Squaw Valley, CA (Fresno County)

THE PROPERTY... Located about 7 miles off of Hwy 180, the ranch consists of 5 parcels... 3 parcels are 5 acres each and provide access points to the main ranch at the top and the bottom. The main ranch consists of a 427 acre and a 47 acre parcel. All of the parcels are contiguous. This is a foothill ranch with a wide variety of terrains, slopes, and elevations (2000 to 2800 feet). There are several broad, open bench areas interspersed with hillside terrain. The property has very little brush and its southern exposure produces excellent rangeland grasses. There are numerous large springs throughout the ranch that are producing excellent water even now after two sub-par rain years. There are also two small ponds.

THE HOME...There is a very well built ranch home in very good condition located at the top of the ranch. The 15 year old home is 3 bedrooms 2 baths with approximately 1,750 square feet. Construction is all 2x6 with excellent insulation. Design is open and rustic with forced air heating, and both a/c and evaporative cooling systems. The living area has a very efficient and decorative freestanding woodstove. All of the bedrooms have walk-in closets. The master bedroom has a separate exit to a beautiful raised deck and spa. The setting is very private and the home enjoys some magnificent views of the San Joaquin Valley and the High Sierras. The house well produces an excellent 60 gallons per minute.

THE HUNTING... The ranch has some of the finest hunting to be found in central California. There are an abundance of deer, wild turkey, and wild hog as well large numbers of quail and dove. The terrain of the ranch is well suited to wildlife and the expanse of the ranch provides a great refuge to the area's wildlife from the local subdivision areas.

OTHER IMPROVEMENTS... there are two outbuildings in good condition. The ranch has a great set of working corrals at the bottom of the ranch with easy access to a paved road for loading and unloading. A picture is included so that the cattlemen among you can appreciate the design and functionality of the corral setup. It is excellent. The corral area also has a separate well with pump that can be generator operated. There is also a smaller corral setup at the top of the ranch near the home.

THE INTANGIBLES... #1 is the natural beauty and privacy of the ranch. All of the picture were taken in early September so you are seeing it during the driest season. We will be adding more pictures taken during the other seasons soon, so you will be able to appreciate just how gorgeous this property is. The seclusion is marvelous! You truly are in your own private piece of paradise. #2 is the views. Nearly every spot you go on the ranch treats you to a new and different piece of eye-candy... views that can stretch out to over 80 miles to the Coast Range, views of the majestic Sierra Sawtooths, and views of unique local rock formations and valleys. It truly is impressive. #3 is the wildlife... not just for hunting but all of the other critter's, too... such as red and grey fox, bobcats, racoons, the very occasional sighting of mountain lion, numerous species of hawks and owls, both golden and bald eagles, and, if you are very lucky, you may see a badger. Add to that the hundreds of species of birds, both local and seasonal, that frequent the ranch. #4 is the uniqueness. Very rarely do we get a ranch of this size and character... a great blend of privacy, natural beauty, and functionality... outstanding land for raising cattle, outstanding land to enjoy complete and total privacy, and outstanding land to enjoy the beauty and bounty of Mother Nature.

THE DOWNSIDES... We always talk about any potentially negative features. In this case there aren't many. The property does have one neighbor on an adjoining 5 acre parcel that is visible from the upper corral area. The home on that property is brand new and very upscale with virtually no impact on privacy to the ranch. The driveway in to the ranch is gravel and fairly steep in places. In wintertime, a 4 wheel drive could be in order. The home elevation is about 2,800 feet so it will get 4-6 inches of snow several times in the winter with occasionaly up to a foot. The interior ranch roads are in pretty rough condition and could use some work. At present, best travel is by 4-wheel ATV's and RTV's such Kubotas, Rhinos, Gators, etc. With some road work, most any 4 wheel drive vehicle would be fine. The home is a little cluttered, but not any more so than you might expect from a working ranching family that truly lives in and enjoys their own little piece of heaven. So don't expect model home conditions, 'cause you won't get 'em. Finally, this is a foothill ranch... complete with hillsides and steep areas as well as nice flats. It isn't a candidate for a thoroughbred horse ranch with verdant pastures and white fences. If you want flat, check out the San Joaquin Valley...they have flat.

THE CONCLUSION...There you have it. One of the nicest spots on the mountain. A beautiful ranch with so very much to offer...great grazing land, terrific hunting, awesome scenery, huge vistas, a well-built home, and total privacy. Everything that someone with $1,365,000 could ask for. And that brings us to a couple of additional points. Obviously, showing is by appointment only. Potential buyers must submit satisfactory proof of financial capacity prior to any showing. The listing agent must be present for all showings (Attention Outside Agents...Listing agent will provide vehicle for your client but it only seats two people. If you want to come along, bring an ATV or RTV. Horse is ok, too.) Also, please wear boots or hiking shoes...this isn't high heel or sandal territory.

Still interested? Give us a call...we would love to show you just how special our area is. This is one of the few unspoiled areas of California left and we are very proud of it. Come visit and maybe you will end up being one of our new neighbors.