To Be or Not To Be…? Our Journey of Looking for Land

Every journey faces its hardships…
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Last week, we experienced a significant setback… We were just a few signatures away from purchasing a beautiful 8-acre piece of property in Stevens County, Washington, located off Springdale Hunters Road (—the very area where we have been focusing to purchase).  This parcel even featured a year-round creek (with ferns), bordering over 600 acres of Washington State land, and we were prepared to pay in full… Everything seemed like a perfect match!
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However, instead of the anticipated blessing, it seems that the Universe had a different message to deliver…
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We visited the property (and surrounding area) on Monday, and by Thursday, we had submitted an offer.  Unfortunately, just hours earlier, another couple had already placed the first offer!  This timing could not have been more disappointing.
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As a result, we were designated as the “backup” offer, which would only come into play if the initial buyers were unable to proceed (—typically due to financing issues or other unforeseen circumstances).  Quietly, I hoped that our position might still stand a chance… I had already grown attached to the beauty of the land and its unique features.  Needless to say, I spent most of Friday holding my breath in anticipation.
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On Saturday afternoon, I received an unexpected (and very informative) phone call… The initial buyers had withdrawn their offer!!  It seemed like a dream come true!
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Unfortunately, the circumstance around their decision was quite troubling… It seems that the neighboring property owners had not been welcoming to individuals who visited the land.  According to reports, one neighbor confronted potential buyers while openly carrying a firearm and warning against trespassing.  During their visit, the first buyers alleged that this individual discharged the weapon in their direction!  Understandably, they chose to rescind their offer to purchase the property, due to concerns about a hostile environment… It was an unexpected turn of events!
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My partner and I were next in line and, surprisingly, were given the opportunity to move forward with the purchase.  As it turned out, the neighbors were unaware that this property was for sale… We decided to tour it with our real estate agent, on Sunday, assuming it could have been a simple misunderstanding…
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During our visit, however, two separate neighbors approached (from opposite directions) to confront us… One aggressively complained about our parked vehicles (honking and screaming into the air, from yards away, while throwing choice words at my boyfriend), and the other neighbor loudly questioned our presence there.  Our agent clarified that the land was listed for sale, and legally accessible via deeded roads, but the neighbor was clearly displeased… It seems he considered the property as the “back yard” of their community.
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We were politely introduced as the potential buyers, and I explained our vision for a retreat center venue focused on spiritual wellness and yoga (featuring only 15 to 17 small bunkhouses).  His reaction was openly hostile… “No offense,” he stated, “but I really hope you don’t buy this property,” and further warned us that the community would strongly oppose our presence… He even mentioned that a previous B&B had been burned down in winter months, suggesting the community remained silent about who was responsible… Ultimately, he made it clear that we would not be welcome (and implied that our property could be vandalized if developed).
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That conversation broke me, as it became clear that our dream was incompatible with this environment… Why do people feel it necessary to interject and oppose the dreams of others?
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…Our property search requirements are, now, a bit more stringent.  We aim for property with no immediate neighbors or access via deeded easements.  And sadly, at this point, we are reconsidering whether to continue searching in the Springdale area—or, even, in Stevens County (WA) altogether.  I am left feeling uncertain and, simply, disheartened.  Nonetheless, every setback comes with an opportunity to move forward with clarity… There is a lesson to unveil.
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All in all, everything happens for a reason! …Thank you for being a part of our family-business journey and be sure to stay connected as we continue searching for the perfect property.  If you’d like to support our vision, contributions can be made through our website.  We appreciate you!!
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Projecting LOVE,
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Stephanie Himmelman, 𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟
Earthy Aspirations / Terra Mater Village
Info@TerraMaterVillage.com
(Spokane) Washington, PNW
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𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦:
· · · www.TerraMaterVillage.com
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𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬-𝐭𝐨-𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 – $𝟐𝟕,𝟓𝟖𝟔.𝟗𝟏
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Current Vendor Name:
· · · “Earthy Aspirations – Hand and Earth-Made Products”
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Future Business Name / Endeavor:
· · · “Terra Mater Village – An Earthy Retreat Center for Spiritual Wellness & Yoga”
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Meet the Founding Family:
· · · www.TerraMaterVillage.com/Meet-the-Founding-Family
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Provide a Donation to Our Cause!
· · · www.TerraMaterVillage.com/Make-a-Donation
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Check Out our GoFundMe Campaign:
· · · www.GoFundMe.com/Help-a-Family-of-Five-to-Afford-a-Business-Dream
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View Donation Incentives to Earn:
· · · www.TerraMaterVillage.com/View-Donation-Incentives
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Sign up for our Quarterly Newsletter:
· · · www.TerraMaterVillage.com/Sign-Up-for-our-Newsletter
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View our Etsy Shops:
· · · www.EarthyAspirations.Etsy.com
· · · www.EarthyAspirationsCo.Etsy.com
· · · www.FunnyBoneAspirations.Etsy.com
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Facebook Business Page:
· · · “Earthy Aspirations – for our Terra Mater Village Retreat Center endeavor”
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Instagram Page:
· · · @Earthy_TMV
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