Located in East-central Jefferson County, not too far from paved roads, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle of Topeka and Lawrence, this gorgeous tract totals 260 acres more or less and is a tranquil oasis situated on a quiet, winding country road. The property boasts an appealing rolling topography, heavy hardwood timber, four ponds, grass meadows and the residence in the northeast quadrant.

The home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, encompassing 1,918 square feet of living area on the main floor with a full unfinished basement as well. The home was constructed in 1972, a time of pride in craftsmanship, when homes were constructed to last. While the home is dated, its awaiting the next chapter, allowing you to update with your touches as you desire. Whether it be a forever home or a weekend retreat for the new owners, options abound! We especially like the location of the residence on the property as any activity around the home, shouldnt interfere with the hunter who is quietly pursuing the resident whitetails and turkeys on the majority of the parcel.

While the improvements on the property are a bonus, lets not lose sight of the fact that recreation for hunter and fisherman is the highest and best use. Located in the enviable and legendary Kansas Deer Management Unit #10, this is a tract with a huge resident wildlife population already but also has extreme upside with the addition of foodplots, feeders and allowing for the maturing and growth of already-planted bedding cover. The sellers are not hunters so they havent been managing the property for trophy deer but it shouldnt take much to grow, magnetize and hold them on this tract with foodplots.Due to there only being one named road bordering the property, the privacy for both humans and wildlife is exceptional. You wont have to worry much about prying eyes watching the deer and turkeys within the interior of the property and the line of sight from the road is severely restricted due to the heavily rolling terrain.

For those wanting some return on investment, there has been a long- time grazing tenant on the property who would desire to keep renting it if the new owner has any interest in continuing this. A lease arrangement could possibly be worked out so that it wouldnt interfere with the months during hunting season. The pastured portion of the property are mostly tame grass with a significant population of brome and fescue while theres also a lesser presence of warm-season native grasses.

Please call the Broker, Cameron Roth at 795-917-0867 for more information. Please come join us for an open house and land tours on 9/29/24 from 12pm-3pm & 10/5/24 from 2pm-4pm. This is a very special property and an opportunity you won't want to let pass by if you are serious in your pursuit of top-shelf real estate!

Auction Details: Online auction to begin at 12:00 p.m. on 10/16/2024 and feature a dynamic closing to begin at 12:00 p.m. all on 10/18/2024. (Any bids placed in the last 5 minutes will extend the closing by 5 minutes.)

Legal Description: The S 1/2 of the SE 1/4 in Section 16, Township 10 South, Range 19 AND the NE 1/4 of Section 21, Township 10 South, Range 19 AND the W 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 in Section 15, Township 10 South, Range 19 East of the 6th P.M., Jefferson County, Kansas. 260 acres, more or less.

Driving Directions: From Oskaloosa, head south on Hwy 59 for 1 mile and then turn left onto KS-16 E/KS-92 E. Continue for 1 mile, turn right onto Rawlins Rd and proceed for 1.7 miles. The property begins on the right side of the road. Watch for signs!

Earnest Money: $75,000.00 due on day of auction.

Minerals:The Seller's mineral interests transfer to the Buyer.

Closing: On or before November 20th, 2024.

Property Taxes:$4,544.46

Buyer's Premium: There will be a 5% buyer's premium added to the high bid to determine the final contract price with that total being paid by the Buyer.

Disclosure: Yellow boundary property lines in the pictures are approximated for reference only. Please refer to the aerial map provided by the Jefferson County Appraiser's office in reference to property lines.

Dynamic Closing:If there are any bids within the last 5 minutes of the auction, the auction closing time will extend for 5 minutes. Please note, this will continue until there are no bids within the last 5 minutes and could extend the closing several times.

Area Information:

Jefferson County, Kansas, is a rural county located in the northeastern part of the state. Known for its mix of agricultural lands, small towns, and proximity to urban centers like Topeka and Lawrence, it offers a balance between quiet, rural life and easy access to city amenities.

Location and Geography

Jefferson County is situated in northeast Kansas, covering an area of about 557 square miles. It is bordered by the counties of Shawnee, Leavenworth, Douglas, Atchison, and Jackson. The countys landscape is primarily composed of rolling hills, farmlands, and rivers, with parts of the county bordering the Kansas River to the south.

County Seat: Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa is the county seat of Jefferson County, with a population of around 1,000 people. The town serves as the hub of local government and services and has a small-town feel with a close-knit community. It features historical buildings, parks, and essential services like schools and healthcare facilities.

