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868 Acres Offered in 40 Tracts - Historic Land Auction
Tue, Aug 17, 3:00 PM
Niles, Michigan - Berrien County

Owner: Morris Farms

• Beautiful Building Site along the St. Joseph River
• 15,000 Square Ft. Executive Home
• Prime Irrigated Cropland
• Wooded Recreational Tracts
• Abundant Wildlife - Excellent Hunting
• Potential Commercial & Residential Development
• Frontage along U.S. 31
• Minutes from South Bend and Notre Dame

OPEN HOUSE/INSPECTION DATES
THURSDAY, JULY 8, 4:00PM - 8:00PM
SATURDAY, JULY 24, 9:00AM - 12:00 NOON
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 4:00PM - 8:00PM

Meet an Auction Representative at the Inspection Headquarters on Morris Drive for More Information and to Tour the Property. Guided ATV and Boat Tours are Available by Appointment. Call 800-451-2709.

PROPERTY LOCATION
Minutes from South Bend - Near Niles, MI 16 Miles to Notre Dame 14 Miles to St. Mary's College 12 Miles to South Bend Airport 98 MIles to Chicago 152 Miles to Indianapolis 207 Miles to Detroit

AUCTION LOCATION
The Century Center - Downtown South Bend, IN
120 South Saint Joseph Street
South Bend, Indiana 46601
Tel: 574-235-9711

Directions from I-80/I-90 (Indiana Toll Road) 3.6mi
Take US-31-BR / IN-933 exit- EXIT 77- toward SOUTH BEND / NOTRE DAME. 1.1mi
Turn RIGHT onto IN-933 / US-31 BR. 1.9mi
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto US-31 BR S / IN-933 S / MAIN ST. .5mi
Turn LEFT onto W JEFFERSON BLVD. .1mi
Turn LEFT onto S ST JOSEPH ST / US-31 BR N / IN-933 S. .1mi
to Century Center of Left.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Hundreds of potential uses for this flexible 868 acre property.
485+/- acres of tillable farmland with 280+/- acres irrigated.
Ability to purchase parcels anywhere from 2 acres to 866 acres.
Located conveniently in the Four Flags Town of Niles.
6 miles of cedar fence and manicured roadway.
Timeless structures ranging from a colonial horse stable, to a turn of the century roadhouse with copper bathtub, to a secluded covered bridge.
Almost 100 years of history as The Morris Farms.
The Morris family history is woven throughout the region, with close ties to South Bend and the University of Notre Dame.
Close Proximity to Many Golf Courses
Located in the Heart of Harbor Country
Just off the Southwest Michigan Winery Trail
One mile from the Snowmobile Trail Network
30 Minutes from Lake Michigan Dunes & Beaches

14 St. Joseph Pristine River frontage tracts with panoramic views of the river basin. Tracts range in size 1.8 acres to 118 acres with 230 to 2,135 feet of frontage. Large mature mixed hardwood trees grace the high bluffs of these river tracts creating breathtaking views.
Click Here To Download Picture Book

10 wooded potential building sites ranges from 4.8 acres to 261 acres with road frontage on 4 different roads including Morris, Phillip, Platt and Harrah Roads. Some tracts feature mature majestic spruce/pine trees while others are partially or totally wooded with mixed hardwood trees.
Click Here To Download Picture Book


Tracts 8-10 - 3 irrigated tracts with 4 valley irrigation system including a 3 tower system on the 49 acre tract, 7 tower system on 177 acre tract with corner system and a 3 tower & 6 tower system on the 106 acre tract. Oshtemo sandy loam is the predominate soil type on these tracts to which is one of the premiere irrigated soils in Berrien County.
Click Here To Download Picture Book

Tract 3 - 15,000 sq. ft. Executive home with stone walls, cedar shingle roof, large patio and terrace area overlooking the St. Joseph River. A seawall creates a great recreational area on the St. Joseph River.
Click Here To Download The Information Sheet

Tract 3 - Red Horse (quaint guest home with copper bath tub) This 600 foot rustic structure is situated directly next to the Big House, and overlooks the manicured ponds. Visitors will be blown away by the quality of the interior finishes, a trait typical of the historical structures cared for by the Morris family. This building has all wood flooring with a bar, sunroom, and fireplace. There is a bedroom on the second story with a full bath containing copper lined bath tub. This structure makes for the perfect guest house for visitors wanting to be in nature.
Click Here To Download The Information Sheet

