12540 S Benzonia Trail

A one-of-a-kind, estate-sized Leelanau County parcel. This private, elevated 120 acres includes a spectacular panoramic view of the Empire Valley and is only a 5-minute drive to the Village of Empire amenities, a sandy public beach on Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and National Lakeshore recreation. The property is improved, with two active wells, electric service, a cement-block barn and a fence encompassing 100 acres. Rising hundreds of feet above the valley, a 2,500-foot-long, west-facing ridge currently offers stunning sunsets and distant views of Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes from two locations. Select tree thinning of the 20-acre woodland on the slope could provide potential views from the entire ridge. Flat land in the middle of the property presently contains 60 acres of active cherry trees. Their removal would provide a new owner with a number of use options. Rolling hills with 100-plus-year-old white pines and other trees are found on the property’s east side, bordered by a paved county road. Tall, mature spruce trees line a portion of the property near the road, and red pines are found along most of the property lines, offering privacy. Last year 400 new evergreens were planted, and some of the parcel adjoins National Lakeshore property. The acreage has access to cable internet along the road. It is a short drive to golfing, to the Glen lakes for swimming, boating and fishing, and to Glen Arbor for eclectic shopping and dining, tennis, and kayaking on the Crystal River. Located in the Glen Lake School District, the property offers an easy commute to Traverse City via M-72 for big city fun such as movies, concerts, upscale dining, festivals and more.