Sitting near mile marker 174 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this Willis, Virginia property offers something a little different from the typical single-family listing: two separate cabins on one 7.95-acre parcel, priced at 50,000 dollars through an online auction. For buyers thinking about short-term rentals, a weekend getaway with rental income potential, or simply an affordable foothold in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this one is worth a closer look.
Property Snapshot
Both cabins were built in 2020 and sit on a gently sloping 7.95-acre lot. Cabin 1 offers 576 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, while Cabin 2 offers 468 square feet with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, bringing the combined total to 1,044 square feet across the two structures, or roughly 87 dollars per square foot at the current price. Annual property taxes are 1,427 dollars, and there is no HOA. The property has been on the market for a little over a month.
Built for Rental Income
The listing is direct about the intended use: two cabins, described as great for Airbnbs or vacation rentals. Cabin 1 comes equipped with a refrigerator, range, washer and dryer hookups, a window air conditioning unit, and an electric wall heater. Cabin 2 includes a range, a stackable washer and dryer, a window AC unit, and its own wall heater. Both cabins are described as well maintained, and having two separate rentable units on one property gives a buyer flexibility, whether that means renting both out, living in one while renting the other, or using one as a private retreat and the other as income-generating space.
Utilities are self-contained, with a private well for water and a private septic system for sewer, typical for a rural mountain property like this one. Flooring includes carpet and other materials, and the exterior on both structures is wood siding.
Location Near the Blue Ridge Parkway
The property’s location is a major part of its appeal. Sitting near mile marker 174 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and within an hour of the Virginia and North Carolina state line, this is prime territory for buyers drawn to mountain scenery, hiking access, and the steady stream of travelers who visit the Parkway each year. That location also supports the short-term rental angle the listing highlights, since Blue Ridge Parkway proximity is a strong draw for vacation renters looking for a mountain basecamp.
Understanding the Auction Process
This property is being sold through Blue Ridge Land and Auction Co, with the listing agents Matthew Alan Gallimore and Levi Steven Cox handling the sale. As with any auction property, buyers should confirm current auction status, bidding terms, and closing timeline directly with the auction house before making plans, since auction dates and terms can be updated as the sale progresses. Buyers should also ask specifically whether the 50,000 dollar figure reflects a current bid, an opening bid, or a reserve price, and whether a buyer’s premium applies on top of the winning bid.
Financing Options to Consider
A property at this price point, sold at auction, generally narrows the financing conversation.
Cash is the most common approach for properties in this price range sold at auction, since auction timelines are typically compressed and sellers often favor non-contingent offers.
A conventional loan may still be possible for buyers who can move quickly with financing already in place, though buyers should confirm with the auction house whether financed bids are accepted and what proof of funds or pre-approval documentation is required before bidding.
Buyers planning to use the property for short-term rental income may also want to ask a lender about investment property or DSCR loan options, which are underwritten based on the property’s rental income potential rather than solely on the buyer’s personal income.
A local or regional bank familiar with rural Floyd County properties may also be a useful resource, since some smaller lenders are more flexible with unconventional properties like a dual-cabin setup.
Insurance Considerations
Insuring two separate rental cabins is different from insuring a single primary residence, and buyers planning to rent either unit should discuss landlord or short-term rental policies with an agent rather than a standard homeowners policy. Because each cabin has its own kitchen appliances, window AC unit, and wall heater, coverage should be confirmed for both structures individually. The private well and septic system should also be disclosed, along with the property’s rural, car-dependent location, which some insurers weigh when calculating premiums.
Due Diligence Checklist for Buyers
Buyers should plan for inspections of both cabins individually, covering the electric wall heaters, window AC units, and all plumbing and electrical systems in each structure. A well water test and septic inspection are both important for a property relying entirely on private systems. Buyers should also confirm local zoning and any short-term rental or Airbnb regulations in Floyd County before counting on rental income, since short-term rental rules vary significantly by county and can affect the property’s investment potential. A land survey to confirm the boundaries of the 7.95-acre parcel and a title search rounds out a solid due diligence process, along with direct confirmation of current auction terms and closing requirements.
The Willis, VA Market
Willis is a small community in Floyd County, Virginia, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains and known for its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the broader Floyd County arts and music scene. The area has become increasingly popular with buyers looking for short-term rental opportunities, drawn by steady tourism traffic and a strong appetite for mountain getaways within driving distance of larger cities in Virginia and North Carolina.
Final Thoughts
135 and 137 Halls Store Rd offers a rare entry point for buyers interested in mountain real estate and rental income potential without a massive upfront investment. Two move-in-ready cabins, nearly 8 acres, and a location near one of the most scenic drives in the country make this an appealing option for investors and mountain-living buyers alike, provided they confirm the current auction terms before bidding.
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