Cascade, MT 59421(Cascade County)

Being located only 3.5 miles from Cascade, with all its history and the mighty Missouri River, makes this an ideal location for a retreat while also serving as a productive grass ranch. Its close proximity to Great Falls International Airport makes travel very convenient. Location, privacy and views command this Ranch.

This Ranch and the surrounding ranches are under conservation easements protecting the beauty of the area into perpetuity. The Sellers carefully assembled the Ranch starting in 1992, and over the years have created this extraordinary private-basin setting.

The Sellers are noted western artists, and this Ranch exemplifies their true passion for the land. All of their efforts over the past 26 years were done with thought and careful planning to create the perfect sanctuary. The history on the Ranch the old bunkhouse, historic barn, the root cellars, the buffalo run and the lost artifacts from the 1800s, make this place unique. It is a true gem.

The 4,500 square-foot main residence was built in 1993-1994 by Dave Zion, a renowned builder, who was able to incorporate the desired designs of the Sellers into the house. The 2,000 square-foot art studio was built in 2013 by Jack Lyons also a builder and a western artist. Both are very tastefully designed. If desired the deluxe artists studio could easily be converted to a guest house. The barn and historic cabin have been well maintained. All of the improvements sit in the middle of the Ranch, creating a lovely compound, miles from anyone, or so it seems.

Cascade Butte, Mount Cecelia, Knapp Creek, which runs year-round through the length of the Ranch, and Branch Creek and Antelope Creek, which are seasonal, all add to the serenity of this wonderful place. The abundance of grass and water creates an ideal habitat for the plentiful wildlife including mule and whitetail deer, elk, antelope, black bear, raptors, pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge and waterfowl.

The perimeter of the Ranch is entirely fenced and the interior is fenced for effective rotational grazing. The Sellers historically have leased out the pasture from June to December to a local rancher who runs about 120 cow/calf pairs, which generates some additional income.

The Sellers are downsizing to start the next chapter in their lives in order to be closer to a larger community, art galleries and to reduce their workload. They have decided to put this wonderful place that they call home on the market.

Knapp Creek Basin Ranch is comprised of 1,994 deed acres. It is primarily an irrigated grass ranch with some improved pasture. With three creeks Knapp Creek, Branch Creek and Antelope Creek (the latter two seasonal), and numerous springs, the Ranch is well watered. The cattle and wildlife do not need to go far for water. Currently, a neighboring rancher leases the pasture, typically running about 120 cow/calf pairs for approximately six or seven months to graze the grass. The annual Ranch income from bringing in pasture cattle has historically been approximately $20,000 to $23,000, but this year will be around $35,000 due to the high precipitation and strong grass concentrations. The pasture rate is currently $32 per AUM (Animal Units Per Month). The Ranch is perimeter fenced, in addition to well-placed interior fencing creating easy rotation of cattle for grazing purposes. The Ranch is never overgrazed, and plenty of grass is always left for wildlife. The focus of the Sellers has been to be good stewards of the land, manage the weeds and not overgraze the Ranch.