LOCATION: This exquisite family-owned ranch fronts on paved Wayside Drive about 5 miles SW of way-fun Wimberley in an area of recreational camps and Blanco River showplaces. Additional access to the ranch is accomplished via Posey Ranch Road from the west. This is about 45 minutes from either Austin or San Antonio, with Canyon Lake 10 minutes south, smack dab in the middle of one of the prime, high-quality growth areas of the United States, yet quietly tucked amongst rural parcels a stones throw from the multi-faceted action. Houston is 3 hours east, Dallas is 3.5 hours north and the Texas Gulf Coast is within reach 2.5 hours south.
The immediate area has a tasteful, rural feel, and neighbors include El Rancho Cima (a 2000 acre Boy Scout Camp), and John Knox Presbyterian Camp (several hundred acres), plus several acreage tracts fronting on the river with nice homes. The ranch lay...
The immediate area has a tasteful, rural feel, and neighbors include El Rancho Cima (a 2000 acre Boy Scout Camp), and John Knox Presbyterian Camp (several hundred acres), plus several acreage tracts fronting on the river with nice homes. The ranch lays in such a unique way that privacy is maximized, with hills, bluffs and forests serving as natural buffers to the outside world.
WATER: There are few parcels possessing the volume, depth and quality of live water as the 4S River Ranch. Were talking almost one mile of Blanco River frontage here, with almost 300 yards of that distance having owned control of both sides of the river, including a private river crossing used only by this ranch! This is one of the very finest stretches of this prized river, with over-your-head holes of water, and almost the entire length being floatable or boatable. The banks are mostly fairly gentle berms, allowing for the best in easy access to the clear, cool water, and there are two short, shallow stretches of solid rock bottom, ideal for small children to begin to get the feel of big water safely.
The look of the Blanco River in this stretch reminds one of a cross between the Frio River at Leakey and the Guadalupe River above Canyon Lake. Huge boulders create noisy rapids in one section below the main house, while giant, lazy pecan & cypress trees create an other-worldly canopy for slow tube rides in another. Yes, the water can be seen and heard from two of the homes, and the river banks are manicured, resulting in the appearance of a fine country club throughout most of its length.
This primo water begs for kayaks, fishing poles, tubes and swimmers, and rewards visitors with the ultimate setting in which to pursue their chosen activities. Think rope swings hanging from bald cypress, or fly fishing on foot from the banks. Bass have been observed on every site visit so far, and catfish are purported to populate the deeper holes.
Besides the Blanco River, also included is about mile of ever-flowing Carpers Creek, a very nice, spring-fed creek lined by cliffs, natural berms and giant cypress trees. About half of the creek ownership includes both sides, as it gurgles over small rock shoals into picturesque wading and floating pools, then flows into the river on this ranch. That confluence is a magical spot, with a highly interesting promontory point flaring out beneath huge limestone outcrops and shelters, and offers a water view second to none.
Yet another pretty creek, strong-seasonal Dutch Branch, crosses the ranch for about one mile. This creek flows year round in wet years, and features several nice waterfalls tumbling into small swimming holes. In fact, the owners family is said to prefer to play in this creek as much as in the river when the water is flowing strong!
In addition to the surface water described above, the ranch also includes six water wells (4 active) with submersible pumps, and a separate intake system designed to water the landscaping and grounds. It is believed that potable water is readily available at about 350 depth, and further information on area groundwater is available from the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.
LAND: The stunning site is mostly gently rolling, with one steep hill comprising about 15 acres in the SE corner. The overall change in elevation is less than 100 on 80% of the ranch, and there are several flat, clean fields suitable for hay crops or permanent grasses. There are a couple of scenic, limestone bluffs along the river and creeks, adding some additional intrigue to an already fascinating study. The primary area around the main house & guest house is elevated above the flood plain, yet offers a dramatic panorama of the manicured river grounds below. This phenomenon occurs in several locations along the river frontage, offering additional mind-boggling home or gazebo sites as needed.
Huge, well-maintained, heritage-type liveoak trees dominate the uplands in most areas. Most cedar has been removed with the exception of several small pockets left for wildlife shelter. What a manicured ranch! Towering pecan, cypress, elm and sycamore trees line the waterways, and a two wheel drive sports car can be driven over most of the ranch, which has about 2.5 miles of paved roads.
The segments of the ranch are logically divided by topography and vegetation, which results in the feel of a substantially larger property when taking a driving tour. Make no mistake, this ranch would make a spectacular horse farm, orchard or vineyard (or all three), as there is a high % of deeper, clay loam soils on most of the site, and the operations could naturally be segregated.
