What is a funstead?
A "funstead" is a deeded piece of land owned by a member (or members) of Indian Acres Club of Thornburg (IACT) and located within the boundaries of Indian Acres (often referred to simply as a "lot"). Membership for "funsteader" passes to access IACT is requested by application to IACT for lot owners and resident family members. The term "funstead" is related to the concept of a homestead and exists in the context of IACT to indicate that each lot is recreational property not intended to be a primary residence. Residence is determined by Spotsylvania County, Virginia (U.S.) when an individual logs more than 180 visits within one year (determined by logs kept at the entrance security gate where access may also be restricted to IACT).
Where are lots listed for sale?
Finding lots for sale can seem a little tricky at first. There are usually dozens for sale at any given time but you need to know where to look. IACT has recently started posting a big list with all the listings they have (which requires sellers to go through the admin office). This list is available at indianacres.org. It used to be that you had to have the admin office fax you the list (this option may still be available if you prefer). We have also seen lots for sale at craigslist.com, ebay.com, and other places on the Internet. You should also check out Wade's listings. Another thing to keep in mind is that IACT is currently working with the county to auction off lots that have back taxes due. Please contact IACT directly for information on when/where the next auction will be held (we'll also try to post announcements, links, etc in our news section). Finally, you could also try the old fashion way and drive around IACT and keeping an eye out for "for sale" signs. Please click here for more information about buying a lot at IACT.
How much do lots cost at Indian Acres?
You will be very surprised to learn that lots can range from a low as a $1to over $50,000. The less expensive lots tend to not be on the lake and/or have back-dues owed (although IACT is often willing to negotiate back-dues with new members). The more expensive lots tend to be on the lake and/or have elaborate improvements made to the property (e.g. park model trailers, screen rooms, decks, etc.). The two things to look out for with less-expensive lots is owed back-dues and usability (e.g. ensure the lot is not on a steep hillside or in an area that frequently floods). For information on buying a lot please click here.
What are the "bottom line" yearly costs to have a lot at IACT?
After you have been accepted as a member and purchased a lot, you will be responsible for paying dues each year which are currently $900. These dues go to pay for all of the administration and maintenance of IACT. This is also how your electricity is paid for (i.e. you will not have a separate bill for use of electric service at your lot). Additionally, if you want water at your lot, this is about an additional $90. County taxes are typically less than $50 a year (depends on the assessed value of the lot). So the bottom line yearly cost of owning a lot at IACT is about $1,000 (about $83 a month if you want to look at it that way). Not bad for a resort that you will have year round access to!
Why is this information not at indianacres.org?
Indianacres.org is an official website used to attract new members and disseminate official information. Funstead.org is an unofficial website used to facilitate information sharing and discussion between current and potential IACT members.
Are boats allowed on the lakes?
In short, yes. However, boats can not have gas-powered engines. The biggest lake is about 50 acres and a lot of people bring their boats with electric motors out on it (to cruise around, fish, etc.).
Can I live at Indian Acres?
No. Indian Acres can not be your primary residence.
What can I do with my lot?
Although you own the lot, there are still restrictions (federal, state, county, special-use restrictions as arranged with the county, and IACT site control). Always consult with site control before making any significant modifications to your lot. However, in general IACT permits one RV and several different kinds of structures per lot (e.g. one covered deck, one shed, one non-covered covered deck, etc.). Members have reported getting confusing and conflicting information from site control in the past. Therefore it is recommended to get it in writing if site control indicates you can or can not make certain modifications to your lot. Most modifications will require a permit (even putting up a tent). Being an "unofficial" source of information, we can warn you that dealing with site control can be as about as fun as slamming your fingers in the car door. However, there are a lot of tips we can provide so please feel free to post a forum topic if you want advice from the folks that have figured out how to get things done.
Is IACT open year-round?
Yes. However, some of the comfort stations are closed in the winter and the water to the lots is turned off in the winter. Some facilities (such as the restaurant, trading post, etc) may also have limited hours in the winter months. Many people find this a great time of year because it is so silent at the acres. Others prefer the more active months in the summer.
Do I have to pay an additional fee to use the 9-hole golf course?
No. Grab your golf cart and clubs and have fun.
Do the lots have sewage hook-ups?
For the most part no. However, there are many "dump stations" at IACT to empty your tanks. Most people that leave their trailers on a more permanent basis get a small tank-trailer to haul their tank contents to the dump stations. There are some lots at IACT that have sewage hook-ups, but the vast majority do not.
Where can I go shopping, eating, etc. (i.e. how far out in the boondocks is this place)?
If you just need need to pick up a few groceries, the town of Thornburg is just a few miles up the road. If you need to do more than shopping or want a lot of great restaurant choices, IACT is only about ten miles from Fredericksburg. If you really need to get your city fix, Washington D.C. is less than an hour away.
Why can't I upload and attach files (e.g. pictures) to content on funstead.org?
New accounts are not automatically permitted to skip captcha challenges, upload files, etc. on funstead.org. A captcha challenge is the small amount of text you are asked to type on some forms to verify you are a real person. If you would like to skip captcha challenges, upload files, etc. once you are logged in, please click here for more information.
Why do I have to type in additional text (captcha challenge) whenever I post content or comments on funstead.org?
New accounts are not automatically permitted to skip captcha challenges, upload files, etc. on funstead.org. A captcha challenge is the small amount of text you are asked to type on some forms to verify you are a real person. If you would like to skip captcha challenges, upload files, etc. once you are logged in, please click here for more information.
Why am I not getting emails from funstead.org?
Funstead.org may need to send messages to your email account from time to time (e.g. new accounts require email confirmation, you may have signed up to be informed of new content and/or the newsletter, etc.). If you are not receiving expected emails from funstead.org, please check your email filter (spam) settings to ensure all email from funstead.org can be received. Click here for information on spam settings. If you are still having trouble, please let us know via our contact form (be sure to leave a phone number as it may not be possible to successfully respond via email).
