Located at 14937 SW Thunder Rd in Augusta, Kansas, this unique real estate opportunity is best suited for buyers with renovation experience or investors seeking a major project. Listed at just $50,000, this property includes a spacious 1,743-square-foot home set on 4.2 acres of land, making it a standout in terms of size and price. Built in 1960, the home features four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a detached three-car garage. However, this listing comes with serious caveats, most notably an environmental issue affecting its water supply.
Let’s start with the basics. The home boasts a traditional ranch-style layout with laminate and carpeted floors, an open-concept kitchen and dining area, and a separate living room. Appliances such as a dishwasher, range, and refrigerator are included. The interior also features ceiling fans for comfort, and the property is equipped with forced-air heating powered by natural gas, along with central air conditioning for year-round climate control.
Outdoors, you’ll find a wooden deck and a concrete patio that enhance the home’s usability, along with a fenced yard that makes the space pet- and horse-friendly. Additional outbuildings offer potential for storage, workshops, or hobby use. The irregular-shaped lot provides flexibility for landscaping or further development, and the expansive acreage is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy wide-open spaces.
However, any prospective buyer must be fully aware of the property’s most significant drawback—the water source is severely contaminated with crude oil. The home is currently connected to a private well with a lagoon system, but that well is no longer usable due to the contamination. Not only is the water unsafe for consumption, but it may also pose a health hazard. As a result, essential systems such as plumbing, the HVAC system, and the water heater are all in need of complete replacement after the contamination issue is resolved.
This property is being sold strictly in “as-is” condition. The seller has stated clearly that they will not perform any repairs or offer solutions for the water contamination. Given the extent of the damage and the safety concerns involved, traditional mortgage financing will likely not be an option. Buyers should be prepared to pursue alternative financing methods such as cash or a renovation loan that allows for environmental remediation and infrastructure replacement.
The home is currently not livable in its present state. While the structure appears solid and the floor plan functional, major investment will be required before the property can be safely occupied. This is a project best suited for those with construction experience, access to specialized contractors, or a strong vision for transformation. For buyers with the right resources, this could be an opportunity to create a custom rural retreat from the ground up.
Despite its current challenges, the home is located within the Augusta School District, serving families with elementary, middle, and high school students. Annual property taxes are approximately $4,384 for 2024, and the property has been listed on the market since May 29, 2025, under MLS# 656142.
In summary, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers significant square footage and land for a low asking price. The detached three-car garage and multiple outbuildings add to its value, and its rural location may appeal to those looking for privacy, space, and flexibility. However, the oil-contaminated water supply and the home’s uninhabitable condition make this a major undertaking. It’s not move-in ready and will require extensive repairs and potentially environmental cleanup to restore it to livable condition.
If you’re a seasoned renovator, a contractor with vision, or someone searching for a bargain-priced property to transform into a long-term investment, this listing could be worth exploring. Just be sure to bring your tools—and a plan to replace everything from the water system to the HVAC.