Tract 3 - Sugar Shack (maple syrup processing), large pond and covered bridge. This 18ft x 48ft, 850 square foot structure is situated on the banks of the St. Joseph River, and at the heart of the Morris family philosophy. This building is currently employed as a maple syrup production facility and has been for years. The syrup was and still is given out as gifts to friends and extended family members. All equipment is intact and ready for maple syrup production. It features a wood burning stove, half bath, and built in cabinetry. Much of the charm of the structure has been preserved by the care of the Morris Family generations.
Click Here To Download The Information Sheet

Tract 24 - Colonial style stable. This original New England Style horse stable was converted to serve as a summer retreat for the family for close to 100 years. It features 6 bedrooms with 4 full and 2 half bathrooms. Recently, much of the Stable had been converted into office space for Life Action Ministries, which includes 15 plus offices, a recording studio, and workout room. Restored stable area features turn of the century carpentry and beautiful woodworking. This property is at the heart of the Morris farms property, and gives the buyer and chance to own a piece of the family history.
Click Here To Download The Information Sheet

2 Story Country Home with 3 bedrooms in a wooded setting on Phillips Road. This two story home is located directly on Phillips Road, and is a 3 minute drive from the heart of Downtown Niles. This property is located on 1.5 acres and features a 2 car detached garage with over 700 feet of space. All this property needs is a little tender care, to make this a wonderful home or retreat.
Click Here To Download The Information Sheet

Tract 34 - Potential Commercial Site with frontage on by pass US Hwy 31 with access from Morris Road.

4 potential bareland building sites.

TRACT 36 - 4,500 Sq. Ft. Executive Home This home will be the last home you ever purchase. Tucked away on 3.3 acres, you can sit back on your deck or patio and enjoy the tranquil pond and stunning landscaping; or warm yourself next to one of three fireplaces as you watch the wildlife year round out of your window. Beautiful hardwood floors, custom woodwork and cabinetry adorn this home that is perfect for entertaining or having friends and family over. At almost 4,500 total square feet, this house has all the living and storage space you could ever need yet still feels amazingly cozy. It truly is the perfect house to call your home.
Click Here To Download Picture Book

Morris Farms History
As the story goes, E M Morris orphaned at 12 years old, rode his horse with all of his belongings in his saddle bag to Notre Dame. He met with Father Cavanaugh, the President of Notre Dame. Given his financial situation, he asked the Father if he could attend the college for free. He promised to pay the University back ten-fold if they allowed him to enroll. Father Cavanaugh believed in his spirit and allowed him to do so.

E M Morris did pay the University back ten-fold over the years. He founded The Associates Investment Company, originally to help needy people, and it later became the single largest financing company in the world. He also founded the First Bank & Trust in South Bend which today operates as 1st Source Bank.

In 1932 Morris Farms was founded. E M Morris began purchasing parcels of land with the main principal of reforestation. He planted over 120,000 trees of many varieties. Today, Morris Farms consists of approximately 960 acres. The many unique and historical buildings on the Farm were either purchased or built by E M Morris and his heirs- including the Centre Meeting House, School House, Morris Farms Volunteer Fire Station, Stables, Red Horse Inn, Covered Bridge, Sugar Shack, Pavilion, several Farm Homes, "Big House" on the St. Joe River, 2.5+ miles of River Frontage, and acres of woods, hiking and walking trails.

Over the years, the Morris Family has been dedicated to maintaining the true integrity of Morris Farms with its scenic river, old buildings, rolling hills, lovely trees, spectacular wildlife and more.
Come Be Our Neighbor.

You may bid on-line during this auction at live.schraderauction.com. You must register by August 10th to bid on-line.
For more information on registering for on-line bidding, call Schrader Auction Company at 800-451-2709.

CONTACT AUCTION COMPANY FOR A DETAILED INFORMATION PACKET/DVD INCLUDING FSA INFORMATION, TAX SUMMARIES, SOIL SUMMARIES AND PRELIMINARY TITLE POLICIES.



