An off-grid hunting and recreational retreat with two unfinished cabins, a greenhouse, and countryside views in Shawsville, Virginia, up for auction with a $62,000 starting bid.

Some people dream of a big house in the suburbs. Others dream of a quiet piece of land, a wood fire, rainwater tanks, and nobody around for miles.

This property is for the second group.

Located on Georges Run Road in Shawsville, Virginia, this roughly 17-acre property comes with two unfinished cabins, storage sheds, a brand-new greenhouse, an outdoor shower, and a homesite with views of the surrounding countryside. It is being sold at auction, and the starting bid is $62,000.

Let’s take a closer look at what is here, what is not, and what buyers should know before placing a bid.

The Basics at a Glance

The property covers approximately 16.93 acres. The listing price of $62,000 is the starting bid for an auction, not the expected final sale price.

The listing is clear about this. The list price may not reflect the final sales price and is not meant to reflect value. Final prices at auction depend entirely on bidding.

The auction is scheduled to end on October 9th at 3 PM, according to the listing. Anyone interested needs to move quickly.

Property Overview

• Location: Georges Run Rd, Shawsville, VA 24162
• Acreage: Approximately 16.93 acres
• Sale type: Auction
• Starting bid: $62,000
• Auction end: October 9th at 3 PM
• Main cabin: 2-bedroom, unfinished, with wood-burning fireplace
• Second cabin: 1-bedroom, unfinished
• Water: Rainwater collection tanks
• Outdoor features: Outdoor shower, storage sheds, brand-new greenhouse
• Access: Recently updated driveway leading to a homesite
• Views: Surrounding countryside from the homesite
• Distance: About 15 minutes from Christiansburg, VA
• Best suited for: Hunting getaway, off-grid retreat, recreational property

How the Auction Works

Buying at auction is different from a standard real estate purchase.

The starting bid is simply where bidding begins. Competition can push the final price well above that number, or the property could sell close to it if interest is light.

Auctions often come with their own terms. Some include a buyer’s premium, which is a percentage added on top of the winning bid. Many require a non-refundable deposit right after the auction ends and a fast closing timeline. Some sell without financing or inspection contingencies.

Before bidding, read the auction terms carefully, set a firm maximum price, and make sure you can close on the timeline required. Once the hammer falls, it is usually too late to change your mind.

The 16.93 Acres

Nearly 17 acres is a real piece of land.

It is enough space for hunting, hiking trails, a garden, outdoor gatherings, and serious privacy. With this much acreage, you are not just buying a cabin. You are buying your own small corner of the Virginia countryside.

Walk the property if you can. Note the terrain, how much of it is wooded versus open, where the boundaries are, and whether there are streams or wet areas. Ask whether a recent survey exists.

At the starting bid, the property works out to about $3,662 per acre, though the final price per acre will depend on how the auction goes.

The Hunter’s Getaway

The listing calls this a great setting for a hunter’s getaway.

Southwest Virginia is well known for deer and turkey hunting, and a property of this size gives you room to set up stands, food plots, and trails on your own land.

Having a cabin on site means early mornings without long drives. Hunt at dawn, warm up by the fireplace, and head back out in the afternoon.

Check Virginia hunting regulations and confirm there are no restrictions tied to the property before planning your season.

The Main Cabin

The primary cabin has two bedrooms and a wood-burning fireplace. It is unfinished.

Unfinished can mean many things. It may need interior walls, flooring, insulation, electrical, plumbing, or all of the above. When you visit, look closely at what exists and what is missing.

The wood-burning fireplace is a major plus for an off-grid property. It provides heat without relying on electricity and gives the cabin its warm, rustic character. Have it inspected before using it.

The Second Cabin

A second unfinished cabin with one bedroom sits on the property as well.

That adds a lot of flexibility. It could become a guest cabin, a bunkhouse for hunting buddies, a workshop, a studio, or a separate retreat for family.

If you are thinking about using it as a rental someday, check Montgomery County’s rules first.

Rainwater Collection Tanks

The property uses rainwater collection tanks.

For off-grid living, that is a practical feature. Rainwater can be used for cleaning, gardening, showers, and, with proper filtration and treatment, other uses.

Ask about the tank capacity, how the system is set up, and whether there is any filtration. Find out whether a well has ever been drilled or tested on the property, since many buyers eventually want a well for a reliable year-round water supply.

The Outdoor Shower

An outdoor shower is a classic cabin feature.

After a day in the woods, rinsing off under the open sky is part of the off-grid experience. It is also practical on a property where indoor plumbing may not be finished yet.

The Brand-New Greenhouse

A brand-new greenhouse is a standout feature for a property like this.

It opens the door to growing your own vegetables, herbs, and seedlings, extending the growing season, and moving toward more self-sufficient living. Combined with rainwater collection, it fits naturally into an off-grid lifestyle.

The Storage Sheds

Storage sheds on the property provide space for tools, equipment, firewood, hunting gear, and supplies.

On land without a finished home, sheds are especially valuable. They keep your gear protected while you work on the cabins.

The Updated Driveway

The listing mentions a recently updated driveway providing easy access to the homesite.

On rural land, access matters a lot. A good driveway means you can bring in materials, vehicles, and equipment without fighting mud or washouts.

Ask what the driveway is made of, how it handles heavy rain, and whether it is passable in winter.

The Homesite and Views

The driveway leads to a homesite with views of the surrounding countryside.

For buyers thinking long term, this may be the most exciting part. If you ever want to build a permanent home, there is already a prepared spot with a view waiting for you.

