Calling all doomsday preppers, introverts, and nature lovers. An incredible opportunity to create a rural sanctuary and safe haven in rural Montana has listed for a remarkably affordable sum.
The 20-acre estate, which is located in Roundup and is on the market for just $538,000, has been outfitted with multiple structures, all of which would lend themselves perfectly to usage as a family compound.
Among the buildings on the property are an A-frame home and a barndominium, but there is ample space for even more dwellings to be constructed.
What’s more, the estate features an incredible 1,400-foot grass airstrip, as well as two private helipads, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the U.S., ideal for those looking for a speedy escape.
“There are two undeveloped helipads and an airstrip on property,” said Allen Woock, who has owned the property for 33 years and built the structures there in 2002. “You just have to call the FAA, ask them to put it on the map, and they will.”
Despite offering all that—and more—the property has seen a sharp decline in its asking price since it was first listed in March, when it was put on the market for $900,000, almost double the current ask.
While some might speculate that such a dramatic chop is the result of a struggle to sell or a desperate desire to seek a buyer as soon as possible, Woock says neither are true.
“The first [agent] had it priced too high, and I have gone through a few [agents] since, but a more realistic price has been set,” he explained.
Woock is now working with the limited-service brokerage firm Congress Realty on the listing.
Beyond the structures and amenities that exist on the property, Woock notes that there is also an alluring opportunity to be seized by a potential investor: a Section 1031 exchange, which would allow a buyer to defer capital gains tax on the sale of the property, provided they are willing to pour some money into its renovation upfront.
“It would fit the requirements of a 1031 exchange for someone, if they wanted,” he noted. “The return on investment could go to $1.2 million in a year if you put a lot into it.”
While Woock built the compound as his forever residence, he discovered that life sometimes throws unexpected curveballs—one of which has now prompted him to list the home, something he never thought he would do.
“Things happen and you have got to readjust your life,” he said. “Unfortunately, I just can’t keep the property up. It’s the only project I haven’t finished in my life, but I am hoping to find someone who really loves it and really wants it.”
Because it was meant to serve as his forever dwelling, the “fortress” was designed to last, has electricity, and is “built like a beast on solid rock.”
“I lived in the A-frame while I was building the house,” Woock said. “I live in a trailer now parked in a shop bay in the barndominium. If you pull that out, I have never actually lived in the house.”
Designed as the ultimate survival compound, the off-grid, self-sufficient property has a roof that fills 700-gallon tanks with rainfall. The home is heated by a wood stove and there is five years’ worth of split and stacked wood included with the sale.
Located 4 miles from downtown Roundup, the secluded property, which has a gated driveway with 2-foot thick gravel, is surrounded by fully fenced 12 wire, has a weed-free grazing “ranchette,” and comes with “lots of equipment and materials.”
“This is not a 2×4 stick house; it’s was built using thick fibered concrete, pressure-treated timber, and heavy steel, so it is a serious house,” he noted. “It’s a fortress. If you can dream it, you can build it. I built it to serve me but it was built to be versatile and nothing is set up inside.
“It is unfinished and offers the next buyer a wide open canvas. There are two bedrooms in the A-frame, but the barndominium could have five bedrooms or you could do 60 beds if you wanted to create a military-type compound.”
Other highlights include 16-foot cathedral ceilings, smart utilities, new appliances, and dual patios. The barndominium also has oversized garage bays designed to accommodate large equipment and outdoor toys.
Its extra-insulated design helps reduce costs by staying cool in the warmer months and warm during the winter. A steep steel roof assists with snow slide off.
“The barndominium has 10-foot doors so you can bring your jacked up 4x4s inside during the winter,” Woock said.
Also found on the property are a gun range, a cave in the northeast corner, and two rose gardens.
“There are scenic areas that could be good for an equestrian,” Woock added. “About 90% of the property is traversable.”