6544 FM 1616 , Athens, TX 75752(Henderson County)

Habitat & Topography: The forest on this property is typical of the central Post Oak Savannah region. Extensive improvements have been made to the habitat including beautiful landscaping around the main residences, a fruit and pecan orchard and an eight acre tree farm consisting of Spanish Oaks, Live Oaks and Bur Oaks. The soils primarily consist of Kirin fine sandy loam and Wolfpen loamy fine sand, with some Leagueville-Henco as well. Five Lakes Ranch has approximately 50 of topographical change that slopes from the homes down to the lake sites. Approximately 60 acres of the property is in hay production generating as many as 600 round bales in a good year.

Wildlife, Hunting: Five Lakes Ranch maintains a healthy population of wildlife including deer, hogs and waterfowl. The ranch has been professionally managed with an emphasis on wildlife habitat. The property consists of a good blend of native and improved pasture with remaining timber thickets spread throughout. The wooded sanctuaries provide natural bedding areas for a diversity of wildlife. The addition of duck marshes to the preexisting large amount of surface water has created a waterfowl oasis. The overall quality of the deer hunting in this area has been greatly improved since TPWD implemented antler restrictions for Henderson County. This property has not been hunted for many years and the wildlife is unpressured. A population of Canadian geese consider it home year around.

Water, Fishing: The spring fed lakes have been professionally managed for superb fishing. The biggest largemouth bass recently caught weighed in at 13 lbs. The lakes feed into one another starting with Lake Ginger, which was built using horses during the civil war. During the drought, Lake Ginger only receded a few inches. The largest lake is approximately 12 acres and features a pier, boathouse and cabana complete with kitchen, bathroom and pavilion. There are two existing deep water wells.

Homes: The main lodge has five bedrooms, five and a half baths, and four fireplaces and offers expansive panoramic views of the property. This southern designed home is in good condition and features two screened in breezeways with a wood burning fireplace in each, and a rocking porch that runs the length of the home. Adjacent to the main lodge is an expansive one bedroom, one and a half bath owners home featuring its own kitchen, home theatre room, outdoor shower and koi pond with bridge and rock waterfall. Nearby is a four bedroom, four bath manager or guest house overlooking the lake. In addition, there is fourth home used as an overflow bunkhouse.

Other Improvements: Located between the main lodge and the owners home is a 60 x 120 swimming pool with cabana, kitchen and bathroom. A lighted tennis court with small stadium style seating is located next to the pool. Two large professional greenhouses are in good condition and also provide the capability to raise tilapia for stocking purposes. There is a 6,000 sq. ft. metal barn with an office and additional covered storage on the exterior. Located nearby is a smaller outbuilding that could easily be converted to a horse barn. The ranch contains four miles of concrete roads and one mile of pipe fencing. The exterior fencing is in good condition.

Other: This historic ranch was established in the 1850s as a commercial farm and nursery by William Caldwell. The property served as a training ground for Texas soldiers during the Civil War. The ranch was purchased from the Caldwell family in the 1980s by Ginger Murchison of the well-known Texas family. She was instrumental in transforming the property into what it resembles present day. Her goal was to develop a ranch suitable for grand scale entertaining while preserving its casual and comfortable feel. She succeeded and the families that have inhibited the ranch since have done a wonderful job of maintaining and adding to that vision.

Minerals: Please consult with broker regarding minerals.

This ranch is being offered For Sale and is Exclusively Listed by Harlan Ray & David Burgher of Briggs Freeman Sothebys International Realty. Contact Tyler Thomas at 214.718.2800 for more information.

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 the Listing Broker. Prospects may be required to provide proof of funds prior to scheduling a showing.