18-Acre Ohio Retreat With Waterfall, Caves, Creek and Four Garages Near Ray

Welcome to Adorable Living Spaces and our Deal of the Day series, where we explore interesting real estate listings across the United States in search of peaceful country homes, private acreage, homesteads, hunting properties, recreational land, and hidden rural gems.

Today, we’re heading to the scenic countryside near Ray, Ohio, where a unique property combines a comfortable ranch-style home with approximately 18 acres of wooded land, a creek, caves, hiking terrain, a hidden waterfall, and an impressive collection of garages.

Located at 35961 Kelly Rd, Ray, OH 45672, this property offers a very different experience from a typical suburban home. Instead of a small yard surrounded by neighboring houses, buyers are presented with a large private tract where the natural landscape becomes an important part of everyday life.

At approximately $290,000, the property provides a combination of residential space and recreational acreage that could appeal to buyers looking for a primary residence, weekend retreat, hunting property, homestead, workshop location, or private escape into nature.

The property includes approximately 1,377 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms, along with multiple garages and extensive outdoor terrain.

But the house itself may only be part of the story.

The real attraction begins outside, where wooded hillsides, a creek, caves, hiking opportunities, and a reported 15- to 20-foot waterfall create an unusually scenic setting.

Property at a Glance

Property Details	Information
Price	$290,000
Address	35961 Kelly Rd, Ray, OH 45672
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2
Living Area	Approximately 1,377 sq. ft.
Acreage	Approximately 18 acres
Year Built	1978
Property Style	Ranch / Single-Family Residence
Garages	4 garages
Garage Area	Approximately 2,200 sq. ft.
Special Features	Creek, waterfall, caves, wooded acreage, hiking terrain

A Private 18-Acre Property in Rural Ohio

The first thing that separates this property from an ordinary home is the amount of land.

Approximately 18 acres gives the owner considerable room to enjoy privacy and outdoor recreation.

Large acreage can provide a completely different lifestyle from conventional residential properties. There is space to walk, explore, garden, maintain recreational equipment, observe wildlife, or simply enjoy the quiet surroundings.

The property reportedly extends on both sides of the road, adding another layer of privacy and separation from surrounding properties.

For buyers concerned about having neighbors immediately surrounding their home, this type of layout can be especially appealing.

The wooded terrain also creates natural visual buffers. Instead of looking directly at other houses, much of the surrounding landscape consists of trees, hillsides, and natural features.

This can create the feeling of having your own private piece of Ohio countryside.

A 1978 Ranch-Style Home

At the center of the property is a ranch-style residence originally built in 1978.

The home provides approximately 1,377 square feet of living space, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The single-story layout can be particularly convenient for buyers who prefer having the primary living areas on one level.

A ranch home can also work well for a variety of lifestyles, including families, retirees, couples, outdoor enthusiasts, or buyers searching for a manageable country residence.

Rather than requiring the owner to maintain an enormous house, the property combines a relatively practical residential footprint with a substantial amount of land.

That balance can be attractive for someone who values outdoor space more than excessive interior square footage.

A Welcoming Front Porch

The front porch provides a natural transition between the house and the surrounding landscape.

A porch can become one of the most enjoyable features of a rural home because it provides a place to sit outside while remaining close to the comforts of the house.

Morning coffee, evening conversations, watching the seasons change, or simply listening to the sounds of the countryside can all become part of everyday life.

With wooded scenery surrounding the property, the porch could provide an especially peaceful place to relax.

The combination of a relatively compact ranch home and a large natural setting creates a lifestyle that feels more connected to the outdoors.

Functional Interior Layout

Inside, the property offers a practical floor plan designed for everyday living.

The three-bedroom configuration provides flexibility for a family, guests, home office use, or hobby space.

An additional foyer adds useful transition space between the entrance and the primary living areas.

The home is not excessively large, which can be an advantage for buyers who would rather spend their time enjoying the land than maintaining a massive residence.

For a couple or small family, approximately 1,377 square feet can provide enough room for comfortable living while keeping the home relatively manageable.

The property could also function as a second home or weekend retreat where owners can escape from busier urban environments.

Four Garages and Approximately 2,200 Square Feet of Garage Space

Perhaps one of the most unusual features of this property is the amount of garage and storage space.

The property reportedly includes four garages totaling approximately 2,200 square feet.

For many buyers, this could be almost as important as the house itself.

Large garage space creates opportunities for storing vehicles, boats, ATVs, tractors, motorcycles, tools, outdoor equipment, and recreational gear.

