Finding a peaceful country acreage that balances total seclusion with highly functional infrastructure under $150,000 is an investment milestone. Usually, properties in this price bracket require starting from scratch on raw land or compromising on square footage. However, this unique estate in Marion County offers an established footprint ready for immediate country living or strategic rental hosting.
Located at 4248 Church Rd, Salem, IL 62881, this property features a 1,700-square-foot home nestled on 5.99 densely wooded acres. Currently listed at $135,000 (just $79 per square foot), this affordable escape comes complete with its own stocked pond and a heavy-duty metal pole barn. Let’s look at the functional architectural layout, the exceptional outdoor assets, and why this is a high-value play for budget-conscious buyers.
Property Highlights at a Glance
| Metric | Specification |
| Listing Price | $135,000 (Incredibly low entry barrier) |
| Price Per Square Foot | $79/sqft |
| Livable Area | 1,700 Sq. Ft. |
| Bedrooms / Bathrooms | 3 Bedrooms / 3 Full Bathrooms (Triple Suite Layout) |
| Lot Size | 5.99 Acres (Densely wooded and private) |
| On-Site Infrastructure | Metal Pole Barn (with concrete floors & electricity), Enclosed Porch |
| Water Features | Private Stocked Pond |
| Annual Taxes | Microscopic at roughly $52/year (2024 assessment) |
The “Triple-Suite” Layout: Perfect for Multi-Family Living
The primary residence is a structurally expanded home featuring an oversized living layout centered around a classic brick fireplace. But the true architectural standout here is the bedroom configuration.
Unlike standard homes where multiple bedrooms share a single hallway bath, this 1,700-square-foot floor plan is laid out so that every single one of the three bedrooms features its own private bathroom. This triple-suite design is a massive value multiplier. If you are looking to tap into the short-term rental market, this layout allows you to market the home perfectly to multiple couples or large groups who demand individual bathroom privacy. It is also an ideal setup for multi-generational families living under one roof.
To take in the surrounding landscape, the home features an enclosed sun porch that serves as the perfect spot for quiet mornings, leading out onto an open deck designed for relaxing in absolute privacy.
A Turn-Key Homestead with Work Infrastructure
Beyond the residence, the 5.99 acres of land provide a completely private sanctuary surrounded by mature timber. For outdoor enthusiasts, the land is heavily wooded, offering immediate opportunities for hunting, hiking, or clearing out custom garden plots. Right in the heart of the clearing sits a beautifully maintained, private stocked pond, making afternoon fishing trips as simple as walking out your back door.
For mechanics, hobbyists, or homesteaders needing heavy storage, the property includes a substantial metal pole barn. This isn’t just a basic shed—the barn features a solid concrete floor, fully wired electricity, and a functional roll-up door, making it completely ready to protect your tractors, ATVs, or work tools from day one.
With holding costs sitting at an unbelievably low $52 a year in property taxes, an owner can comfortably manage, update, and enjoy this expansive rural asset without any ongoing financial pressure.
The Verdict
At $135,000, 4248 Church Rd is a rare find in the Midwest acreage market. It delivers nearly 6 acres of wooded privacy, a massive 3-bed/3-bath configuration, utility-ready workshop space, and a private pond for the price of a standard city condo down payment. Whether you are looking to execute a cozy cosmetic flip, build a country Airbnb, or establish your private homestead, this Salem, Illinois retreat is a rock-solid investment.
Listed on Zillow