What if you want to have more than one cabin? This is the magic of a 10-acre retreat on Tug Hill in Florence, NY – two fully outfitted cabins, each with its own 5-acre lot, sharing a private driveway and limitless outdoor fun. Priced at $175,900, the off-grid pair on the Thompson Corners-Florence Road didn’t stay long on the market, which is a clear indication that savvy buyers don’t take long to spot a rare gem.
They have everything needed for a huntsman, a snowmobiler, or a family that craves the freedom of having two bases as they can enjoy the drilled wells, engineered septics, generators, and direct trail access. Although this Oneida County property (NYOR923) is already sold, the news of the place is still a source of motivation for people that dream of going up north. So, let’s dive in to see what made those Florence cabins the hottest tickets of recreational real estate.
Property Overview: Two Cabins, One Private Paradise
Located 600 feet from Fawn Meadow Lane down a shared gravel drive, this 10-acre spread gave you the best of both worlds in terms of complete privacy but without the inconvenience that usually comes with “middle of nowhere” places. The 10-acre tract was divided into two 5-acre lots thus giving each cabin the freedom that comes with having one’s own domain which is great for the multi-generational families, rental income, or just spreading out. Both the cabins were of a fairly decent size – 20×28 feet each (approximately 560 sq ft each) – with the loft areas offering an extra room for sleeping or storage. So what is the total living area of the two, you ask? It’s almost 1,000 square feet combined.
The off-grid era was kept going but at the same time, the living conditions were made to be as pleasant as possible by the use of on-the-spot generators that were put in separate sheds for powering. By using drilled wells and engineered septic systems, those who lived there could enjoy all the comforts of modern living – no need for outhouses or water hauling. A private easement just a little way down the road opened directly into the Fall Brook State Forest thus your backyard was virtually extended to thousands of acres. For as little as $175,900, buyers had the chance to get two move-in-ready retreats, and that, I would say, is a steal as compared to the price of only one lakefront cottage in other areas.
Cabin #1: Turnkey and Cozy—Move In Today
Usually, the first cabin on the 5 acres which is the fully finished one, would be the highlight of the exhibition. Just stepping over the threshold, new vinyl plank flooring, fresh pine trim, and a layout that exudes “weekend done right” greet you. An LP gas fireplace (only needing a minor part replacement) was the feature that held the open living room together, and at the same time, a bump-out mudroom was there to store the muddy boots and snow gear ochrefully.
The kitchen corner was fitted with cabinetry, a farmhouse sink, and a small fridge – a hot plate would complete the cooking setup. The lower floor had a private bedroom; a loft in the upper floor was meant for the extra guests. The bathroom? Completely plumbed and with hot water on demand. Turnkey indeed, as chairs, a meeting table, and cozy décor were some of the furnishings that went with the sale. Large porches extended around two sides, giving the opportunity of sunrise coffee and sunset fire-pit sessions. In a nutshell, cabin #1 was VRBO-ready from day one.
Cabin #2: Framed, Insulated, and Begging for Your Touch
The second 20×28 cabin was located on its own 5-acre piece of land and was already 80% to completion. The walls and ceiling were insulated, the pine paneling was used on some surfaces, and there was a wrap-around porch on two sides which together made a nice visual impression of the house. The bathroom was framed, and the shower was usable when the generator was running – finish the drywall, hook up the vanity, done.
There was a huge loft that ran the entire footprint upstairs and therefore it was an ideal space either for bunk rooms or for a game lounge. The place was wired for the installation of the lights and the outlets; it simply awaited your plan: shiplap here, a barn door there, maybe a mini-kitchenette. All the heavy work such as the foundation, the septic, the well, and insulation was taken care of. For the owners who are handy, this was a sweat-equity jackpot; for others, local workers could complete it over the weekend.
The Land: 10 Acres of Secluded, Usable Terrain
In Tug Hill country, ten acres is like fifty when you have the luxury of being surrounded by the state forest. The shared driveway was the divider of the parcels thus each cabin had its own clearing which was protected by the hardwoods. There were flat and buildable sites which meant that there was space not only for garages and pole barns but also for gardens. The back lines were intersected by wildlife trails – deer, turkey, and even the occasional bear.
What made the private easement to Fall Brook State Forest truly golden was that you just stepped off your porch, crossed the road, and you found yourself in public hunting and hiking heaven. Snowmobile trails were nearby and the Florence Hotel was just three minutes away if you wanted to have a burger after the ride. The slight incline of the land was a good thing as it ensured proper drainage while the mature trees served as natural windbreaks and will provide firewood for years to come.
Location: Tug Hill’s Outdoor Recreation Capital
Florence is situated at the very center of Oneida County’s outdoor activities area:
- 3 minutes to Florence Hotel – Cold drinks, snowmobile trail access.
- 15 minutes to Camden – Grocery, hardware, dining in the “Queen Village.”
- 15 minutes to Salmon River Reservoir – Boating, swimming, bass fishing.
- 20 minutes to Altmar Bridge – Trophy salmon and steelhead runs on the Salmon River.
Winter? You can ride directly from your driveway to the groomed trails. Summer? You can kayak on the reservoir or cast a line for walleye. Fall? Use your bow and hunt on the state land that is just steps away. Spring? Morel mushrooms and turkey season. This was not a seasonal camp; it was a four-season lifestyle.
Why This Package Sold in a Flash
We might as well break down the numbers. Two cabins, two wells, two septics, 10 acres, generators, sheds, porches—for $175,900. What if you divide the cost with a brother? That means each of you will be paying less than $88K. Imagine the scenario where you rent out one on Airbnb during the salmon season ($150/night x 30 nights = $4,500), the rent will cover your taxes.
The taxes in Oswego and Oneida Counties are still kept low, and the off-grid systems are the reason for minimal utility bills. The rental math was so attractive to investors that they could hardly turn down the offer. It meant no more “who gets the cabin this weekend?” fights for families. A secure dual-base with built-in redundancy was there for preppers. Such deals vanish because they tick every single box: privacy, infrastructure, location, income potential.
Ready to Claim Your Own Tug Hill Retreat?
The dream double cabin in Florence may be over, but the model still stands. Landowners are subdividing, retirees are downsizing, and hidden parcels are coming to the surface when you know where to look. Kirk Goodrow from NY Outdoor Realty (315.854.3144) cannot be found more than off market gems such as these that are close to state land, multi-building compounds, trail-front acreage.
Source: nyoutdoorrealty
