Country Retreat with 18.75 Acres, Private Valley, Seasonal Waterfall and Natural Shelter Caves in Stearns, KY — $325,000
Property Overview
A private valley, rolling wooded hills, a seasonal waterfall and natural shelter caves give this country property in Stearns, Kentucky, a distinctive character. Set on 18.75 surveyed and staked acres in McCreary County, this 2018 single-family home combines comfortable everyday living with an expansive outdoor setting that invites gardening, exploring and enjoying the surrounding landscape.
The approximately 1,650-square-foot home features three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and an open floor plan. The main living space includes a wood stove for additional warmth during colder months, while a propane fireplace provides another source of comfort. Central air conditioning, main-level laundry and a practical single-level layout add to the home’s everyday functionality.
The land includes a private valley, wooded hills, a seasonal creek along the boundary, a seasonal waterfall, natural shelter caves and a hidden frog pond beneath a rock wall. These features give the acreage a character that extends well beyond a traditional residential homesite.
Interior Features
Open Living Space
The open floor plan brings the kitchen and living areas together in a practical arrangement. A wood stove provides a traditional heating feature, while a propane fireplace adds another focal point to the living space. Tile and laminate flooring provide functional finishes throughout the home.
Kitchen and Appliances
The main-level kitchen is equipped with an electric range, refrigerator and dishwasher. The included appliances also feature an electric water heater, washer and dryer. Main-level laundry makes everyday household routines convenient.
Three Main-Level Bedrooms
All three bedrooms are located on the main level, along with two full bathrooms. The single-level arrangement provides convenient access between the principal living spaces and bedrooms.
Walk-Out Basement and Additional Potential
The large walk-out basement provides additional space beyond the main living area. The property description identifies the basement as partially finished and notes that plumbing is already in place for a potential third full bathroom. Completing that bathroom would require framing and finishing work. The extent of the existing basement finish should be confirmed during a property inspection.
A separate propane wall heater provides an additional heating option for the basement.
Land and Outdoor Features
A Private Valley and Wooded Acreage
The driveway opens into a private valley surrounded by rolling hills and wooded land. The level homesite provides usable outdoor space for gardening, growing food, keeping chickens or developing a small homestead setting.
The land offers a mixture of natural scenery and practical possibilities. Some remaining fence posts and an area previously arranged for poultry and bees provide a starting point for buyers interested in outdoor projects and country living.
Seasonal Creek and Waterfall
One of the property’s distinctive natural features is a seasonal creek running along the boundary. Following the creek reveals a seasonal waterfall, adding an appealing natural element to the wooded surroundings.
Natural Shelter Caves and Hidden Frog Pond
The acreage also contains natural shelter caves and a tucked-away frog pond beneath a rock wall in the woods. These unusual features give the property opportunities for exploring its natural surroundings and enjoying the landscape throughout the changing seasons.
Covered Porches and Outdoor Enjoyment
Covered porches at both the front and back of the home provide outdoor spaces to enjoy the surrounding valley. Whether relaxing in the morning or watching the evening light across the property, these sheltered areas make it easy to spend time outside.
The listing also identifies an above-ground pool among the property’s features.
Parking and Additional Structures
Oversized Three-Sided Carport
An oversized 25-by-35-foot carport, enclosed on three sides, provides substantial covered space for vehicles, equipment, storage or workshop activities. The listing identifies two covered parking spaces.
Additional Improvements
An outbuilding and the property’s natural cave features are identified among the additional structures and property features. A tractor may also be available for separate purchase, subject to arrangements with the seller.
Utilities and Property Infrastructure
The property information identifies public water and septic service, along with electricity and propane. Heating information includes electric, propane and other heating sources, with central air conditioning for cooling.
Buyers should independently confirm the condition, capacity and availability of all utilities and mechanical systems during their due diligence.
Living in Stearns, Kentucky
Stearns is a small community in McCreary County in southeastern Kentucky. The surrounding region is known for its wooded landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities and access to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The location provides a rural setting for buyers who appreciate outdoor activities and a quieter community environment.
Area Overview
Stearns is situated in McCreary County, an area characterized by forested terrain, valleys, waterways and communities connected by regional highways.
McCreary County had an estimated population of approximately 17,124 in July 2025, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The county offers a predominantly rural setting, with Stearns serving as one of its established communities.
The area’s natural landscape is an important part of its identity, with access to outdoor recreation, historic attractions and the Big South Fork region.
Schools and Education
The property is located within the broader McCreary County community, which is served by McCreary County Schools.
Schools in the district include:
- McCreary Central High School.
- McCreary County Middle School.
- Whitley City Elementary School.
- Pine Knot Intermediate School.
- Pine Knot Primary School.
School attendance boundaries and individual student assignments should be confirmed directly with the school district using the property’s exact address.
Healthcare and Hospitals
Healthcare resources serving the wider McCreary County region include local medical services and facilities in neighboring communities.
Lake Cumberland Imaging and Specialty Care
This healthcare facility is listed at 1866 US Highway 27 in Whitley City, Kentucky.
Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital
Located at 305 Langdon Street in Somerset, Kentucky, this hospital provides emergency services around the clock.
Buyers should confirm current services, appointment availability and emergency care arrangements directly with healthcare providers.
Housing Market History
Historical county-level housing information provides broader context for understanding the McCreary County residential market. One available long-term measure is the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s all-transactions House Price Index.
The county index recorded the following annual changes:
- 2020: Increase of 3.6%.
- 2021: Increase of 2.6%.
- 2022: Increase of 13.4%.
- 2023: Increase of 8.5%.
- 2024: Increase of 2.6%.
The index measures changes in residential property values using repeat transactions and appraisal information. It is not a median sale price and should not be interpreted as the value change of any particular property.
These figures describe historical county-level market movements only. They do not guarantee future appreciation or establish the market value of an individual home.
Transportation and Regional Access
U.S. Highway 27 is an important regional transportation corridor serving the Stearns area. Kentucky Highway 92 provides additional access through the community and connects with routes serving the Big South Fork region.
These highways provide connections to neighboring southeastern Kentucky communities and destinations in northern Tennessee.
Regional access to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is supported by the highway network, including routes leading toward its Kentucky visitor facilities and recreation areas.
Personal transportation is an important consideration when evaluating rural properties. Buyers should assess their preferred routes and actual driving distances to work, shopping and other destinations.
Shopping and Everyday Services
Stearns and the surrounding McCreary County communities provide access to everyday services and local businesses.
Examples of identified local shopping options include:
- Kidd’s Grocery and Feed in Stearns.
- L & S Grocery and Restaurant in Stearns.
- Dollar General in Stearns.
- Save-A-Lot in nearby Whitley City.
Additional services in the county include banking, public library facilities, postal services and other community resources.
Business locations, operating hours and available services should be checked before visiting.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a major outdoor destination in the surrounding region. Its landscape includes forested terrain, river gorges, overlooks and extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Activities in the wider recreation area include:
- Hiking and nature exploration.
- Horseback riding.
- Camping.
- Fishing.
- Canoeing and river recreation.
- Scenic sightseeing and photography.
Blue Heron Mining Community
The historic Blue Heron Mining Community is an outdoor interpretive attraction within the Big South Fork region. Visitors can explore preserved mining-community structures and learn about the area’s coal-mining history.
Big South Fork Scenic Railway
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway operates from the Stearns Depot toward the historic Blue Heron community, offering a heritage railway experience through the surrounding landscape.
Park facilities, seasonal operations and recreational access can vary throughout the year.
Utilities and Internet Connectivity
McCreary County has established utility and telecommunications providers serving different parts of the community.
Identified area providers and services include:
- McCreary County Water District for water and sewer services in its service area.
- Cumberland Valley Electric and South Kentucky RECC among the area’s electric utility providers.
- Highland Telephone Cooperative for telecommunications services.
- Spectrum for cable and internet services in portions of the region.
Provider availability and connection options can vary significantly between rural properties. The property’s supplied information identifies public water, septic service, electricity and propane.
Buyers should independently verify internet availability, broadband speeds, cellular reception, utility connections and service-provider coverage at the exact property address.
Property Summary
| Property Address | 75 Morrow Ln, Stearns, KY 42647 |
|---|---|
| Property Type | Single-Family Residence |
| MLS Number | 248386 |
| Parcel Number | 0750000002.00 |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 2 full bathrooms |
| Interior Living Area | 1,650 square feet |
| Lot Size | 18.75 surveyed and staked acres (the listing’s property facts also state 18 acres) |
| Year Built | 2018 |
| Stories | One level |
| Basement | Walk-out access; basement finish status should be verified |
| Heating | Electric, propane and other heating sources |
| Cooling | Central air conditioning |
| Water | Public water |
| Sewer | Septic tank |
| Utilities | Electricity and propane |
| Fireplace | Propane fireplace; wood stove also described in the property features |
| Parking | Two covered spaces; oversized 25 x 35-foot carport |
| Exterior Features | Covered front and rear porches, deck and above-ground pool |
| Water Features | Pond, seasonal creek and seasonal waterfall |
| Additional Features | Wooded acreage, natural shelter caves, outbuilding and private valley |
| Subdivision | None identified |
| HOA | No HOA |
| Tax Assessed Value | $240,000 |
| Annual Property Taxes | $1,929 |
| County | McCreary County, Kentucky |
| Region | Stearns |
Property information is presented for general informational purposes. Buyers should independently verify measurements, acreage, construction details, basement condition, property boundaries, utilities, taxes, included appliances and all other material property information before completing a purchase.
Listing Agent Information
Tanya Petty
Listing Agent
View the Property on Zillow
Interested in the private valley, wooded acreage, seasonal waterfall and country home? Visit the original property listing to review additional information and available listing photographs.
View on Zillow — $325,000Property and photography credits: Original property photographs are credited to their respective photographers. Property information and descriptive details are credited to the property owners and original listing contributors. Listing attribution: UCMLS, MLS #248386.
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