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Plum Nelly Farm

$1,550,000 Rising Fawn, GA 325± Deeded Acres

Sections

Overview

Executive Summary

Nestled in a gorgeous and quiet area on Lookout Mountain, these gently rolling 325± acres are known as Plum Nelly Farm. Only 30 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, the farm’s convenient location offers the perfect balance of a pastoral retreat and urban entertainment. With nearly half of the farm in well-maintained pastures, it provides the perfect setting for a small cattle operation or other agricultural endeavors. The property also has fantastic water resources with an 8± acre mountain lake that is often stocked with trout, a smaller 2± acre bream and bass fishing pond, four cattle ponds and Daniel Creek that originates on the property from a spring. Plum Nelly offers something for every outdoor enthusiast whether that is hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, gardening or just plain relaxation. In addition, the surrounding area offers immense recreational opportunities. Located in the far northwest corner of Georgia, Plum Nelly is just two hours from Atlanta, Birmingham and Nashville.

Just the Facts

  • Fantastic water resources including an 8± acre mountain lake
  • 143± acres of open land/pastureland; great horse or cattle farm
  • Only 8 minutes from Cloudland Canyon State Park
  • Includes 2,935+ sq. ft. caretaker’s house
  • Only 30 minutes to downtown Chattanooga and 2 hours to Atlanta

General Description

Plum Nelly is tucked into a bend of Lookout Mountain just a stone’s throw from the western brow, and about 13 miles south of the Georgia state line. The property is located off a scenic, private, and paved country road. The access is off Sunset Road, which is its southeastern boundary line. The caretaker’s house is situated just next to the main entrance, and upon entering the farm on a nice gravel road you have great views overlooking the rolling pastureland.  Behind the caretaker’s house are two livestock ponds and a fenced-in pasture allowing for care of the owner’s horses in the event of absentee ownership. A well-kept gravel road meanders through the farm providing convenient access throughout the property. This main drive leads you to a small barn used as a gathering place, and where a few implements and tools are kept. Continuing on the main drive, you ultimately arrive at the 8±-acre mountain lake, which is the centerpiece of the property. This lake is clear mountain water and offers the perfect summertime swimming hole. On the lake’s edge is a great gathering area for entertaining, grilling out and enjoying a campfire. The lake includes a small wooden dock and truly is the ideal setting. On the northern half of the farm, you transition from an area of managed wildlife food plots and a stocked fishing pond, to a large section of hardwoods. Emerging on the property from a mountain spring, Daniel Creek creates a small and gradual ravine with a mountain laurel-lined streambank on the northwestern reaches of the property. Ultimately, Daniel Creek converges with Bear Creek in Cloudland Canyon State Park, and this forms Sitton’s Gulch Creek. The property has great configuration and is nearly the perfect rectangular shape. The neighbor situation is excellent and the property provides a great deal of privacy.

Broker's Comments

As a broker, I’m always told by land buyers that what appeals to them the most is a very private property in a gorgeous setting that is convenient to the amenities of a nice mid-size town. For good measure, they usually also tack on good water resources with a nice balance of open and forested land as features a farm must have. Well…this is the exact definition of Plum Nelly!

Locale

Location

Plum Nelly is situated near the western brow of Lookout Mountain in the far northwestern reaches of Georgia.  The farm is part of the quaint community of Rising Fawn, GA.  Rising Fawn is known for its music, arts festival and the highly regarded Canyon Grill restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the Chattanooga area.

Plum Nelly is located only 30 minutes from the heart of downtown Chattanooga, TN.  Chattanooga has become one of America’s most dynamic middle-sized cities with an array of exciting venues for nearby residents. New York Times is quoted as saying, “Not too small and not too big, Chattanooga is really the undiscovered gem of Tennessee.” This convenience to all of Chattanooga’s amenities is a real plus to owning Plum Nelly.

The farm is located just two hours from Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville. 

