A 1983 log cabin on 5 wooded acres with a flowing creek and wraparound porch near Forsyth, Georgia, sold as-is for $209,900.
Just outside the small town of Forsyth, Georgia, a log cabin sits in the woods on about five acres, with a creek running through the property.
It has four bedrooms, a wood-burning stove, a wraparound porch, and a basement with room to work. It also needs some attention, and it is being sold as-is.
For buyers who have dreamed of a cabin in the trees and do not mind a few projects, this listing is worth a close look.
Here is what the property offers, what the work might involve, and what to check before making an offer.
Property Overview
- Price: $209,900
- Location: 287 Dumas Rd, Forsyth, Georgia 31029
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Living space: 1,579 square feet
- Year built: 1983
- Lot size: Approximately 5 acres
- Style: Log cabin
- Highlights: Flowing creek, wraparound porch, wood-burning stove, wooded setting
- Basement: Partial unfinished basement with interior and exterior access
- Condition: Needs some TLC, sold as-is
A Log Cabin in the Woods
Few home styles capture the idea of country living quite like a log cabin.
The walls themselves are part of the design. Natural wood, warm tones, and a solid, sheltered feel that drywall and siding cannot match.
This cabin was built in 1983 and sits in a private, wooded setting. Mature trees surround the house, giving it shade in summer and a sense of seclusion all year.
The Creek
A flowing creek runs through the property.
This is the feature that will win over most buyers. The sound of moving water from the porch, a place for kids to explore, and a natural magnet for wildlife.
Creeks also bring practical questions. Buyers should check whether any part of the property lies in a flood zone, how high the water rises after heavy rain, and how close the creek runs to the house and driveway.
Wildlife
The listing mentions abundant wildlife.
Middle Georgia woods are home to deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, and plenty of other animals. For nature lovers, waking up to wildlife in the yard is part of the appeal of country life.
It also means planning ahead for gardens. Deer fencing is a common investment for anyone who wants to grow vegetables.
The Kitchen
The kitchen overlooks the dining area.
This open connection makes cooking more social. Whoever is at the stove can still talk with family and guests at the table.
Given the as-is sale and the note about needing TLC, buyers should expect the kitchen may be due for updates. Check the age of appliances, the condition of cabinets, and any signs of leaks under the sink.
The Dining Area
The dining area sits between the kitchen and the family room, linking the main living spaces.
In a log home, these connected spaces tend to feel cozy rather than cramped, especially with wood walls and natural light from the windows.
The Family Room and Wood-Burning Stove
The spacious family room features a wood-burning stove.
A wood stove is one of the most efficient ways to heat a cabin. On a five-acre wooded lot, there is also a steady supply of firewood from fallen limbs and trees.
Before using it, have the stove and chimney inspected. Check the stovepipe, the clearance from the log walls, the hearth pad, and the chimney cap. Insurers will often ask about wood stoves, so having it inspected also helps with coverage.
The Main-Level Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom is on the main level.
This is a valuable layout. It allows single-level living for the owners while the upstairs rooms serve kids or guests.
The Main-Level Bathroom
A full bathroom on the main floor is convenient for both the primary bedroom and guests.
Visitors do not need to go upstairs, and everyday living stays easy on one level.
The Upstairs Bedrooms
Upstairs, three more spacious bedrooms share a second full bathroom.
Four bedrooms is a rare count for a log cabin. Many cabins are small, with just one or two bedrooms and a loft. This layout works for a growing family, a home office, a craft room, or a weekend getaway with friends.
Upper floors in log homes sometimes have sloped ceilings, so check headroom and closet space when you tour.
The Upstairs Bathroom
The second full bathroom on the upper level means the three upstairs bedrooms do not need to share the main-floor bath.
As with any older home, look for water stains on the ceiling below the bathroom. These can signal past leaks.
The Partial Basement
A partial unfinished basement offers extra storage or workspace.
It has both interior and exterior access, which is especially handy. Tools, lawn equipment, and project materials can go straight in from outside without passing through the house.
This space could become a workshop, a canning and storage room, or a place for hobbies. Check carefully for moisture, since basements on wooded lots near creeks can take on water.
The Wraparound Porch
A wraparound porch circles the cabin.
This is the classic image of country living. Rocking chairs, morning coffee, evening thunderstorms, and the sound of the creek in the background.
Wood porches need regular care. Inspect the decking, posts, railings, and the framing underneath for rot or insect damage.
The Land
The property covers approximately five acres.
That is enough room for privacy, a garden, a few chickens, walking trails, or simply a buffer between you and the nearest neighbor.
The listing describes the land as wooded with mature trees and natural scenery. A survey will confirm the boundaries and show exactly where the creek runs.
Log Home Maintenance
Log homes are beautiful, but they need a specific kind of care.
The logs should be cleaned and resealed or restained every few years to protect against moisture and sun. The chinking or caulking between logs can crack and should be checked and repaired as needed.
Moisture is the biggest enemy of a log home. Logs near the ground, under gutters, or at the corners are most likely to show rot. Carpenter bees and other wood-boring insects are also common in Georgia.
Buyers who are new to log homes should talk to a contractor who specializes in log restoration.
Sold As-Is
The listing states plainly that the home is sold as-is and priced accordingly.
That means the sellers do not plan to make repairs. Buyers should still inspect the property fully. As-is does not mean you cannot inspect. It means you take the home with whatever the inspection finds, or walk away.
