172.1 +/- acres Mountain Homestead, with Farmhouse & Creek

Welcome to 8479 Route 28, Big Indian, NY. Big Indian is a scenic hamlet within the Town of Shandaken in Ulster County, NY, located in the heart of Catskill Park along State Route 28. The area is celebrated for its rugged wilderness and mountainous terrain. This parcel displays all of that character: 172.1 +/- acres of diverse forest and mountainous terrain blended with open and brush fields surrounding the creek bottom. Just off the road, you'll find an 1892 old-style farmhouse featuring historic charm and brimming with character and rich history. Featuring three floors, 6 bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a bonus room that can be used as another bedroom or office. The first floor features a farm-style kitchen, formal dining area, parlor, and large living room. Just off the kitchen, there are stairs leading to another room that can make a great workshop or storage area. Out the front door is a covered porch with scenic views looking across the road to a field area at the base of the mountain. The side door exiting the dining room leads to a 112 sq. ft. enclosed porch displaying views of the fields and glimpses of the mountains. Outside, you will find a bluestone patio and seating area, a fire pit, and a fenced area for pets. A spacious mowed area that blends into fields. Just behind the house, you will find a 444 sq. ft. garage that makes a great place for storage of equipment, toys, and tools, with enough space for a small workshop. The allure doesn't stop at the farmhouse. Heading west, it's just a short walk to Birch Creek, which gracefully traverses the entire property, offering over 2,400 feet of frontage on both sides. This creek creates a unique ecosystem all its own, drawing a variety of wildlife and adding serene, natural beauty to the landscape. Birch Creek is well-known for its wild trout population, reported to include rainbow, brown, and native brook trout, providing fishing opportunities right on the property. Crossing the creek, you'll enter an intermediate-growth forest, blending into roughly five acres of brushy fields with gentle terrain. As you cross the power lines, the elevation rises, crossing the old railroad bed and leading into rugged, mountainous terrain that borders state land, which is part of the Big Indian Wilderness Area, consisting of 33,500 acres. To the east of Rt. 28, there is approximately 100 acres of land mostly consisting of mountainous terrain, moss-covered boulders, rocky outcroppings, a natural spring, and a diverse forest. On the northern side, about eight acres offer gentle terrain, starting by the road with fields that gradually blend into white pine and spruce, then transitioning into hardwood forest as the terrain rises. An extensive trail provides access to most parts of this mountainside. There are approximately 1.9 miles of well-established trails that are easily navigated by UTV or ATV. This area is bordered by state land, which is a part of the Shandaken Wild Forest, consisting of 5,375 acres of land that you can enjoy for all types of recreational activities. This expansive homestead blends a creek-bottom haven with a mountainous habitat that is perfect for all. A family retreat, homestead, or hobby farm. Recreation opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, exploring, horseback riding, ATV riding, and UTV riding. Builders, developers, and investors: the large road frontage paired with the property being split by the road offers the potential for subdivision and future development. This is a blank canvas for your next project. The surrounding area features dining, amenities, lodging, skiing, and more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of the Catskills. Call the listing agent today to schedule a private tour of this one-of-a-kind property. The seller requires that all potential buyers show proof of funds or a pre-qualification letter to schedule all showings.