Historic 1939 Log Cabin Overlooking Fishing Creek in Pennsylvania for $62,500

A historic log cabin, a stone fireplace, a covered porch, and a peaceful setting overlooking Fishing Creek make this property in Benton, Pennsylvania, an interesting option for buyers seeking a traditional seasonal retreat.

Located at 73 School House Road, Benton, PA 17814, the cabin is listed for $62,500 and sits on approximately 0.48 acres. Built in 1939, the property features authentic log construction, a rustic kitchen, an upper sleeping loft, and a scenic outdoor setting surrounded by trees.

Unlike a conventional modern home, this cabin offers a much simpler lifestyle. The listing identifies an outdoor hand pump for water, an outhouse, and wood heating rather than a complete modern bathroom and central heating system.

For someone looking for a hunting camp or a quiet weekend getaway, these features may be part of the appeal. However, buyers seeking a comfortable year-round residence will need to consider the property’s limitations and potential improvement costs.

Property Overview

Feature	Details
Address	73 School House Road, Benton, PA 17814
Asking Price	$62,500
Land Size	Approximately 0.48 acres
Year Built	1939
Property Type	Historic log cabin
Bedrooms	1 listed
Bathrooms	0 listed
Interior Area	Approximately 384 sq ft
Great Room	Approximately 240 sq ft
Kitchen	Approximately 132.76 sq ft
Water	Outdoor hand pump
Electricity	Upgraded 100-amp service
Heating	Wood
Wastewater	Outhouse; conventional septic details not provided
Nearby Recreation	Fishing Creek and nearby State Game Lands
Annual Property Taxes	Approximately $899

Property details and asking price are based on the supplied listing information and should be independently verified.

A Traditional Log Cabin Built in 1939

One of the most distinctive features of this Pennsylvania property is its traditional log construction.

Unlike newer houses designed to imitate the appearance of a rustic cabin, this structure has the character of an older woodland retreat. Exposed logs, red-painted trim, a covered front porch, and a stone foundation give the exterior a distinctive appearance.

Built in 1939, the cabin has decades of history behind it. Photographs show weathered timber and traditional construction details that fit naturally into the surrounding wooded landscape.

However, owning an older log structure comes with additional responsibilities. Buyers should carefully examine the condition of the logs, joints, roof, stonework, foundation, and areas exposed to moisture.

Potential insect damage, rot, water intrusion, and deterioration should be evaluated before making an offer. An inspection by someone experienced with historic log buildings would be particularly useful.

A Cozy Living Room With a Large Stone Fireplace

Inside, the cabin offers a surprisingly inviting living area for its modest size.

The approximately 240-square-foot great room features exposed log walls, a vaulted wood ceiling, rustic beams, and a substantial stone wood-burning fireplace.

The fireplace serves as the visual centerpiece of the room. Listing photographs also show traditional seating, lamps, a rocking chair, and woodland-themed decorations that complement the cabin’s historic atmosphere.

A separate wood-burning heating appliance is also visible in the living area.

Together, these features create the kind of old-fashioned interior that may appeal to buyers searching for a traditional hunting camp or seasonal getaway.

The listing identifies wood as the heating source, so buyers should confirm whether any other permanent heating system exists.

The fireplace, chimney, flue, and additional heating appliance should all be professionally inspected before use. Their presence in photographs does not establish that they are safe, properly installed, or fully operational.

A Rustic Kitchen With an Antique Cook Stove

The kitchen measures approximately 132.76 square feet, according to the listing, and includes an eating area and an antique cook stove.

Photographs show wood-paneled walls, exposed ceiling beams, red-and-white checkered curtains, a refrigerator, cooking appliances, and a dining table with red chairs.

The overall appearance is closer to a traditional camp kitchen than a modern residential kitchen. For buyers who appreciate older cabins, that simpler arrangement may be part of the property’s charm.

The listing identifies a refrigerator and stove/range among the included appliances. Buyers should verify their condition, functionality, and inclusion in the final sale agreement.

They should also determine whether the kitchen has adequate electrical capacity and what additional equipment would be needed for regular use.

An Upper Sleeping Loft With Two Single Beds

Although the property is listed as having one bedroom, photographs show an upper loft furnished with two single beds.

The sleeping area sits beneath a sharply sloped wooden roof, creating a compact space that fits the cabin’s rustic design.

It could provide additional sleeping space for occasional guests or a small group using the property as a seasonal retreat.

However, the loft appears to be accessed by a steep ladder-style staircase. Buyers should evaluate the accessibility, headroom, structural capacity, and emergency escape options before treating it as conventional sleeping accommodation.

They should also verify whether the loft qualifies as a legal sleeping area under applicable building and occupancy requirements.

A Creekside Setting With a Covered Porch

The outdoor setting may be one of the strongest reasons to consider this property.

The listing describes the cabin as overlooking Fishing Creek, and photographs show a scenic waterway running beside the wooded grounds.

A covered front porch provides a place to sit outside and enjoy the surroundings. A swing offers another spot to relax, while mature trees, fallen autumn leaves, and stone landscaping contribute to the woodland atmosphere.

The approximately 0.48-acre parcel also includes a small outbuilding and a traditional outdoor hand pump.

For buyers who value natural surroundings and a quiet seasonal escape, the setting could be especially appealing.

However, creekside properties require additional investigation. Buyers should verify the legal property boundaries, flood-zone designation, history of flooding, streambank erosion, and any restrictions related to the waterway.

The presence of Fishing Creek does not automatically establish ownership of the creek bed, private fishing rights, or unrestricted access to the water.

