Looking for a private woodland getaway with a simple off-grid cabin? Located at 1690 Tower Road, Newberry, Michigan 49868, this property offers approximately 20 acres of wooded land and a compact 352-square-foot cabin for an asking price of $85,000.
Built in 2001, the cabin features a propane setup, 12-volt lighting, a gas stove fireplace, and a separate shower house with a tankless water heater. The property also borders or joins state and federal land, according to the listing, making its location an interesting feature for buyers seeking a rural setting.
This is not a conventional fully serviced home. Its water arrangement, outhouse toilet, lack of sewer service, and compact interior should be carefully considered before purchasing.
Property Overview
- Asking Price: $85,000
- Address: 1690 Tower Road, Newberry, MI 49868
- Property Type: Single-Family Residence
- Land Size: Approximately 20 acres
- Cabin Size: 352 square feet
- Bedrooms: 1
- Bathrooms: Listing reports 1 bathroom and 1 half bathroom; arrangement should be verified
- Year Built: 2001
- Heating: Propane wall furnace
- Energy Generation: Solar listed
- Water: Other; 50-gallon holding tank described
- Sewer: None
- Roof: Metal
- Construction: Frame and log siding
- Annual Property Tax: Not provided in the supplied listing details
- Listing Terms: Conventional or cash
A Small Cabin Surrounded by 20 Acres
The main attraction of this property is its approximately 20 acres of wooded land. Rather than offering a large finished house, it provides a compact cabin that may suit buyers looking for a basic rural retreat.
The cabin has approximately 352 square feet of interior living space. Its small size means buyers should consider how much indoor space they actually need, especially if they plan to use the property for extended stays.
The property is described as wooded and includes wetlands. Buyers should inspect the land carefully to understand the usable areas, terrain, drainage, and boundaries.
The listing also states that the property joins state or federal land. This is an interesting location feature, but buyers should independently confirm the exact adjoining boundaries and whether any public access or recreational rights apply.
Off-Grid Features and Energy Setup
The cabin is described as having propane and 12-volt lighting. Solar energy generation is also listed in the property details.
These features may appeal to buyers interested in a simpler, less conventional rural setup. However, the listing does not provide detailed information about the solar system’s capacity, battery storage, inverter, or backup arrangements.
Before purchasing, buyers should ask for details about the existing electrical system, the condition of the solar equipment, and whether it can support their intended appliances and daily needs.
The property also has a propane wall furnace for heating. A gas stove fireplace is listed as an additional feature. Buyers should arrange an inspection of the heating equipment, propane connections, ventilation, and fire safety.
Separate Shower House and Water System
One of the distinctive features of this property is its separate shower house.
According to the listing, the shower house includes:
- A shower facility
- An outhouse-style toilet
- A tankless water heater
- A 50-gallon water holding tank
- A 12-volt water pump
- 12-volt lighting
The tankless water heater is an interesting feature for a small off-grid property. However, the water supply depends on the holding-tank arrangement described in the listing.
Buyers should confirm how the tank is filled, how much water is available for normal use, whether the system includes filtration, and whether the water is suitable for drinking. They should also verify the condition and legal compliance of the shower house and outhouse arrangement.
Importantly, the listing reports bathroom counts in its property facts, but the description identifies a separate shower house and an outhouse toilet. Buyers should confirm exactly what facilities are included and whether there is any conventional indoor bathroom.
Woodland Setting and Recreational Potential
The 20-acre setting may appeal to people who enjoy spending time outdoors and want a property away from a conventional residential neighbourhood.
The listing identifies wooded areas and wetlands, while also mentioning that the property joins state or federal land. These characteristics may make the location worth exploring for buyers interested in nature, outdoor recreation, and a private rural environment.
However, wetlands can affect how land may be used or developed. Buyers should check wetland boundaries, environmental restrictions, drainage conditions, and any applicable building limitations before planning improvements.
The listing also identifies a dirt road surface and no dedicated parking features. Buyers should inspect the road and driveway conditions, particularly during winter and wet weather, and confirm whether access is maintained throughout the year.
Cabin Layout and Construction
Built in 2001, the cabin has a raised-ranch architectural style, frame construction with log siding, and a metal or steel roof.
The interior includes a mudroom and crawl-space foundation. A covered patio or porch is also listed, offering a simple outdoor space.
At 352 square feet, the building is compact. Buyers considering longer stays should assess sleeping arrangements, storage, cooking facilities, heating performance, and the practical use of the available interior space.
A professional inspection should cover the roof, foundation, crawl space, framing, moisture conditions, and any signs of pest or weather damage.
Important Things to Check Before Buying
Although the asking price is $85,000, buyers should look beyond the purchase price and evaluate the property’s condition and operating arrangements.
Before making an offer, consider confirming:
- The exact property boundaries and the full 20-acre land area.
- The location and extent of any wetlands and related land-use restrictions.
- The legal status and permitted use of the cabin and separate shower house.
- The actual bathroom and toilet facilities.
- The water holding tank, water source, pump, filtration, and water quality.
- The condition and capacity of the solar and 12-volt electrical systems.
- The propane heating system and gas fireplace.
- The condition of the metal roof, crawl space, and overall structure.
- Road maintenance, winter access, and driveway conditions.
- Any restrictions or permissions relating to adjoining state or federal land.
The listing also reports that the property is zoned residential, with horses and outbuildings allowed. Buyers should confirm the zoning details and permitted activities directly with the relevant local authorities.
Is This 20-Acre Michigan Cabin Worth Considering?
At an asking price of $85,000, 1690 Tower Road offers a combination of a small off-grid cabin and approximately 20 acres of wooded Michigan land.
Its propane setup, 12-volt lighting, solar listing, separate shower house, and tankless water heater give the property a distinctive rural character. It may be worth investigating for buyers who prefer a basic cabin and outdoor setting rather than a conventional fully serviced home.
However, the 352-square-foot interior, lack of sewer service, holding-tank water arrangement, outhouse toilet, and possible wetland restrictions are important considerations. Buyers should verify the facilities, property condition, access, and permitted uses before deciding whether it meets their needs.
For someone seeking a simple cabin with a substantial amount of surrounding land, this Newberry property may be an interesting option to investigate.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the property details supplied for informational purposes. Property condition, measurements, utilities, land boundaries, zoning, price, and current availability have not been independently verified. Images used with this article are illustrative and may not depict the actual property. Buyers should conduct their own inspections and due diligence and confirm all information with the seller, listing agent, qualified professionals, and relevant local authorities before purchasing.

























Listed on Zillow