It could also appeal to people who enjoy mechanical projects, woodworking, restoration, fabrication, collecting vehicles, or other hobbies that require substantial indoor space.

A rural property with 18 acres can generate a surprisingly large number of storage needs.

Lawn equipment, trailers, recreational vehicles, hunting equipment, gardening tools, and maintenance supplies all require space.

Having multiple garages can therefore make the property considerably more functional for an outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

Prospective buyers should independently verify the size, condition, configuration, electrical service, and permitted uses of each garage.

Workshop and Hobby Potential

The garage space may also make the property particularly interesting to hobbyists.

A large detached or multi-bay garage can be transformed into a workshop, studio, equipment storage area, or recreational space depending on the existing configuration and local regulations.

Someone interested in classic cars could potentially use the space for vehicle storage and restoration.

A woodworking enthusiast could establish a dedicated workshop.

An outdoor enthusiast could organize equipment for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, or ATV riding.

The important point is that the property provides considerably more enclosed storage than many rural homes at a similar price point.

That additional space could make the property attractive to buyers whose lifestyles require more than a conventional two-car garage.

A Hidden 15- to 20-Foot Waterfall

The property’s most remarkable natural feature may be its reported waterfall.

According to the supplied property description, the wooded acreage contains a 15- to 20-foot waterfall.

Having a waterfall on private property is an unusual feature and can dramatically change the experience of owning rural land.

Rather than simply having acreage, the owner has access to a natural landscape feature that can become a destination within the property itself.

Imagine walking through the woods and reaching a waterfall tucked into the hillside.

The sound of moving water, surrounding vegetation, exposed rock, and changing seasonal scenery can create an especially peaceful environment.

The waterfall could also provide an interesting destination for family walks, photography, nature observation, or simply enjoying the property.

Its accessibility, seasonal water flow, condition, and exact location should be verified during an in-person visit.

Caves Hidden Within the Property

The property reportedly contains small caves in addition to the waterfall.

Natural rock formations and caves can add another dimension to a wooded property.

For outdoor enthusiasts, discovering different geological features throughout the acreage can make the land feel like a private recreational preserve.

The caves could also provide interesting opportunities for exploration and photography, although appropriate safety precautions are essential.

Caves and rocky terrain can present hazards, particularly after rainfall or during changing weather conditions.

Buyers should inspect such areas carefully and determine whether they are safe and accessible before allowing children or guests to explore them.

Creek Running Along the Property

Water is a recurring theme throughout this property.

In addition to the waterfall and caves, the property reportedly includes a creek running parallel to the road.

Creek frontage can contribute significantly to the character of rural land.

Water attracts wildlife, creates natural scenery, and provides another place to explore.

The sound of a flowing creek can also add to the peaceful atmosphere of a country property.

For nature lovers, having both a creek and waterfall on the same acreage creates an especially interesting landscape.

The exact boundaries, floodplain status, seasonal water levels, and any restrictions associated with the creek should be verified during due diligence.

Wooded Hillsides and Scenic Terrain

The property’s wooded hillsides provide a setting that is very different from flat suburban development.

Hilly terrain can create natural viewpoints, secluded areas, walking trails, and changing scenery across the acreage.

The elevation changes may also contribute to the waterfall and creek features.

For someone who enjoys hiking, exploring, photography, or simply walking through the woods, the terrain provides an opportunity to experience nature without leaving the property.

The wooded portions may also provide habitat for a variety of wildlife.

Anyone purchasing the property specifically for hunting or wildlife management should conduct appropriate due diligence regarding game populations, property boundaries, neighboring land, and applicable Ohio hunting regulations.

Potential Hunting Property

The combination of acreage, wooded terrain, water, and relatively private surroundings could make this property interesting to hunting enthusiasts.

Large wooded tracts can provide habitat for wildlife, while creeks and water sources can contribute to the ecological diversity of an area.

The property may therefore appeal to someone looking for a home that can double as a private recreational base.

However, buyers should not assume that hunting is automatically permitted simply because a property contains wooded acreage.

Local regulations, property boundaries, safety considerations, and applicable state laws should be reviewed before using the land for hunting.

Hiking and Outdoor Recreation

For many buyers, the biggest attraction may simply be having enough land to explore.

Eighteen acres provides room for walking trails and informal hiking routes.

The combination of hills, woods, creek, caves, and waterfall means that the landscape is not simply one large open field.

Different areas of the property can offer different experiences.

One trail might lead through the woods, another toward the creek, and another toward the waterfall.

For families, this can turn the property into an everyday outdoor playground.

For individuals seeking solitude, the acreage provides plenty of space to disconnect from the noise and pace of everyday life.