The listing calls for TLC and finishing touches, which suggests the work may be more cosmetic than structural. Only an inspection can confirm that.
Utilities
The listing does not say how the home gets its water or handles wastewater.
Rural properties around Forsyth often use a private well and septic system. Ask which systems the home has, when the septic was last pumped, and whether the well water has been tested.
Also check internet options. Service in rural Monroe County can vary.
About Forsyth, Georgia
Forsyth is the county seat of Monroe County in Middle Georgia.
The town sits along Interstate 75, roughly halfway between Atlanta and Macon. Macon is a short drive south, and the Atlanta metro is about an hour north, depending on traffic.
Downtown Forsyth has a historic courthouse square with local shops and restaurants. Nearby, High Falls State Park offers waterfalls, hiking, camping, and a lake for fishing and paddling.
The area combines small-town quiet with quick highway access, which makes it attractive for commuters, retirees, and weekend buyers.
Living Here as an Owner-Occupant
For a family that wants space and nature without a long drive to town, this cabin could be a great fit.
The main-level primary suite makes daily life easy. The upstairs bedrooms give kids or guests their own floor. The porch and creek turn the outdoors into an extension of the home.
With some updates, this could become a warm, comfortable home for years.
Weekend Getaway and Rental Potential
The listing also suggests the cabin could work as a weekend retreat.
Log cabins on wooded land with a creek are popular with vacation renters. Location near I-75 and High Falls State Park could make it attractive to travelers.
Before planning any rental use, check Monroe County rules on short-term rentals and make sure insurance covers paying guests.
Possible Projects and Improvements
- Clean, restain, and reseal the exterior logs
- Inspect and repair chinking between logs
- Refresh the kitchen with new counters or appliances
- Update bathroom fixtures and finishes
- Repair or refinish the wraparound porch
- Service the wood-burning stove and chimney
- Turn the basement into a workshop or storage room
- Clear walking trails down to the creek
- Add a garden with deer fencing
- Build a fire pit area near the water
Financing Options
At $209,900, this home sits well within conventional and FHA loan limits.
Because it is sold as-is and needs some work, financing deserves extra thought. FHA and VA loans require the home to meet minimum property standards. If the inspection finds safety or structural issues, the loan may not go through until they are fixed.
The FHA 203k loan can help here. It combines the purchase price and repair costs into one mortgage, making it a good fit for buyers who need to make improvements right away. Fannie Mae HomeStyle loans offer a similar option through conventional lending.
USDA loans serve many rural parts of Georgia and may cover this area. Eligibility depends on location and household income, and the home must meet condition standards.
VA loans are another option for eligible veterans, with similar condition requirements.
Cash buyers will have the easiest path on an as-is property.
Insurance
Log homes and wood stoves both get extra attention from insurers.
Some companies charge more to insure log construction, and almost all will ask about the wood stove, its installation, and its inspection history.
Because there is a creek on the property, ask whether flood insurance is required or recommended. Even if the home is outside a mapped flood zone, flood coverage can be inexpensive and worth considering.
Distance to the nearest fire station and hydrant also affects rates in rural areas. Get quotes before you finalize your offer.
Questions to Ask Before Buying
- Is the home on a well and septic system, and when were they last inspected?
- Is any part of the property in a flood zone?
- Has the creek ever flooded the yard, driveway, or basement?
- When were the logs last stained and sealed?
- Is there any known rot or insect damage in the logs?
- How old are the roof and HVAC system?
- When was the wood stove last inspected?
- Has the basement ever had water issues?
- Are there any easements or access issues on the road?
- What are the annual property taxes?
- What internet service is available?
- Is there a recent survey of the five acres?
Inspection Is Essential
For an as-is log cabin, an inspection is the most important step in the process.
Start with a general home inspection. If possible, choose an inspector with experience in log homes. They will know to check the bottom courses of logs, corners, window and door frames, and areas where water splashes back onto the walls.
Add a wood-destroying insect inspection, a well water test, and a septic inspection. Have the wood stove and chimney checked as well.
Use the results to decide whether the price makes sense and how much to budget for repairs.
The Price in Context
At $209,900, this property offers four bedrooms, two baths, a log home, a creek, and five acres of woods.
In many parts of Georgia, five acres of land alone can approach that price, especially within reach of I-75 and the Atlanta and Macon areas.
The as-is condition is the trade-off. Buyers will need to budget for repairs and maintenance. But for those willing to do some work, the combination of land, water, and a cabin with four bedrooms is hard to find at this price.
Compare recent sales of rural homes with acreage in Monroe County to see how it stacks up.
Who This Home Is For
This cabin suits buyers who love nature and do not mind getting their hands dirty.
It works for families looking for space and a quiet place to raise kids. It works for retirees who want a peaceful home with a main-floor bedroom. It works for anyone wanting a weekend escape within reach of Atlanta.
It is not ideal for buyers who need a move-in ready home with no repairs.
Final Thoughts
287 Dumas Road offers a classic piece of country living in Middle Georgia.
A log cabin with four bedrooms. Five wooded acres. A flowing creek. A wraparound porch. A wood-burning stove for cool evenings. And a basement with room for tools and projects.
It is sold as-is and needs some love. Go in with a careful inspection and a realistic budget. For the right buyer, this could become a peaceful retreat that feels a world away while staying close to town.
View the full listing on Zillow: 287 Dumas Rd, Forsyth, GA
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