If you want a true country home with plenty of acreage property to explore, this historic property in Mercer County deserves your attention. The estate executor has ordered a public auction for this 1881 farmhouse and its surrounding 115 acres of land. Mountain Valley Auction Group is handling the sale via a simulcast live and online auction. Bidding will start at a minimum bid of $50,000, and the auction closes at 1 PM ET on July 2, 2026. This property investment carries a 10% buyer’s premium and sells completely as is, so you can buy it and renovate it on your own terms.
Property Details
- Property Type: Single Family Residence (Farm)
- Year Built: 1881
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3 (1 full bath, 2 half baths)
- Interior Space: 3,175 square feet
- Lot Size: 115 Acres
- Condition: Needs significant repair and structural work (As Is)
- Auction: Yes (Minimum bid starts at $50,000)
Condition and Opportunity
This country home offers a substantial amount of space, but buyers need to walk in with realistic expectations. The two-story Colonial style house has stood since 1881, and it shows its age. For instance, the foundation has experienced significant settling over the decades, so structural repairs are definitely on your to-do list. Furthermore, a recent windstorm blew off some asphalt shingles from the roof, which was last replaced 15 to 20 years ago.
On the positive side, previous owners did complete some major modern upgrades. The exterior features vinyl siding and replacement windows, and the electrical system runs on 200 amps. The main level also benefits from two mini-split HVAC systems and propane hot water baseboard heat. This structure could work for an experienced contractor, a history buff, or an investor looking for a major rural property project.
Interior and Layout Potential
The interior spans 3,175 square feet of living space, so you have plenty of room to map out a functional layout. The main level houses a large primary bedroom with an attached full bathroom for everyday convenience. You also get an open kitchen layout, which has a half bath on one side and a separate shower room on the other side. Downstairs stays comfortable thanks to the modern heating and cooling upgrades.
Upstairs includes three or four more bedrooms, but the layout depends entirely on how you choose to count the spaces. However, you should note that the second floor lacks direct heating and cooling ducts. The upstairs rooms rely entirely on the air that rises from the downstairs registers and the main stairway. This setup could easily work for seasonal guests, or you could choose to expand the climate system during your renovation.
Land and Outdoor Space
The outdoor acreage property is where things get really interesting for recreation fans. The land covers about 115 acres, with roughly 6 acres of open backyard and small fields, while the remaining acreage consists of dense forest. The timber has remained uncut for at least 30 to 40 years, so mature hardwoods dominate the landscape. You will share this land with whitetail deer, black bear, and wild turkey.
Water features define the boundaries, as mountain streams flow on three sides of the land. The East River runs along the northern boundary for about 1,300 feet, and the property features a spring-fed pond and a waterfall. But keep in mind that a steep bluff runs along the river, so you can only access the water easily from the road. Fortunately, almost none of this extensive land sits within a flood plain, and you will even find some interior trails and potential cabin building sites.
Location and Lifestyle
The home is located at 1914 Willowton Road, which provides a secluded and quiet location for a permanent or seasonal residence. Water is pumped directly from a nearby spring, and a private septic system handles the waste. You can enjoy total privacy here, yet the property is not entirely isolated. The upper edge of your land sits just 250 feet from the entrance to the Tate Lohr Wildlife Management Area.
This location supports a lifestyle built around hunting, hiking, and quiet country living. A few outdoor sheds and outbuildings on the property give you immediate space for tools or workshop gear. It is worth noting that the private 0.06-acre family cemetery on the land does not convey with the sale. You are buying a piece of local history, as legend says this was the first house in Mercer County with indoor plumbing.
Final Thoughts
This Princeton property presents a rare chance to acquire a historic farmhouse with a massive tract of land at a public auction. It will require serious structural work, but the payoff is a sprawling mountain retreat. If you are ready for a major restoration project, this auction might be the opportunity you want.
If you’re interested in learning more about this property, please contact the listing agent through the Zillow link provided below the photos.
Listed on Zillow.
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