What's on MLS: Buying a hunting lodge

Whether you’re hunting for big game like bucks and bears or for a place that offers a little peace and serenity, there’s sure to be a log cabin or hunting lodge that’s just right for you. In New Brunswick you’ll shell out as little as $89,000 but you’ll pay almost 10 times that for a place in B.C.

Here’s a snapshot of five hunting lodges that are currently for sale across Canada.

#1. Location: Princeton, BC
Address: 2650 Summers Creek Road
Type: Detached home + 160 acres
Listing agent: Gary M. Fraipont, Re/Max Lifestyles Realty

Best selling point: Move-in, unlock the gun cabinet and go hunting. This custom-built rancher is located on 160 acres of picturesque, prime hunting ground for mule deer. Even better, the property comes with a king-sized workshop/barn, a small one-bedroom modular home and plenty of parking (even for RVs). Did I mention the jacuzzi bathtub?

Potential deal breaker: Never lived in the country? Then you’ll need to get familiar with septic systems and propane delivery. It’s also a two-hour drive from Penticton (the closest city) although you can easily pick up most of your amenities in Princeton, a short half-hour drive away.

The details:
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
House size: 4,418 sq-ft
Lot size: 160 acres
Asking price: $859,900

#2. Location: Smith, AB
Address: 129 Otter Creek Rd
Type: Detached home originally built in 1938
Listing agent: Jim Sparks, Century 21 Northern Realty

Best selling point: This home was originally built as a local school house, but over the years got more than a handful of upgrades (liberal use of this word) to the original log structure. Despite the outdated appearance, the home boasts oak kitchen cabinets and is powered by a natural gas stove. Also, the home is on the school bus route…in case you were thinking of a making it into a family homestead.

Potential deal breaker: Did we mention that it might need redecorating? Most of the finishes are circa-1970s (at best) and there’s no garage, so you may need to factor in the cost of renovating and redecorating (although the original log walls are outstanding).

The details:
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
House size: 1,847 sq-ft
Lot size: 108,464 sq-ft (just under 2.5 acres)
Asking price: $159,900

#3. Location: Riverton, MB
Address: 20087 139 N. ROAD Rd.
Type: Waterfowl hunting lodge
Listing agent: David Humniski, Interlake Real Estate

Best selling point: If you’re crazy about duck hunting this could be your dream lodge. There are two properties on the lot: One used year-round and another that’s used seasonally by waterfowl hunters. In fact, if you want a lodge, but a little bit of extra income the sellers are interested in a 10 to 15 years agreement where they would actually rent out the seasonal cabin for one month (in September) every year.

Potential deal breaker: Did someone say cozy? At a little under 900 sq-ft of living space, this house-come-hunting lodge would easily be described as a condo-alternative if it were plopped down in the middle of a city. Also, the buyer will need to verify all building and land measurements. Also, the main, year-round building uses electric baseboard heaters—an expensive way to heat any type of home.

The details:
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
House size: 888 sq-ft
Lot size: 9.9 acres
Asking price: $129,000

#4. Location: Mono, ON
Address: 386241 20th S/R
Type: Log home
Listing agent: Jerry Gould, Re/Max Real Estate Centre Inc.

Best selling point: When I think lodge this is what I imagine. A log home on a big swath of land surrounded by trees and rolling hills. Better still, this log lodge is close to Orangeville—which, under good traffic conditions is about an hour from downtown Toronto—was completely renovated and rebuilt in 2004, so you don’t lack modern-day conveniences.

Potential deal breaker: Because the home is only equipped with two bedrooms, this place may not be ideal for large family gatherings.

The details:
Bedrooms: 1 + 1
Bathrooms: 1
House size: ? sq-ft
Lot size: 47 acres
Asking price: $489,000

#5. Location: South Oromocto, NB
Address: 45 Lake Rd.
Type: Hunting lodge
Listing agent: Bill Ervin, Coldwell Banker Select Realty

Best selling point: Want a backwoods feel to your hunting cabin, but the convenience of updated electrical and plumbing systems, then consider this New Brunswick beauty. Even the shed has updated electrical panels.

Potential deal breaker: Yes, the LED lights installed throughout the home will cut down on your electricity bill, but the baseboard heaters will send those costs sky high again.

The details:
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
House size: ? sq-ft
Lot size: 1.5 acres (31,495-sq-ft)
Asking price: $89,500