Approximately 20 Miles From Hocking Hills

Another interesting aspect of the property is its reported proximity to Hocking Hills, approximately 20 miles away.

Hocking Hills is well known for its dramatic landscapes, forests, cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation.

Being within driving distance of such a destination adds another recreational dimension to the property.

Owners can enjoy the privacy of their own acreage while still having access to a larger regional outdoor recreation area.

This could make the property particularly attractive to buyers who enjoy hiking, camping, sightseeing, photography, and exploring Ohio’s natural landscapes.

The exact travel time should be verified based on the property’s location and current road conditions.

Water Supply and Utilities

The property reportedly includes a reliable private well with an abundant water supply.

County water is also reportedly available at the home but has not yet been connected.

This creates an interesting situation for prospective buyers.

Having access to both a private well system and nearby county water infrastructure may provide additional flexibility, but the exact status and costs should be confirmed before purchase.

Buyers should obtain information about the well’s condition, production capacity, water quality, pump system, and maintenance history.

If county water connection is desired, the buyer should also determine the connection requirements, fees, availability, and whether any infrastructure upgrades would be necessary.

High-Speed Internet in a Rural Setting

Modern connectivity is increasingly important for rural homebuyers.

According to the supplied description, the property has access to Spectrum high-speed internet.

This can be an important consideration for people who want country living without completely disconnecting from modern technology.

Remote workers, online business owners, students, content creators, and families increasingly require reliable internet service.

A property can be secluded while still providing connectivity for work, entertainment, communication, and everyday online activities.

Prospective buyers should confirm current provider availability, actual speeds, installation status, and service limitations at the property.

A Potential Homestead Property

The combination of acreage, water, garage space, and a manageable residence could make this property appealing to buyers considering a homestead lifestyle.

Homesteading can mean different things to different people.

Some homeowners may want a large garden.

Others may be interested in keeping animals, raising chickens, growing fruit, collecting firewood, or simply becoming more self-sufficient.

The property’s acreage provides room to explore these possibilities.

The large garage area could also be useful for storing gardening equipment, tools, tractors, ATVs, and other supplies.

Before establishing livestock, agricultural operations, or additional structures, buyers should verify zoning and applicable local requirements.

Potential as a Weekend Retreat

Not everyone who purchases rural acreage wants to live there full-time.

The property could also appeal to buyers looking for a weekend or seasonal retreat.

A country retreat can provide a place to escape busy city life without requiring a long-distance journey every time.

The home’s three bedrooms provide space for family and guests, while the acreage creates opportunities for hiking, outdoor cooking, recreation, and exploration.

The waterfall and creek could become natural destinations for relaxing during weekends.

The large garage space also provides room to store recreational equipment at the property rather than transporting everything back and forth.

Potential Retirement or Full-Time Residence

The single-story ranch design may also appeal to buyers searching for a full-time residence or future retirement property.

One-level living can be convenient for homeowners who prefer minimizing stairs.

The relatively manageable interior size also means there is less living space to maintain compared with a very large country estate.

At the same time, the property provides a huge amount of outdoor space for recreation and privacy.

For someone looking toward a quieter lifestyle, the combination of a practical house and substantial acreage could provide a compelling setting.

A Property for Outdoor Enthusiasts

This property seems particularly well suited to people who enjoy spending time outdoors.

The natural features create opportunities for activities that simply are not possible on an ordinary residential lot.

Depending on the owner’s interests and local regulations, the land could support:

• Hiking
• Wildlife observation
• Photography
• Gardening
• Camping
• Hunting
• Fishing
• ATV recreation
• Outdoor entertaining
• Nature exploration
• Seasonal activities

The combination of wooded terrain and water means the property can look and feel different throughout the year.

Spring vegetation, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter landscapes can each create a different experience.

Privacy Without Being Completely Isolated

One of the challenges with rural properties is finding the right balance between privacy and accessibility.

Extremely remote properties can provide solitude but may require long drives to reach everyday services.

This property offers a somewhat different proposition.

It provides approximately 18 acres and substantial wooded terrain while remaining within the broader Ray and southeastern Ohio region.

The reported proximity to Hocking Hills also means that recreational destinations are within driving distance.

Buyers should verify exact distances to grocery stores, medical services, schools, restaurants, fuel stations, and other frequently used amenities.

Four Garages Can Add Significant Practical Value

The garage configuration deserves additional attention because it can influence how the property is used.

A four-garage setup can be valuable for buyers who have more than one vehicle or who need dedicated storage.

For example, a homeowner might use one garage for everyday vehicles, another for an ATV or boat, another as a workshop, and another for seasonal storage.