Wildlife is abound, and large flocks of turkeys inhabit the area. Waterfowl are often observed in the river, and songbirds happily go about their activities in the wonderfully varied woodlands. Sizable groups of whitetail deer roam through the southern section of the ranch, and the usual roster of varmints and predatory birds comes and goes.
IMPROVEMENTS: The ranch is highly improved with six dwellings, multiple outbuildings, paved interior roads, private concrete river & creek crossings, extensive and well-maintained landscaping, pavilion/pool equipped for entertainment and swimming/boating docks, among much else. All of these improvements are Hill Country/Texana-type style, very attractive and well-maintained, but not gaudy or over-the-top. The look and feel is comfortable, Texas-stylish and friendly, and many notable Texans have worked and played at this ranch, including Gov. Ann Richards, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gov. Mark White, Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes and legendary Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson.
Much of the above (plus extensive equipment) are very capably and faithfully maintained by a solid ranch foreman with 18 years tenure. The foreman and family live in one of the dwellings, and the level of excellence he has managed to achieve on this ranch borders on the remarkable. It is highly recommended that any new owner strongly consider keeping this extraordinary employee.
The sale of the ranch can include a fairly extensive list of furniture, accessories and equipment inventories available upon request negotiable pricing. Also, a slightly more detailed description of the improvements follows:
1. Caretakers Home 1,823 sq. ft., built in 2005, 4BR, 3BA home with hardy plank and stone siding, standing seam metal roof, CACH and fireplace. The home has covered porch, carport and storage area, and is in good to excellent condition.
2. Barn/Shop/Quarters 3,500 sq. ft., built in 1991, includes large upstairs area used for guest quarters/entertaining of children. The barn/shop area has built-ins, plugs, concrete floors, overhead metal doors, etc., while the quarters includes kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area and large game room, all in fair to good condition.
3. Main Home 1,375 sq. ft., built in 1989, Hill Country Classic Home, 2BR, 2BA, of wood siding and standing seam metal roof, with plenty of porches overlooking the manicured grounds to the river. Included is CACH, country kitchen, fireplace, custom wood cabinets and many windows. Adjacent is a large, 4-car carport with enclosed storage room. All structures assessed in good condition.
4. Guest House 755 sq. ft. plus 360 sq. ft. of porch, remodeled in 1989, comprises 2BR, 2BA, and has rock exterior with standing seam metal roof. This is a cool, cozy cabin-type dwelling, very comfortable and stylish, and is located in a stunning setting overlooking the Blanco River. The condition is rated as good to excellent.
5. Pavilion/Pool Area The pavilion is designed for outdoor entertainment, and is an open-sided structure with composition shingle roof, wood columns, Saltillo tile flooring and food prep area with appliances and sinks, all overlooking the Blanco River in fabulous setting. Adjacent is a mid-sized swimming pool and spa with rock walkways and diving board. A pool equipment storage structure is nearby. The entire area is landscaped with St. Augustine grass and immaculately manicured.
6. White House 2,112 sq. ft., remodeled in 1989, has 3BR, 3BA, and is constructed of rock exterior, has metal roof, and rests in private, non-river setting amongst heritage oaks. Included are two fireplaces, Saltillo tile flooring, CACH and ceiling fans. This fine dwelling served as Gov. Ann Richards Camp David during her tenure as leader of our State, has classic styling and many extra features, and is in good to excellent condition.
7. Hill House 1,697 sq. ft., wood frame, built approx. 1975, has 2BR, 2BA, located in private, hillside setting overlooking the Dutch Branch Creek bottom. Included are large screened porch, multi-level terrace, interior rock walls, fireplaces and large living area. Condition is fair.
The ranch has slept 40 guests before, and has been the site of some rather memorable and special events. Overall, the condition of the infrastructure, improvements, landscaping and pastures is good to excellent.
FINANCIAL/TITLE: Asking $15,000,000, cash to Seller, who will provide current survey and basic title insurance. Minerals are negotiable, as are furniture and accessories. The ranch has visible electric utility easements, and no leases are in effect. The ranch lies in the Wimberley and Comal Independent School Districts, and total taxes for 2008 are estimated at $35,000. 34 acres of the ranch lying north of the Blanco River are taxed at residential rate, while the remainder south of the river is at the ag-exempt rate, with exception of 36 acres in Comal County currently in limbo.
SUMMARY: The 4S Ranch is one of the very finest, live water ranches in the Texas Hill Country, with superb location, improvements and privacy. This stretch of the Blanco River is uniquely gorgeous and strong-flowing, even during current drought period, and having ownership of both sides is extremely rare. One would be hard pressed to ever have the chance to visit, much less own, such a fine recreational ranch. Qualified buyers and their brokers are invited for inspection. . . we guarantee it will be time well spent!
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.