Jefferson, TX 75657(Marion County)

At just over 1,100 acres, Big Cypress Bayou River Ranch offers the ideal blend of fertile pastures, wildlife packed timber woods, live water and big lakes. This includes 2.6 miles of Big Cypress Bayou River and a 75-acre lake. This ranch has been owned by the same family for nearly 30 years and is packed with Texas historical significance. Whether you are seeking a prolific cattle ranch, phenomenal hunting for waterfowl and other game, farming production with abundant water, a recreational haven with fishing, canoeing, horseback riding and a multitude of other family activities, or a little of everything, this property provides it all. Conveniently located on the edge of Jefferson, TX which is affectionately known as The Bed and Breakfast Capital of Texas with over 65 B&Bs.

Location:

This ranch is situated within Marion County and 2.5 miles from downtown Jefferson, TX. The property is 160 miles east of Dallas, TX and 45 miles west of Shreveport, LA. It is centrally positioned almost equal distance between Lake of The Pines and Caddo Lake. Each lake is located roughly 10-15 miles from the ranch.

A mechanic shop, vet and car dealership are all located within a half mile of the front gate. A feed store is located near the north end of the ranch.

Jefferson is a tourism destination, with popular attractions including: Jay Gould's Railroad car, the Sterne Fountain, Jefferson Carnegie Library, Excelsior House, the House of the Four Seasons, and the bayous formed by Big Cypress Bayou located in and around the city. Almost every commercial building and house on the main arterial road in Jefferson has a historic marker. Gourmet casual food as well as white tablecloth fine dining, live music and boutique shopping are all prevalent throughout the town.

A number of events are held throughout the year including, Mardi Gras Upriver, Diamond Don's Vintage Motocross, History Haunts - and Legends, Historical Pilgrimage, Car Shows, Bigfoot Conference, Taste of Jefferson, Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards, Candlelight Tour of Homes, Quilts on the Bayou quilt show and an annual Civil War re-enactment which is actually performed on Big Cypress Bayou River Ranch.

Elevation, Topography, Soils & Foliage:

Big Cypress Bayou River Ranch is located within the northern portion of the Piney Woods Eco Region where thick timbered forest is contrasted by plush pastures and abundant water. The ranch predominantly houses large Live Oak, White Oak and Red Oak trees mixed in with mature Pine, Cypress and the occasional Black Walnut trees.

The pastures are comprised of various grasses including Coastal Bermuda, Bahia, Yellow Hop and White Clover.

The ranch is mostly gentle sloping with approximately 60 of topography variance from 240 above sea level to 180 in the river bottom.

The majority of the soils are comprised of fine sandy loams, Wrightsville silt loam and Latch-Mollville.

Water:

The ranch boasts superb surface and subsurface water. A natural 75-acre lake is one of the defining features of this property. The lake is riddled with magnificent mature cypress trees and is a recreational paradise. The lake is a magnet for migrating waterfowl as well as a permanent home to a diverse number of bird species. A healthy variety of fish inhabit the lake as well as the occasional sunbathing alligator. There is a second 5-acre lake as well as a third lake which is under construction and estimated to be around 15+/- acres upon completion.

The property has approximately 2.6 miles of Big Cypress Bayou River frontage. With construction of Lake of the Pines as a flood controlled lake, it has the advantage of a productive river bottom without concern of flooding. This river provides year around live water and many unique features. A paddlefish restoration project is underway within a stretch of the river that borders the ranch. The fishing in the river can be spectacular especially when the White Bass spawn. There is a swimming hole along the banks of the ranch that is estimated to be over 25 deep. You can take a canoe or small vessel directly from the ranch into downtown Jefferson and back via the river.

There are 7 additional ponds and 4 water wells located throughout the property.

Habitat, Wildlife and Cattle:

Big Cypress Bayou River Ranch supports a very productive cattle operation in the 250 300 animal unit range. Most of the ranch is fenced and cross-fenced utilizing 6 strand barbwire and T-posts to create 12 pastures and 2 traps. New fencing was installed in 2000, along with construction of 2 miles of gravel road, from the South to the North across the middle of the ranch. A set of cattle pens, 5 barns, electricity and water are located at the headquarters. An established laneway connects the grazing pastures to the pens.

Daily rotational grazing is practiced on the ranch. The cattle herd consists of half-blood Akaushi / Red Angus cross cows paired with Akaushi bulls. The herd is producing Akaushi calves grading Prime.

This ranch is also a phenomenal sporting ranch. The waterfowl hunting can be second to none. The Outdoor Pursuit Channel has filmed duck hunting episodes on the ranch over the past 5+ years.

The ranch has been in a deer management program for the last 15 years. Free range deer scoring up to 140-150 B&C.

A variety of different fishing opportunities are readily available as well as hog and predator hunting.

Improvements, Structures & Roads:

The residence is a 1900 SQFT home with three bedrooms and 2 baths, with a 4 vehicle carport built in the late 60s and completely refurbished about 10 years ago.

Additional notable homes and structural improvements include:

40 x 60 Workshop / Equipment Building

40 x 36 Seven Horse Stall Barn w/ Tack Room

36 x 60 Pole Hay Barn capable of storing approximately 480 - 5 x 6 round bales

20 x 60 Barn w/ Feed Room

36 x 90 Barn w/ Storage Room

Other:

Over 2 miles of Trammels Trace traverses the property. This was an early Texas trail known to be used by historically significant figures such as Stephen F Austin, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and Sam Houston among others. Later it was a stagecoach road between Hughes Springs and Marshall. Artifacts such as old wagon wheels have been found and are still in place along the trail.

Minerals & Production:

Contact agent for details.

Taxes:

The property is under an agricultural tax exemption program.

This ranch is being offered For Sale and is Exclusively Listed by Icon Global Group with Briggs Freeman Sothebys International Realty. Buyers Broker must be identified on first contact, must accompany buying prospect on first showing and continue to fully engage in any and all negotiations and communications to qualify for fee participation. Fee participation will be at the sole discretion of the Listing Broker. All prospects will be required to provide proof of funds prior to scheduling a showing. The information contained herein has been collected from sources deemed reliable, however, Icon Global or its Brokers, Agents or Representatives cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information. Prospects, Buyers, Buyers Brokers and Representatives should verify all information and conduct their own diligence, property inspections and document review to their own satisfaction.