Metes and Bounds descriptions of land were used exclusively in colonial days; and is an accepted legal description even today. Metes and bounds features local geography, directions and distances, in order to define and describe the boundaries of a parcel of land.
Example: “Beginning at the oak tree on the north side of Cripple Creek Road, one mile north of the Cripple Creek, north for 100 rods to the end of the stone wall bordering the river bed, then northwest along the river bed to a large boulder on the corner of Tim Jones’ place, thence west 50 rods to the corner of a Tom Jackson’s barn, thence south to Railroad Bed road, thence down the side of the railroad tracks to the starting point.”
Metes and bounds descriptions are required to be recorded in official county record on a subdivision map and in the deeds when the boundaries of a parcel or lot are first drawn. Referencing adjoining parcels of land is not uncommon. There may also be marks on the ground with monuments placed where there were no acceptable natural monument. Metes and Bounds usually define large pieces of land, such as farms, where exact definition is not required.
- Metes
- =Length (Inches, Feet, Yards)
- Bounds
- =Directional Boundaries (Lake, River, Creek, Road)
Today, many homes outside the limits of cities using recorded surveys may be included in “Metes and Bounds” subdivision on your local multiple listing search. This extensive tract is broken down further by county or zip code for easier navigation.