The possibilities depend on the actual layout and condition of the buildings.

In a rural environment, storage space often becomes essential rather than optional.

Having room for equipment can make it easier to maintain the acreage and enjoy recreational activities.

A Different Kind of Real Estate Opportunity

At approximately $290,000, the property is not simply being purchased for its square footage.

The value proposition is strongly connected to the land and natural features.

A buyer is potentially acquiring a home, approximately 18 acres, multiple garages, wooded terrain, a creek, caves, a waterfall, and recreational possibilities in one property.

That combination is what makes the listing particularly interesting.

Traditional homebuyers may focus primarily on bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and interior finishes.

Rural acreage buyers often evaluate an entirely different collection of characteristics: privacy, terrain, water, access, outbuildings, storage, wildlife, recreational opportunities, and future potential.

This property offers a mixture of both.

Important Due Diligence Before Buying

Large rural properties require careful investigation before making an offer.

Prospective buyers should verify the exact acreage and boundaries through a survey or other reliable property records.

Because the property reportedly extends on both sides of the road, understanding the precise boundaries and access rights is especially important.

Buyers should also investigate:

• Property boundaries
• Easements
• Road access
• Well condition
• Water quality
• County water availability
• Septic system
• Internet availability
• Garage condition
• Electrical service
• Roof and structural condition
• Creek boundaries
• Floodplain information
• Waterfall location
• Cave safety
• Hunting regulations
• Zoning requirements
• Building restrictions
• Tax information
• Mineral and timber rights where applicable

Natural features are attractive, but they should also be professionally evaluated where appropriate.

A waterfall, creek, hillside, or cave can create maintenance or safety considerations that may not be obvious from listing photographs.

What Makes This Ohio Property Stand Out?

The biggest distinction is the combination of features.

It is not simply an 18-acre wooded property.

It is not simply a three-bedroom ranch.

It is not simply a hunting property.

And it is not simply a recreational retreat.

Instead, the property combines all of these characteristics.

The house provides a practical place to live.

The acreage provides privacy.

The wooded terrain creates recreational possibilities.

The creek adds natural beauty.

The caves provide geological interest.

The waterfall creates a remarkable focal point.

The garages provide substantial storage.

The reported internet access provides modern connectivity.

Together, these features create a property with considerable lifestyle flexibility.

Final Thoughts

The property at 35961 Kelly Rd in Ray, Ohio, offers a distinctive opportunity for anyone looking beyond the typical residential listing.

For approximately $290,000, buyers are presented with a three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch-style home containing approximately 1,377 square feet, together with approximately 18 acres of land.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

The property reportedly includes four garages totaling approximately 2,200 square feet, providing an extraordinary amount of storage and workspace.

Outside, the landscape becomes the main attraction.

Wooded hillsides, a creek, small caves, hiking terrain, and a reported 15- to 20-foot waterfall create an environment that can feel more like a private recreational property than an ordinary residence.

The reported well system, availability of county water, and Spectrum internet access also provide important modern conveniences for a rural property.

Its location approximately 20 miles from Hocking Hills adds another layer of recreational appeal, giving owners access to one of Ohio’s best-known outdoor destinations while still providing their own private acreage.

For someone searching for a country home with acreage, this property offers plenty to explore.

For a hunter, the wooded terrain may be appealing, subject to applicable regulations.

For a homesteader, the acreage and infrastructure create possibilities.

For an outdoor enthusiast, the creek, waterfall, caves, and hills provide natural attractions.

For someone simply looking for peace and privacy, the property offers a chance to enjoy a quieter environment away from dense residential development.

Of course, prospective buyers should conduct thorough due diligence and independently verify all property details, utility arrangements, acreage, natural features, zoning, access, and building conditions before making a purchasing decision.

Still, the combination of 18 acres, a ranch home, four garages, creek frontage, caves, wooded hillsides, and a private waterfall makes this Ray, Ohio property an unusually interesting rural real estate opportunity.

For buyers who dream of waking up surrounded by trees, spending afternoons exploring their own property, working on projects in a large garage, or simply enjoying the sound of moving water, this Ohio retreat offers a lifestyle that is difficult to reproduce with a conventional suburban home.

Sometimes the most memorable properties are not the ones with the biggest houses.

They are the ones where the land itself becomes part of the experience.

And with its wooded acreage, hidden waterfall, caves, creek, recreational terrain, and substantial garage space, this Ray property certainly offers a setting where the outdoors can become an important part of everyday life.

If you need more info, contact the listing agent from the Zillow link below the photos.