History

Jefferson County was established in 1855 and named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Like many counties in Kansas, it has deep roots in the state's pioneer and agricultural history. Early settlers were attracted to the region due to its fertile land and proximity to major rivers.

The area played a significant role in Kansas' turbulent pre-Civil War history, as part of the broader "Bleeding Kansas" conflict over slavery in the new territories. The countys historical significance is still commemorated by several local landmarks and historical societies.

Population

As of recent estimates, Jefferson County is home to approximately 18,000 residents. It is a rural county with a low population density, but its proximity to larger cities makes it appealing to those who want to enjoy country life while still being able to commute for work or leisure.

The largest towns in Jefferson County, in addition to Oskaloosa, include Meriden, Perry, Valley Falls, and Winchester. These towns serve as small hubs for local businesses, schools, and community activities.

Economy

The economy of Jefferson County is heavily based on agriculture, with farms producing crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, along with livestock, especially cattle. Agriculture remains a vital part of the local identity and economy.

In addition to farming, the county has small businesses and industries that support the local economy. The close proximity to larger urban centers like Topeka and Lawrence allows many residents to commute for jobs in sectors such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, and government.

Outdoor Recreation

Jefferson County is rich in outdoor recreational opportunities, thanks to its natural landscape of lakes, rivers, and parks. Some notable outdoor spots include:

Perry Lake: One of the largest reservoirs in the area, Perry Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking. The surrounding Perry State Park offers trails for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation.

Slough Creek Campground: Located near Perry Lake, this area offers beautiful camping sites and access to water activities.

The Kansas River (Kaw River): Running along the southern part of the county, the Kansas River provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

The countys rural setting also makes it a great place for hunting, birdwatching, and nature photography, especially in the fall and spring when the Kansas countryside is at its most vibrant.

Community and Culture

Jefferson County is known for its small-town, community-oriented lifestyle, where neighbors know each other, and local events play a central role in daily life. The county hosts a variety of local festivals, parades, and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from agricultural achievements to holidays.

Oskaloosa Old Settlers Festival: This is an annual celebration that brings together the community for parades, games, and historical reenactments.

County Fairs: Jefferson County hosts local fairs featuring livestock shows, crafts, and family-friendly activities that reflect the countys agricultural heritage.

The local culture emphasizes family values, education, and community participation, making it a welcoming environment for families and retirees alike.

Education

Education is provided by several school districts within the county. Notable school districts include:

USD 340 (Jefferson West): Serving the Meriden and Valley Falls areas.

USD 339 (Jefferson County North): Serving the communities of Winchester and Nortonville.

USD 341 (Oskaloosa): Providing educational services to Oskaloosa and surrounding areas.

While there are no colleges or universities directly in Jefferson County, it is close to Washburn University in Topeka and the University of Kansas in Lawrence, making higher education easily accessible.

Climate

Jefferson County has a humid continental climate, typical of much of the Midwest. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snow. The area receives around 36 inches of rainfall annually, supporting its agricultural economy. Spring and fall tend to be mild and are considered the most pleasant times of the year.

Transportation and Accessibility

The county is well connected by several highways, including U.S. Route 24 and Kansas Highway 4, making it easy to travel to nearby cities such as Topeka (about 20 minutes away) and Lawrence (about 30 minutes away). This accessibility is one of the main advantages for those who want to live in a rural area but still need access to urban amenities or job opportunities.

For long-distance travel, the Kansas City International Airport is about an hours drive from the county, providing access to national and international flights.

Local Government and Services

Jefferson County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners, who oversee the administration of county services. These services include law enforcement, emergency management, road maintenance, and public health services. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office ensures law enforcement across the rural areas and small towns.

Why People Live in Jefferson County

People are drawn to Jefferson County for its rural lifestyle, affordability, and sense of community. It is a great place for those who want to live in a quieter, more peaceful environment while still having access to job opportunities, shopping, healthcare, and entertainment in nearby cities. The county offers a safe environment, good schools, and numerous outdoor activities, making it ideal for families and retirees.

In summary, Jefferson County, KS, offers a laid-back, rural lifestyle with strong community values, abundant outdoor recreation, and the convenience of being near major urban centers like Topeka and Lawrence. Its an appealing location for those looking for small-town charm combined with easy access to larger city amenities.