TRACT DESCRIPTIONS
Tract 1: 1.3± ac
Tract 2: 1.4± ac
Tract 3: 14.8± ac
Tract 4: 12.6± ac
Tract 5: 3± ac
Tract 6: 4± ac
Tract 7: 6.1± ac
Tract 8: 49.0± ac
Tract 9: 174.8± ac
Tract 10: 105.3± ac
Tract 11: 1.8± ac
Tract 12: 2± ac
Tract 13: 16.6± ac
Tract 14: 11.8± ac
Tract 15: 14.4± ac
Tract 16: 11.0± ac
Tract 17: 5.0± ac
Tract 18: 5.0± ac
Tract 19: 5.2± ac
Tract 20: 5.2± ac
Tract 21: 25.3± ac
Tract 22: 6.5± ac
Tract 23: 6.4± ac
Tract 24: 8.1± ac
Tract 25: 12.9± ac
Tract 26: 2.4± ac
Tract 27: 4.3± ac
Tract 28: 5.8± ac
Tract 29: 5.3± ac
Tract 30: 5.7± ac
Tract 31: 9± ac
Tract 32: 21± ac
Tract 33: 117.4± ac
Tract 34: 103.2± ac
Tract 35: 42.4± ac
Tract 36: 3.3± ac
Tract 37: 1.8± ac
Tract 38: 7.2± ac
Tract 39: 22.4± ac
Tract 40: 6.2± ac

PROCEDURE: This property will be offered in 40 individual tracts, any combination of tracts and as a total 868 acre unit. There will be open bidding on all tracts and combinations during the auction as determined by the auctioneer. Bids on tracts, tract combinations, and the total property may compete.

DOWN PAYMENT: 10% down payment on the day of auction with the balance at closing. The down payment may be made in the form of cash, personal check with bank letter, cashiers check, or certified check. YOUR BIDDING IS NOT CONDITIONAL UPON FINANCING, so be sure you have arranged financing, if needed, and are capable of paying cash at closing.

BUYER'S PREMIUM: A 3% Buyer's Premium will be added to the final bid price and included in the total purchase contract.

REAL ESTATE CLOSING: The balance of the purchase price is due at closing, which shall take place within 15 days from delivery of marketable title. Costs for an insured closing shall be shared 50:50 between Buyer(s) and Seller.

ACCEPTANCE OF BID PRICES: All successful bidders will be required to enter into purchase agreements at the auction site immediately following the close of the auction. All final bid prices are subject to the Sellers' acceptance or rejection.

EVIDENCE OF TITLE: Seller shall provide an owner's title insurance policy in the amount of the purchase price for real estate sales.

DEED: Seller shall provide Warranty Deed(s).

POSSESSION: Possession will be at closing. Tillable land possession shall be after harvest of the 2010 crops.

REAL ESTATE TAXES: Real estate taxes will be prorated to the day of closing.

SURVEY: The Seller shall provide a new survey if real estate sells in separate tracts. Seller and successful bidder(s) shall each pay half (50:50) of the cost of the survey.

PROPERTY INSPECTION: Each potential Bidder is responsible for conducting at their own risk, their own independent inspections, investigations, inquires, and due diligence concerning the property before the auction. Inspection dates have been scheduled and will be staffed with auction personnel. Please feel free to call auction company to inspect at any other time.

AGENCY: Schrader Real Estate & Auction Company, Inc., and Grubb & Ellis, Cressy & Everett Commercial and its representatives are exclusive agents of the Seller.

BROKER PARTICIPATION: Broker participation available. Call auction company for details.

DISCLAIMER AND ABSENCE OF WARRANTIES: All information contained in this brochure and all related materials are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Purchase Agreement. ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE BY THE AUCTIONEER AT THE AUCTION PODIUM DURING THE TIME OF THE SALE WILL TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER ANY PREVIOUSLY PRINTED MATERIAL OR ANY OTHER ORAL STATEMENTS MADE. The property is sold on an "AS IS, WHERE IS" basis, and no warranty or representation, either expressed or implied concerning the property is made by the Seller or the auction company. The information contained in this brochure is believed to be accurate but subject to verification by all parties relying on it. Neither the Seller nor the Auction Companies assume any liability for its accuracy, errors or omissions. All sketches and dimensions in this brochure are approximate. Conduct of the auction and increments of bidding are at the direction and discretion of the auctioneer. The Seller and the Auction Companies reserve the right to preclude any person from bidding if there is any question as to the person's credentials, fitness, etc. All decisions of the auctioneer are final.

NEW DATA, CORRECTIONS, AND CHANGES: Please arrive prior to scheduled auction time to inspect any changes, corrections, or additions to the property information.