Companies owned by Gov. Jim Justice and his family are offering thousands of acres of property in Greenbrier and Monroe counties for sale.
Bellwood Corporation, which is one of the dozens of Justice family-owned companies, is offering the land at an 11 a.m. Nov. 7 auction in Lewisburg. Bellwood is characterized as focusing on agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting along with crop production that includes soybeans, dry peas, corn and rice.
The total sale is 3,377 acres in 21 tracts through Wolz & Associates: “Own a piece of West Virginia’s majestic mountains, deep forests and vibrant wildlife!”
If you’re in the market, previews are being offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20 and Nov. 2 and 3.
Agents can meet prospective buyers those days at the Barn Store Gas Station Parking lot in Gap Mills.
The largest overall set of properties is called Huber Tracts, listed as more than 2,180 acres over six tracts in Monroe County.
“For those who cherish the call of the wild, this expansive property, comprising of 6 parcels ranging from 10 to 1,000 acres, is a recreational paradise. Whether you’re a recreational, hunting or ATV enthusiast, there are miles of endless trails, creeks and streams, an abundant wildlife there for you to experience,” the listing states.
Property listed as the Westvaco Tracts is listed as 697 acres over three tracts.
“Across the ridgetops and foothills of Gap Mountain lies an opportunity for all recreational hunting and ATV enthusiasts. This nearly 700-acre property features endless and well-built trails, abundant wildlife and offers the ultimate outdoor playground.”
Finally, the Kate’s Mountain Farm properties are listed as more than 500 acres over 12 tracts.
“Nestled next to Greenbrier State Park, and just minutes from the Greenbrier Resort this rare offering consists of 12 parcels surrounded by some of the region’s most protected and picturesque landscapes. This land offers an ideal blend of rolling fields, rich timberland, a spring-fed pond, and crystal-clear branches that wind throughout the property,” the listing states.
“The miles of interior trails make it possible to explore all parts of this incredible property. Whether you envision building a secluded cabin, having a hunting retreat, starting a private estate, or creating a haven for outdoor activities, this property is the ultimate canvas.”
Justice, a two-term governor who is now a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, built his political reputation from his work in the business world and continues to characterize himself as “a business guy.”
But the Justice businesses also have faced substantial financial conflicts.
Among the largest has been a recurring dispute between the Justice business network and Carter Bank over $300 million in defaulted, personally guaranteed loans. Earlier this year, the Justices and Carter Bank announced a resolution. The debt was still on the books but with revised terms that included “a pathway of curtailment and payoff.”
A common way of achieving that is through selling collateral.