Dennis Gainer has a mission and a passion to put people on the land. And his company, The Gainer Group, based in Crown Point, embraces this return-to-the-land philosophy with five properties that will allow the buyers to own land that they can build on if they choose.

At the same time, they have purchased a solid real estate investment and a chance to enjoy a little nature in the process.

"This type of lifestyle isn't for everyone, and it is the road less traveled," Gainer says. "But for some people, it is important to own a bit of land they can build a home on."

The Gainer Group has helped facilitate this "back to the country" movement by buying up large 40- to 160- acre-land parcels and dividing them into "suitable parcelizations of affordably-priced home sites, all within an hour's drive of Crown Point," says Gainer.

This produces their offerings of two to 20 acre home site parcels, with the more typical size being five to 10 acres. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of land bought and the fact that each is also a viable home site, Gainer says. Lower taxes and lower general costs in these more rural counties further add to the appeal.

The Gainer Group currently has developments in Starke, LaPorte and Jasper counties.

Four of the Gainer Group properties have been divided with large country estate home sites:

Northlake Estates, located one mile north of Bass Lake in Starke County, has two 10-acre sites available. The asking price is $59,000 for each parcel.

Eagle Park Estates is also in Starke County near North Judson, south of U.S. 30 on SR 39, one mile before SR 10. Six home sites are available here, ranging in size from three to 10 acres. Prices for a 10-acre parcel start at $59,000. The three-acre parcel comes with a barn and is $49,000.

Hamlet Oaks, located just north of the Kankakee River on SR 35 in LaPorte County, offers 12- and 15-acre home sites priced at $89,000 each.

Luhr Park Estates, also in LaPorte County, just south of the City of LaPorte, features eight parcels, ranging from 2.5 to 20 acres. Some of these sites are wooded and others border a creek, and all have underground utilities. This community is located next to a county park and close to schools. Prices start at $49,000.

The Gainer Group's fifth property provides a unique opportunity for a community developer or a single homeowner who wants a private estate. This "crown jewel" property in Jasper County between Demotte and Rensselaer features 67 acres with a private 17-acre lake.

It is possible that up to four home sites could be placed on the land with a minor subdivision. Or, it could be a single landscaper's dream for the building of waterfalls, ponds, streams, wetlands and gardens.

Formerly it was the site of Jasper County Sand and Gravel, the mining operation which formed the lake. Extensive grading was then done, and fabric and cobblestone were laid around the entire perimeter of the lake. In addition, more than 6,000 trees have been planted on the property, including red pines, sycamore, river birch, oaks and ash species. The trees are now in their rapid growth period.

Geese and duck regularly visit the lake, and sandhill cranes occasionally stop by as they congregate in nearby Jasper/Pulaski game preserve in March and October each year. Turkey, deer and doves also make their homes on the acreage. For the angler, the lake's crystal clear water offers an abundance of big bass and bluegills.

"A soil scientist sampled the property and found a number of good areas to support conventional septic systems. The good part is there won't be any monthly sewer bills," Gainer says. "Wells provide the water, which means no monthly water bill."

The asking price of this 67-acre site is $1 million, so Gainer says, "especially in this case-it's not for everyone. But, this property truly represents a very special, one-of-a-kind situation."

However, for the few people who value owning land, but are of more modest means, there are many other potential land purchases you can make with The Gainer Group. Just go to the company's Web site at www.MidwestHomesites.com to find out more about the beautiful properties that are available.

"Build on the parcels now, or in the future-beat inflation," Gainer says. "The current movement to get back to nature and grow your own food, as well as the attraction of lower real estate taxes, are primary motivators for those who choose 'This Road Less Traveled'.

"Also, they are just beautiful places to own."

FOR MORE INFO

Browse through the country properties offered by The Gainer Group by logging on to the company's Web site, www.MidwestHomesites.com.Or call (219) 865-8025 or (219) 712-6581 for more information.