Pueblog USa
Monday, February 27, 2006
It Looks Good Now…
...but wait until they start putting up ugly, suburban ranch houses and “modular” homes.
We got a flyer in the mail a couple of days ago for something called “Cedarwood Station” with a return address of 7600 Hatchet Ranch Road. I’m not sure where that is, but judging from the full color photos, it’s in the southwest part of the Pueblo County. The brochure advertises “large ranch acreage tracts ranging in size from 35 to 60 acres,...”
Uh, who imagines that 60 acres is a “large” ranch? Turns out it is someone called Redstone Properties and they are (are you ready?) located in MASSACHUSETTS! That accounts for the “large” adjective.
Another line in the flyer assures the potential buyer, “each property comes with a warranty deed.” Whoo-hoo! Suitable for framing, no doubt.
The flyer also promises that “All properties have easy access to county roads, power, and telephone.” Please note, those of you from Back East somewhere, that there is no mention of WATER. Back East (I lived there for almost a year) the problem with water is a lack of processing plants. Out here, it’s a lack of water itself. Plan on digging a well, and it won’t be cheap, and there is no guarantee that there will be water to drill to, or that it will be water you’ll want to consume, once the well is dug.
And, let’s also note, that in this day and age, “access to telephone” does not necessarily mean a land-line. Telephone service will vary depending on how well your cellular service covers the area.
And “power?” The brochure makes a big deal about how there’s 300 days of sunshine at Cedarwood Station, so maybe you’d better plan a house with lots of solar panels and big storage batteries for the cloudy days.
Speaking of houses, the brochure promises “spectacular mountain views.” Out in Massachusetts, which is fairly heavily wooded, and has quite a few hills, it’s easy to shield yourself from your neighbors on 35 acres. However, out here on the Great Plains, which is where you have to be in order to see the spectacular view of the mountains, you’ll be able to see every ranch home, modular home (trailer), storage shed and lean-to that your neighbors put up for about, oh, 30 or 40 miles, at least. That view you’re buying with its sense of solitude won’t stay the same. And if you think all your neighbors will put up beautiful McMansions, well, they don’t look so good, either, sticking up like warts on Paris Hilton’s cheek.
And if you’re a potential buyer imagining a working ranch, one where you can earn a living, plan on buying about 50 of the properties. Just pay attention that it is apparently zoned, and taxed, as residential property.
If the owners want to develop their property this way, that’s fine. But don’t try to fool people into thinking they’ll have a “ranch” or that the view will stay the same.
Next entry: Spring Is Here Previous entry: Old Buildings Never Die...