Defuniak Springs, FL 32433 - Walton County

As part of the 3,535-acre Natural Bridge Creek Plantation, stepping on this property takes one back to an earlier era when longleaf pines and wiregrass dominated the southeastern coastal plain. Owned by the same family for over 50 years, a strict timber and wildlife management program was followed that has evolved into a natural longleaf tract rarely seen anymore. This spectacular and diverse property must be seen to be appreciated - it truly represents a unique opportunity for the investor who recognizes the importance of this disappearing landscape. It's even more attractive now that the price has been reduced by over $450,000!

Parcel 1 encompasses 1,049+/- acres along the Florida - Alabama state line. It has excellent access via 3 1/2 miles of paved road frontage and is only 50 miles from the white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast. Due to Natural Bridge Plantation's diversity, there are several uses that an investor can take advantage of including recreational, conservation, and timber.

Aesthetically, this part of Natural Bridge Plantation features beautiful rolling topography with mature stands of natural timber and an offshoot of Natural Bridge Creek. Within these boundaries is an abundance of wildlife including deer, turkey, and quail. Importantly, the sportsman has the advantage of an extended hunting season as the start and end dates in Alabama and Florida differ.

From an ecological standpoint, Natural Bridge Plantation's natural features are of such high quality that the property has been coveted by naturalists and environmental organizations. In fact, the recession and the resulting scarcity of funds are largely responsible for the property not already being acquired for conservation purposes. Some of the possibilities for Natural Bridge Plantation include placing a conservation easement on the property, establishing an ecosystem mitigation bank, or serving as an interim owner while planning a future conservation sale. As of 2015, Natural Bridge Plantation was listed as #21 on Florida Forever's priority list and has been nominated to receive a first appraisal for the State of Alabama's Forever Wild program.

Natural Bridge Plantation is a distinctive tract with attributes that clearly separate it from typical timberland tracts. Nonetheless, there is very valuable timber present on the property, including many pines classified in the pole and plywood veneer category that brings premium pricing. Virtually all of the pine is merchantable with natural longleaf and slash accounting for most of the volume. There is also 70 acres of merchantable loblolly pine that is part of the CRP program. This is a very productive site with a high percentage of usable land and excellent soils that include Dothan, Florala, Fuquay, Malbis, and Troup.

Aerial, topographic, and soil maps are available on our website.