Near State Game Lands and Outdoor Recreation

The listing highlights the cabin’s proximity to State Game Lands, which may make it interesting to hunters and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

A seasonal retreat near public recreational land can be convenient for people who enjoy hiking, wildlife observation, and hunting during permitted seasons.

However, buyers should confirm the exact location of the nearest State Game Lands, available public access points, and applicable Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations.

Nearby public land should not be confused with acreage included in the property’s approximately 0.48-acre parcel. Access and recreational activities remain subject to the rules governing the adjoining land.

Electricity, Water, and Bathroom Facilities

Although the cabin has some electrical infrastructure, its other facilities are intentionally basic.

Electricity: The listing reports upgraded 100-amp electrical service, and photographs show an exterior electric meter mounted on the log wall. This is a useful feature compared with a completely off-grid cabin, but buyers should confirm that the service is active and have the wiring, panel, and installation inspected for safety and code compliance.

Water: The property reportedly uses a traditional outdoor hand pump. Buyers should verify the water source, whether the pump functions, and whether the supply is reliable throughout the year. If the water comes from a private well or another unregulated source, independent water-quality testing is important.

Bathroom facilities: One of the most significant limitations is that the listing identifies zero bathrooms and specifically mentions an outhouse. Buyers should not assume an indoor toilet, shower, or conventional bathroom exists.

Anyone considering adding indoor plumbing should investigate water supply, wastewater options, septic feasibility, installation costs, permits, and local requirements.

Heating: The listing identifies wood heating rather than a modern central heating system. Wood heat may suit seasonal cabin use, but it requires proper equipment, regular maintenance, firewood storage, ventilation, and appropriate fire-safety precautions.

These details make it important to distinguish the property from a conventional year-round residence.

What Buyers Should Know About the Cabin’s Condition

The photographs suggest a property with considerable rustic character, but they cannot establish its structural condition.

Because the cabin dates to 1939, a thorough inspection is particularly important.

Prospective buyers should investigate:

• The condition of the log walls, joints, and exterior wood.
• Roof shingles and any evidence of leaks.
• Chimney masonry, fireplace condition, and flue safety.
• Stone foundation and areas showing moisture intrusion.
• Porch supports, stairs, and railings.
• Electrical service, wiring, and outlets.
• Wood flooring and signs of rot or insect activity.
• The condition of the loft and its access ladder.

The location near a waterway also makes drainage, flooding, and moisture exposure important considerations.

A qualified inspector familiar with older log structures can help identify repairs that may not be obvious from listing photographs.

Is $62,500 a Reasonable Asking Price?

At an asking price of $62,500 and a reported interior area of approximately 384 square feet, the listing works out to roughly $163 per square foot.

That calculation alone does not establish whether the property is fairly priced. The asking price also reflects the land, creekside setting, historic construction, and recreational appeal.

On the other hand, the lack of an indoor bathroom, basic water facilities, seasonal nature of the cabin, and potential maintenance expenses may limit its appeal to conventional homebuyers.

The listing reports annual property taxes of approximately $899. Buyers should confirm the current tax obligation and whether reassessment following a sale could change the amount.

Financing and insurance may also require additional investigation. Buyers should discuss the cabin’s facilities, condition, and intended use with lenders and insurance providers before assuming it qualifies for conventional residential financing or coverage.

Who Might Find This Property Appealing?

This historic Pennsylvania cabin may be best suited to someone looking for a seasonal woodland escape, a traditional hunting camp, or a simple retreat where outdoor experiences matter more than modern conveniences.

Its creekside setting, covered porch, stone fireplace, and sleeping loft give it a distinctive atmosphere that newer cabins may not easily replicate.

However, it may be less suitable for buyers who require a conventional bathroom, dependable year-round comfort, accessible sleeping areas, or a move-in-ready full-time residence.

Anyone considering vacation rentals should first verify local zoning, rental regulations, occupancy requirements, sanitation standards, and insurance eligibility.

Important Questions to Investigate Before Making an Offer

Before purchasing, prospective buyers should clarify several details:

1. Is the property approved for its current seasonal use, and could it legally be occupied year-round?
2. Is the outdoor hand pump operational, and what is the water source?
3. What type of approved wastewater or outhouse system exists?
4. Is the property in a FEMA-designated flood zone, and has it experienced previous flooding?
5. Are the roof, chimney, log walls, and foundation structurally sound?
6. Is the 100-amp electrical service active and properly installed?
7. Are there restrictions on remodeling, expanding, or adding plumbing?
8. Which furniture, appliances, and other personal property are included in the sale?
9. What are the exact property boundaries and legal access arrangements?

The listing states that the cabin is being sold with its contents. Buyers should request a written inventory identifying the items that will remain at closing rather than relying solely on photographs.

Final Thoughts: Is This $62,500 Pennsylvania Log Cabin Worth Considering?

At $62,500, this historic Benton property offers something that may appeal to buyers searching for a traditional seasonal retreat: an authentic log cabin built in 1939, a large stone fireplace, a sleeping loft, and a setting overlooking Fishing Creek.

The covered porch, rustic kitchen, and wooded surroundings create the atmosphere of a classic woodland getaway.

But the property’s limitations are just as important as its charm. With no indoor bathroom, an outdoor hand-pump water supply, wood heating, and an aging structure, it requires a buyer who understands and genuinely wants a rustic lifestyle.

For someone seeking modern residential comfort, the compromises may be too significant. For someone dreaming of a traditional seasonal cabin near a creek, it could be worth a closer look.

Would you consider owning this historic log cabin for $62,500, or would the lack of an indoor bathroom be a deal-breaker?

View the original property listing:
73 School House Rd, Benton, PA 17814 – Zillow