Fredericksburg, TX (Gillespie County)

METHOD OF SALE: The Owner (Seller) has given Thornton Ranch Sales exclusive written authorization to sell this fine property. The Seller will convey the property by a Special Warranty Deed, provide a standard Owner’s Policy of Title Insurance and furnish a current/recertified survey. No livestock or personal property will be included in the sale; however, some of the personal property may be available for purchase.

DESCRIPTION: This pristine Hill Country ranch has unique qualities and features that push it to the top of the desirability scale. Specifically, privacy is assured as it is semi-remotely located, it is mostly surrounded by larger operating ranches and there are no public roads on any boundary line. Access is easy and convenient via the highway frontage. The headquarters is situated in the interior of the ranch and there are no road easements crossing thru the property to serve other landowners. Water features include both sides of two creeks that traverse the ranch for a linear distance of 1.8 miles. The primary stream is dammed with a concrete dam that forms a lake of about 4 acres. A beautiful two acre earthen lake lies at the foot of Solomon Mountain. There are three good water wells that produce abundant, delicious potable water. Two of the wells are equipped with electric submersible pumps and one well is equipped with an old-fashioned hand pump. The lakes are ideally suited for fish propagation. Both lakes are great for swimming, tubing and kayaking. Terrain elevations vary from about 1,250 to 1,755 feet, which is the highest point on Solomon Mountain, that lies in the northeast quadrant of the ranch. The top of Solomon Mountain, a plateau-like area that covers about 5 acres, would be a fantastic site for a house with awesome views that will take your breath away. In fact there is an unrestricted view of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area which lies 8 miles west northwest of this ranch. There is an excellent internal road system and all parts of the ranch are easily accessible with exception of the top of Solomon Mountain. The entire ranch perimeter is fenced in good low fences and there are several cross fences to facilitate rotational grazing. Another positive feature is the excellent quality of the soil. There is an existing field approximately 20 acres in size with an established stand of coastal bermuda grass. The adjacent 35 acres could be easily cleared and put into cultivation if so desired and would be a great vineyard or orchard site. An outstanding tree cover comprised of live oak, post oak, Spanish oak, blackjack oak, walnut, elm, cherry, persimmon, mesquite hackberry, cedar miscellaneous brush forms excellent habitat for all kinds of wildlife. There is a location for a properly oriented (northwest-southeast) 3,000 foot airstrip. Electricity is on the property and telephone service is available. This ranch should fill your needs if you are searching for a quality, scenic, pristine Hill Country property with easy access, privacy, views, good soils, vineyard/orchard potential, good neighbors, good water, varied wildlife, excellent hunting, fishing, and multiple water sports options/activities.

RECREATION, HUNTING, FISHING: If you are an outdoor person there are unlimited fun things to do on this property. There is a prolific and healthy game population comprised of whitetail deer, turkey, hogs, squirrels, rabbits, fox, bobcats and armadillos on this ranch and throughout the local area. Fishing, swimming, tubing, canoeing and kayaking are available on the two lakes. Bird watching is superb year round and you can observe dozens of humming birds simultaneously during the summer months if you keep 4 or 5 feeders available with hummingbird food. There are doves, robins, blue birds, cardinals, painted buntings, finches and a whole range of water birds and miscellaneous seasonal birds of every description. Or, if you prefer a more sedate form of recreation, you can sit on top of Solomon Mountain or one of the many hillside natural observation points with your binoculars and be entertained by scoping for deer, turkey and wildlife. Searching for arrow heads and miscellaneous Indian artifacts adjacent to the streams and on the mountain top area is usually productive. Stargazing is unsurpassed. The pollution free night sky is so clear that you will see stars, the milky way and other constellations like you have never seen them before. The terrain is exceptionally well suited for horse riding. Hiking and exploring canyons, caves, valleys and remote areas is challenging and interesting. Those interested in flora and fauna will be impressed by the show produced by Mother Nature during all seasons, especially during the Spring. This property is located inside the famous Willow City Loop road that always carries heavy tourist/site seeing traffic, especially during the Spring season when millions of bluebonnets and wildflowers are in full bloom.

MINERALS: It is believed the Seller owns 100% of all the minerals and executive leasing rights and all minerals owned by the Seller will be conveyed to the buyer. There is no mineral production on this property, nor in Gillespie County or any of the adjoining counties. The minerals are not now leased.

POSSESSION: Possession subject to no leases of any kind shall be given on the day of closing and funding subject to Seller having 60 days after closing to remove his personal property and livestock from the property.

IMPROVEMENTS: Honeymoon cottage with 2 bedrooms, one bath and an 8 person Jacuzzi hot tub. Two story house with 3 bedrooms and two baths (needs new roof). A high quality 9,000 square foot enclosed barn with a nice 3,000 sq. ft. office and 6,000 sq. ft of storage space on the ground floor and 4,200 sq ft of unfinished loft space upstairs. Three water wells. Good low perimeter fence plus internal cross fences. Two lakes. Extensive internal ranch road system. Electricity and telephone service is in place.

TAXES: Based on current agricultural use the total ad valorum taxes for calendar year 2010 will be approximately $8,000.00. The property will be conveyed to the buyer with said agricultural use designation in place.

PRICE: $5,500,000.00* ($13,054.83 per acre)

* Price to be adjusted based on the actual number of surveyed acres that will be conveyed by a Special Warranty Deed and covered by an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance multiplied by the price per acre agreed upon by OWNER and Buyer.

TERMS: All cash at closing or any other terms acceptable to Sellers.

AIRPORT INFORMATION: Gillespie County Airport located 3 miles southwest of Fredericksburg has a 5,000 foot lighted, asphalt runway with instrument approaches. UNICOM frequency is 122.7. 100LL aviation gas and jet fuel are available. The Fixed Base Operator phone number: 830-997-3313.

BROKER’S COMMENT: I have inspected and sold many Hill Country ranches in my 30 year career as a ranch and recreational property real estate broker, and in my opinion, this ranch is an undiscovered jewel with unlimited potential. It is a vineyard, winery or showplace of your design waiting to happen and the groundwork has already been laid!!! The highest and best potential uses for this beautiful property are as follows:

• Creation of a private Hill Country oriented paradise/retreat.

• Establishment of a grape vineyard and winery or orchard.

• High fence and stock with exotics, or raise trophy white-tail deer or wildlife of your choice.

• Buy and hold for enjoyment and investment.

• Creation of a corporate retreat or church/youth camp.

• Development into a small or large acreage tract subdivision.

SHOWING COORDINATION: This ranch is available for inspection seven days a week by prior appointment only. CALL: Len Thornton (210) 656-1955 at any time for showing coordination, service and support. Or if Len is not available, then contact FRANK CARTER at (956) 740-4849. Real Estate Brokers are cordially invited to participate.