LOCATION: This historic ranch, once a major part of the holdings of legendary Texas pioneer Capt. Charles Schreiner, is located on SH 385, about 15 miles NW of Harper (supplies, feed, basics), on the Kimble/Mason County line. It fronts on County Road 430 (Mill Creek Road), and is about 20 miles from both Junction (5,000 paved, lighted airstrip) to the SW, and Mason to the north. Both of these communities have grocery stores, shops, medical clinics and restaurants. Fredericksburg is about 45 miles east (good hospital, extensive shopping/restaurants) and Llano is about 55 miles NE.
San Antonio is a little over 1.25 hours drive to the south, and Austin and San Angelo are both about 100 miles distant. This is a decidedly rural area, in big ranch country, not frequented by hordes of people. Cattle, sheep, deer and outdoor recreation rule this part of the Hill Country, and it is a rare,...
San Antonio is a little over 1.25 hours drive to the south, and Austin and San Angelo are both about 100 miles distant. This is a decidedly rural area, in big ranch country, not frequented by hordes of people. Cattle, sheep, deer and outdoor recreation rule this part of the Hill Country, and it is a rare, pristine zone that has much appeal to those searching for the feel of bigger country, yet still only 1.5 hours or slightly more from 3 large, vibrant cities.
WATER: The mystical, spring-fed James River passes thru the ranch, covering about 1.5 miles of both sides of river ownership. The river is both a gravel streambed, pocked with deeper holes of water, some of which are present almost all of the time, and a solid rock bottom stream. There is flow in sections of this river much of the time, though during dry times, the water drops below the gravel in many areas. This section of river features beautiful bottoms of oak, elm and pecan, with deep alluvial soil on both sides, the banks of which are sometimes splashed with bright shades of orange and red.
A spring-fed creek enters the ranch from the west, and passes thru for several miles, though the flow is strictly seasonal. This creek bottom has pecan, walnut and sycamores in its upper reaches, and holds water in places much of the time.
The ranch is adequately watered by wells strategically placed, with pipes to pasture troughs as needed. Stock water is generally available at around 200, and there is a higher volume (100 gpm) well nearby on a neighbor. For further information on area groundwater, please contact the Hickory Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 at 325.597.2785 or visit their website.
LAND: Variety is the hallmark of this ranch, with the majestic Blue Mountains rising to the west, giving way to fertile, clay soil plains moving east to the county road. The plains are interrupted by several prominent lookout hills, the most prominent of which is Red Hill, a landmark for the area due to its vivid coloration, and is loaded with flint chips doubtlessly created by ancient flintmasters as they gazed across the lush prairie below.
Soil quality is very good for the area, with clays ranging from red to dark brown, with occasional rock and sandy outcrops, resulting in abundant forage production. There are unusual minerals and elements present in some areas, and there is a major gypsum quarry several miles to the east.
The ranch has been historically managed for livestock and deer since the 1870s, evidenced by large areas that have been chained and planted in grasses over the years. This ranch will grow beef with adequate rainfall, make no mistake, and many large whitetail bucks (168 B&C harvested in 2009) have been observed on recent visits. This is definitely superior deer country, and strong soils produce high-protein grasses, forbs and shrubs most of the year, resulting in fat, healthy animals who reproduce well and resist diseases.
There are liveoaks over most of the ranch, and cedar, walnut, Spanish oak, mesquite, elm and pecan are also present. Much of the ranch has excellent mixed cover for wildlife, including quail and songbirds (which are heard and observed regularly). Turkey habitat is solid, and there are several prime roosting areas along the river and larger creek drainages. Feral hogs are present, but not overly so. Varmints such as fox, coon, bobcat, rabbit and skunk inhabit the site as well.
An area on the western section of the ranch features some ancient stonework in the vicinity of some rock bluffs above a spring creek. A small mountaintop was once mined, and the old operations shack still stands nearby as evidence of the long-ago venture.
IMPROVEMENTS: This working ranch is fenced and cross fenced into several large pastures, and there are several hunting camps located on site. The ranch HQs includes a livable ranch house, usable outbuildings and an outstanding set of cattle working pens. Ranch roads are adequate, and electricity is fairly well distributed throughout the parcel. There is also underground telephone service crossing much of the western section.
FINANCIAL/TITLE: Asking $2,250/acre, cash to Sellers, who will provide recent survey and basic title insurance. 25% of owned minerals under the ranch to convey. Recent title commitment available upon request. The property lies in the Mason and Harper School Districts, and current ag-exempt taxes are approximately $4,000. A proposed LCRA transmission line route barely crosses the south part of the ranch near the highway, doubtful the route will be chosen.
SUMMARY: If youre looking for solid investment/recreational value, with live water thats there most of the time, there has not been a finer offering in this tightly-held area in many years. This ranch offers multiple access points and accessibility, creating future exit strategy of a possible large tract subdivision. We are honored to present it to you, and appreciate your consideration.
The information contained herein has been diligently assembled and is deemed reliable, but is not warranted by Broker or Seller, express or implied, and is subject to change, prior sale, errors and/or omissions and withdrawal from market. Buyers must verify accuracy of representations on their own, as well as investigate potentially pertinent natural attributes, laws and regulations, and draw their own conclusions regarding the usefulness and value of the property for a given purpose. SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, DO NOT TRESPASS.
Buyers brokers must be identified on first contact, and must accompany buying prospect on first showing to be allowed full fee participation. If this condition is not met, fee participation will be at sole discretion of LANDTX, David E. Culver, broker.