Locale

A very unique feature of Plum Nelly is its close proximity to so many other interesting venues. The surrounding recreational opportunities are endless and convenient, allowing for the property to act much bigger than its 325± acres. Here are just a few of the nearby resources one can enjoy.

Cloudland Canyon State Park: Located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state of Georgia, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton’s Gulch Creek, and elevation differs from 800± to 1,980± feet. A day spent hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing makes for a wonderful time. Plum Nelly is only 3.3 miles or eight minutes from this 3,500±acre state park.

Crockford Pigeon Mountain WMA: This 20,000± acre wildlife management area offers a huge and friendly landscape for outdoor recreation. There are miles upon miles of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. It offers excellent hunting opportunities for turkey and deer as well. Pigeon Mountain has many limestone formations, which have become a sought-after destination among elite rock climbers. Plum Nelly is only 20 miles or 25 minutes from Pigeon Mountain WMA.

Lula Lake Land Trust: This is a shining example of the benefits of conservation. Having protected over 4,000± acres on top of Lookout Mountain, the Lula Lake Land Trust has guaranteed these abundant resources will benefit both current and future generations. Many opportunities to horseback ride, mountain bike, hike, picnic, and just simply enjoy the outdoors are available on the Land Trust. Check out its Cloudland Canyon State Park connector trail, which is just around the corner from Plum Nelly! Plum Nelly is only 14 miles from the core LLLT property, but with many more access points even closer.

Climate

Lying within the humid subtropical zone of the United States, the area offers a mild, pleasant climate and four distinct seasons. Spring arrives in March with mild days and cool nights, and by late May temperatures have warmed up considerably to herald warm summer days. On average, July is the warmest month of the year. The summer months tend to receive more precipitation than other times of the year, and the area has an average annual rainfall of 53 inches. Fall is marked by mild-to-warm days and cooler nights. Winter is usually mild, with the coldest days featuring lows near or slightly above freezing and highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s. Snow occurs sporadically with an average annual accumulation of approximately five inches. 

Aesthetic Considerations

Lookout Mountain has a magnetic quality to it and this same quality exists on Plum Nelly. The gently rolling topography, open spaces, great views and mountain lake capture the essence of a picturesque Lookout Mountain property. In addition, the property has been very well cared for and is in great condition.

Property Details

Acreage (Deeded & Leased)

Deeded Acres: 325±
Total Leased Acres:
Total Acres: 325±

Improvements

Caretaker’s House: This single-family home is 2,935± square feet and sits just beyond the front gate of the property. Built in 1996, it is a two-story house with three bedrooms and two full baths on the main level, and one bedroom and one full bath on the lower level. The lower level also has a large den/playroom with its own ingress/egress.

Barn: Located near the center of the farm off the main drive is a small 768± square foot barn with some covered parking for farm equipment.

Taxes

The annual property taxes for Plum Nelly are approximately $10,500.The property was previously enrolled in a Georgia conservation use program that reduced the property taxes to ~$3,500 per year. The term recently expired and the Seller chose not to re-enroll and leave this decision up to the future owner.

Recreational Amenities

Recreational Considerations

Plum Nelly offers a serene backdrop to a number of outdoor activities that can be appreciated and enjoyed by all family members and friends. Regardless of location, land lovers always seem to migrate to water when enjoying a property, and Plum Nelly has no shortage of water. The main lake is the ideal gathering spot for camping, cooking out, swimming and canoeing. It is regularly stocked with trout and provides great fishing opportunities for bream and bass. There are other fishing ponds on the property as well.

The wildlife on Plum Creek is abundant, and the property offers great hunting for turkey and deer. There are a number of managed food plots and it has a great balance of open and wooded land creating the ideal habitat diversity and edge needed for wildlife to flourish. In addition, there is a great location for a dove field that has been planted in years past, providing great times during the fall with family and friends.

If your idea of recreation is more industrial, the property presents a great opportunity for cattle or even a small organic farming operation. It would also make for a gorgeous horse farm.

There is great access throughout the entire property allowing for full use of the asset.  If you like spending time outdoors, you will love the natural setting of Plum Nelly.