This property is one of an enclave of 10 private, gated parcels in an area known as Empress Mountain. It is, without a doubt, the most exclusive place in the northern Sequoia National Forest and very few people are even aware of its existence. A private road winds 3/4's of a mile up to the top of the mountain to the home, where it enjoys a singular and breathtaking view of Sequoia Lake and the Kings River Canyon beyond. It is an unbelievable forested setting. This isn't your typical mountain cabin postage stamp sized lot... this is 7.36 acres of private forest land where you have unbelievable privacy and serenity further enhanced by being surrounded by the Sequoia National Forest. The home is sited at 6,040 feet. These private parcels are the only properties that have direct access to Hitchcock Meadows in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The meadows are less than 1/4 mile from the home and the property is less than 1/2 mile from Big Stump in Sequoia National Park. What a bonus to have your own private hiking and cross country skiing access to such a scenic signature spot in one of the nation's true natural wonders. Now let's get to the home... what a home it is, and what a home it could be.

The home is a classic Tudor style chalet featuring massive beam construction in a three story floor plan highlighted by a truly immense custom designed brick chimney that services fireplaces on the first and second levels. The main entry features an awesome natural beam and ironclad door of unique design. A classic entry takes you to the main living area. Here you will be treated to an open great room design for your first exposure to the massive interior beam construction design. Normally, the focal point would be the massive fireplace but that is overshadowed by the full window wall and deck designed to maximize the views of Sequoia Lake to the west. All of the windows and other exterior doors are custom wood and metal clad of Pella design. The kitchen is an absolute delight! That includes the beautiful and functional custom designed cabinetry and gourmet level appliances such as a Bosch 5 burner cooktop, a Bosch Ultra-Quiet dishwasher, GE Monogram Refrigerator/Freezer, and GE Monogram double oven (one traditional and one convection). The dishwasher and refrigerator have custom cabinet faces and the double oven is set into its own custom designed cabinet and prep counter. There is a large dining area and the balance of the great room focuses on the fireplace. No, the piano is not included. The living area has three exits... two to the deck and one to a porch leading to the front of the home. The remainder of the bottom floor is taken up with a bedroom and guest bath. The second floor features a large second bedroom and bath, a large third bedroom with a private fireplace and a great view of Sequoia Lake, and a large utility and storage room. The third floor has never been finished out but it has over 600sqft of floor space highlighted by four custom window dormers.

By now you are getting an idea of what a unique offering this is. The reality is that it was intended to be much, much more. Beyond finishing out the third level of the original home, the owners also made plans and laid the foundation for an entire two level addition with a second dual floor fireplace. The bottom level would become a family gathering room and additional guest bedroom and the upper level would become the master suite with an octagonal window walled sitting room with a breathtaking view of Sequoia Lake. As you can see from the pictures they were well on the way to realizing their dream. Unfortunately, time has a way of catching up with us all. The owners have become advanced in years and they are unable to complete their dream. It will be up to the next owner to take on the adventure. Maybe they will complete the full addition or, maybe, turn the addition into a massive entertainment deck and outdoor kitchen focusing on the lake below. In addition to the fireplaces, the home has forced air heating (at this elevation you don't need cooling). It also has satellite TV and its own well.

As always, I tell you about any negatives. In this case, it is more about unfinished elements than it is about negatives because there just aren't many negatives. Perhaps one negative would be the ability for year round living. It is feasible but, due to the 6,000 foot elevation, you would need to plow the 3/4 mile road in to the property at times in winter. There is a tractor with a snow blower included in the sale, but keeping the roads clear could require some major effort at certain times of the winter. Regarding the unfinished elements... in addition to the unfinished third floor, some of the flooring, stairwell, doorways, and walls have never received their final finishes. And, of course, the major addition is a work in progress.

Now, for the buyer that is looking for the ability to create a whole family enclave, we offer a solution. The owner of this property also owns the adjacent 5.04 acres complete an early 1900's cabin and workshop that were the core of a historic chinchilla farm. The cabin is livable but needs some work and the workshop could easily be converted to a family bunkhouse. There is also a second, even older cabin, perched on a massive rock outcrop. This one would require major renovation. The adjoining property is available for $200,000 and full particulars are available in a separate listing on our web site. But, just imagine... over 12 acres of some of the most unique and exclusive private land in the entire United States. Truly a property to pass down for generations to come.

This a signature property and it is priced accordingly, taking into account its unfinished elements. The seller is looking for a cash sale but may be willing to carry some paper for a qualified buyer with a substantial down payment. The nature of the property makes its ability to be financed by outside lenders difficult. Aside from its remote, forested location, there are no comparable properties anywhere in the area to provide comparable sales data. Appointments to see the property will only be made for buyers that have provided acceptable evidence of their ability to acquire the property prior to showing. There you have it... a truly "one-of-a-kind" mountain retreat. You have a once in a lifetime opportunity to own the rarest of the rare. Don't let it pass you by.

Special Features:

* Over 7 truly private acres with a unique view overlooking Sequoia Lake

* Classic Tudor style chalet residence

* Private hiking and cross country skiing access to Hitchcock Meadows in the Giant Sequoia National Monument

* Gated private road access and surrounded by the Sequoia National Forest

* Once in a lifetime opportunity to own a property worthy of passing down