Bill and Belinda Ditmire are developing a vacation retreat on property they own near the Wayne Helton Wildlife Area, north of Gilman City.
The Ditmires have ambitious plans for the 40-acre tract of land along Route CC. They plan to establish a small landing strip and even a helicopter pad to attract visitors from outside the region to what they call the Carson House Retreat.
The main focal points of the property are a domed house and adjoining buildings that include a large swimming pool, hot tub and individual rooms which will be rented out to vacationers.
The Ditmires came to Harrison County from South Dakota, envisioning the creation of a corporate retreat for large companies. Belinda is a native of Red Oak, Iowa.
The main building on the property includes a large kitchen with commercial grade appliances and a bar.
Each individual room has a large screen TV hooked up with a satellite.
“We plan to hosting wedding ceremonies around our pond,” Ditmire said, pointing out that the property around the lake has wireless Internet.
The Ditmires have been doing extensive renovation work on the interior rooms. They are now ready to rent out those rooms either to individuals or to groups.
Bill Ditmire said he envisions the property as a retreat for executives wanting to get away from it all.
He recently gave visitors a tour of the property on a four-wheeler. Trails have been carved out through the prairie grass on the acreage connecting the main house with a couple of fishing ponds.
While the Ditmires plan to continue operating the retreat, the Carson House has been offered for sale at $5 million through Nelson Real Estate.
County Assessor Lila Craig said the Ditmire’s land in Fox Creek Township has been valuated at $500,000. But this was before the Ditmires had completed their renovation work on the commercial property.