Admit it. You’ve wandered around the Umpqua National Forest and whispered, “I could live here.” You were probably reacting to the natural beauty, welcoming remoteness or river action.
Crazy thought, but you could theoretically bid a buck and win a ritzy retreat within the forest’s boundaries.
That's because a ranch in Idleyld Park, currently for sale at $3,495,000, will be auctioned without reserve on June 22.
--Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072
jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
Bidders, either onsite at 1111 Illahee Road, or over the phone, will start making their intentions known soon after 11 a.m. Interested buyers who have pre-registered can preview the property until the day before the auction.
The 77-acre gated ranch inside the national forest is near the North Umpqua River and an hour’s drive from Crater Lake National Park.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
But don’t think you’d be camping or roughing it in any way. You could arrive in a Cessna Grand Caravan and land on the private airstrip.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
After parking a turboprop plane or six-passenger jet in the hangar ...
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
... you could head out to the 12-stall horse barn ...
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
... or see what's growing in the greenhouse.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
The main residence has vaulted ceilings and a dining room that can seat 28 people.
Overnight guests can occupy three other log-style houses, including the 1914 homestead cabin.
A developer could build more structures. Bill Woods, who has owned Illahee Ranch for two decades, received approval for 34 cabins.
Elite Auctions | Luxury Real Estate Auctions
WATCH: Take a tour of the Oregon ranch with a private airport.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
"The property would be perfect for someone who craves privacy and wants wilderness surrounded by thousands of acres of the Umpqua National Forest," says Tara McLean, president of Elite Auctions, which has partnered with Jennifer Kramer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices to market and sell the property.
McLean adds that the 2,800-foot-long runway is perfect for a pilot or someone who wants to commute by air.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
Buying a house at auction is unlike your typical real estate transaction. An agent doesn't write up an offer. The property can include furnishings and movable structures.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
Auction properties are offered “as is, where is,” but not all are bank-owned or real estate owned by a lender (REO) properties. Traditional sellers seeking an alternative marketing strategy call in auctioneers.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
Auctions attract buyers hunting for unique bargains, although the buyer pays the auction fees.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
Each auction has its own rules, terms and conditions but all require preregistration and a deposit.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
The sale could happen fast or slow, depending on the depth of the competition, and, although in theory an absolute auction means the property goes to the highest bidder regardless of the amount, a potential buyer has been given incentives to start things off at a reasonable figure.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
Then, if this auction follows the pattern of other pricy homes sold in front of an audience, experienced auction hunters may bid fast and often to scare off novices.
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
[The four homes combined have a total of eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms and 5,834 total square feet of living space.]
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
Platinum Luxury Auctions
What will be the hammer price? Stay tuned. It might be a steal. An unfinished riverfront mansion that Mark Wattles, best known for starting Hollywood Video stores and buying Ultimate Electronics, said he poured $12 million into sold at auction for $2,270,000. Read more: West Linn riverfront mansion, unfinished for 20 years, has a new owner
Linus Platt/Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Elite Auctions
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