Building a home would likely require a septic permit, a water source, and power. Check with Montgomery County about what would be needed.

Off-Grid Living: What to Expect

The listing describes this as an off-grid retreat opportunity.

Off-grid life can be rewarding, but it requires planning. Think about how you will get power, whether through solar panels, a generator, or bringing in utility service. Think about water, heat, waste, and internet access.

Ask whether electric service is available at the road and what it would cost to run a line to the cabins. Even buyers who love off-grid living sometimes want the option to connect later.

Septic and Sanitation

The listing does not mention a septic system.

Ask what kind of sanitation exists on the property. If there is no septic, find out whether the land has been perc tested and what is required to install one. This matters if you plan to finish the cabins as full-time living spaces or build a home.

Power and Utilities

Power is not described in the listing.

Ask whether the cabins have any wiring, whether solar has been installed, and whether utility power is available nearby. Also check cell phone coverage and internet options, especially if you want to work remotely from the property.

The Shawsville Location

Shawsville sits in Montgomery County in southwest Virginia, in a rural area surrounded by rolling hills and mountains.

According to the listing, the property is only about 15 minutes from Christiansburg, where you will find grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, and services. Blacksburg and Roanoke are also within reach for bigger outings.

That balance is a big part of the appeal. You can disappear into the woods and still get to town quickly when you need supplies.

Using It as a Recreational Retreat

Not everyone wants to live off-grid full time. For many buyers, this would be a weekend escape.

Picture hunting season trips, summer camping, autumn hikes, and family weekends around the fireplace. With two cabins, you have room for friends and family to join you.

Over time, you could finish the cabins at your own pace and turn the property into a fully comfortable retreat.

Possible Projects

• Finishing the interior of the main cabin
• Finishing the second cabin as a guest or bunk cabin
• Installing a solar power system
• Adding filtration to the rainwater system
• Drilling a well
• Installing a septic system, if approved
• Expanding the greenhouse and garden areas
• Building hunting stands and food plots
• Clearing walking or ATV trails
• Building a fire pit and outdoor gathering area
• Planning a future home on the homesite

Financing Options to Consider

Financing land with unfinished cabins at auction is very different from financing a typical house.

Cash is the simplest route and is often expected at auctions with tight closing deadlines.

Land loans are available from some banks and credit unions. They usually require larger down payments, often 20 to 50 percent, and shorter terms than home mortgages.

Farm credit lenders serve rural and recreational land buyers in many areas and may be more familiar with properties like this.

Home equity loans or lines of credit on another property you own can sometimes be used to buy land like this.

Standard FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional mortgages generally require a finished, livable home with working utilities. Because these cabins are unfinished, those programs are unlikely to work for this purchase. An FHA 203(k) loan is meant for renovating existing homes and may not apply to unfinished cabins.

If you need financing, talk with a lender before the auction ends. Make sure the money will be ready on the auction’s timeline.

Insurance Considerations

Insurance for unfinished cabins on rural land can be limited.

You may need a vacant land policy, a seasonal property policy, or a builder’s risk policy while you finish the cabins. Liability coverage is important, especially if you plan to have guests or hunt on the land.

Get quotes before bidding so you know what coverage is available and what it costs.

Due Diligence Questions to Ask

• What are the full auction terms, including deposit, buyer’s premium, and closing date?
• Is the sale subject to any inspection or financing contingencies?
• Is there a recent survey showing boundaries?
• Is the driveway on the property, or does it cross a neighbor’s land?
• Is utility power available at the road?
• Has the property been perc tested for septic?
• Is there a well, or has one been drilled nearby?
• What is the capacity of the rainwater tanks?
• Were the cabins built with permits?
• Is the property in a flood zone?
• What are the annual property taxes?
• Does the property qualify for land use taxation?
• Are there any easements, restrictions, or covenants?

Inspection Is Essential

Auction timelines are short, but do not skip your homework.

If possible, visit the property before the auction ends. Walk the land, look inside both cabins, check the fireplace, and look at the greenhouse, sheds, and rainwater system.

If you can bring a contractor, ask for rough estimates to finish the cabins. If you cannot inspect before bidding, factor that risk into your maximum bid.

The Price in Context

The $62,000 figure is the starting bid, not the value. The final price will depend on how many bidders show up and how badly they want the property.

Still, for nearly 17 acres with two cabins, a greenhouse, sheds, a driveway, and a homesite with views, there is a lot here for buyers looking for rural land in southwest Virginia.

Decide on your walk-away number before bidding begins. Include the buyer’s premium, closing costs, and the money needed to finish the cabins in that number.

Who This Property Is Best For

This land fits hunters, off-grid enthusiasts, homesteaders, weekend adventurers, and buyers who want a long-term building site with acreage.

It is not a good fit for someone who needs a move-in-ready home with full utilities, or for buyers who need standard mortgage financing.

Final Thoughts

This Georges Run Road property is the kind of place people imagine when they talk about getting away from it all.

Nearly 17 acres. A two-bedroom cabin with a wood-burning fireplace. A second cabin for guests. Rainwater tanks, an outdoor shower, a brand-new greenhouse, storage sheds, and a homesite with countryside views. All about 15 minutes from Christiansburg.

It needs work, and buying at auction requires preparation. But for the right buyer, this could be the start of a true retreat built exactly the way you want it.

If this one speaks to you, do not wait. The auction ends soon.

View the full listing on Zillow: Georges Run Rd, Shawsville, VA 24162

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