggestions for anyone who finds themselves with an old cabin, or several, rather than details about this couple’s plans.
- Start with a thorough inspection. Old log structures can hide moisture, insect or foundation problems, so look closely at the roof, the sill logs and the chinking.
- Keep water away from the walls. Good gutters, drainage and roof overhangs help protect old logs from rot.
- Document before you move anything. Photograph each room and each antique where you found it, since the original placement tells part of the story.
- Be careful with old buildings. Wear sturdy boots, test floors before stepping, and take a flashlight and a buddy when exploring remote cabins.
- Protect antiques from the elements. Dry storage, good airflow and pest control keep furniture, linens and paper from deteriorating.
- Research before restoring. Cleaning or refinishing the wrong way can lower an antique’s value, so ask a local historical society or appraiser first.
- Tackle the garden in layers. Clear overgrowth first, then decide what to keep, such as fruit trees, berry bushes and a stone wall.
- Plan for access. A cabin a mile into the woods may need a trail, signage and an emergency plan before you spend time there.
Visiting a Property Before You Commit
Before buying a large rural property, plan more than one visit in different seasons. A spring walk shows where water collects, while a winter walk shows how steep the road is and how far the nearest neighbors are. Bring a county map, mark property lines with the help of a surveyor, and ask about easements that allow others to cross the land. Check on road access in bad weather, cell service and the distance to emergency services and a hospital. Ask about timber rights, mineral rights and any conservation programs tied to the deed. Finally, talk with neighbors about the history of the land, since they often know which creek floods and which spots hold the finest scenery. A written checklist keeps these questions organized, and a notebook of answers becomes a valuable record once the purchase is complete.
A Homestead Full of Possibility
A 120 year old log cabin, 57 acres, two creeks, a walled garden and six cabins full of antiques make for an extraordinary beginning. Anna and Brock have a long list of projects ahead, and they seem to be looking forward to every one. Their story is a nice reminder that old places carry history within them, and that the best way to honor it is to slow down, look closely and care for what is already there.
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