Lipan, TX 76462(Hood County)

HISTORY- In 1949, Carl J. Aldenhoven bought the 5,000 ranch as a European style hunting retreat for himself and guests, but he also desired to make the ranching operation one of the best in the area. One of the original Texas Registered Brangus herds was developed here, winning many awards at numerous Stock Shows from Texas to Colorado. His heirs who live on and work the land now own the remaining 2,083 acre ranch.

SETTING- The ranch is situated in the Cross Timbers area of Texas, crossed by Robinson Creek, hills varying as much as 200 feet in elevation change, and large open pastures surrounded by cedar breaks offering superb hunting as well as excellent grazing for cattle. Native grasses include both Big and Little Bluestem, Sideoats Gramma, Switch grass and Indian grass, all high protein food sources for cattle and wildlife. Enormous Spanish Oaks (live oaks), Red Oaks, Post Oaks, Pecan, Walnut and Elm grow in abundance on the hilltops and in the creek bottoms. Approximately 30 acres of Coastal Bermuda are farmed providing winter hay for cattle and horses.

WILDLIFE- Abundant wildlife including native White Tail deer (with consistently large racks enhanced by a high percentage of calcium in the soils) is found on the ranch. Turkey, which were reestablished on this ranch by Texas Parks and Wildlife in the early 1970's with a drop of 48 birds, now number in the high hundreds and have moved vigorously into the surrounding counties of north Texas. Dove and ducks visit the lakes and creeks in profusion; cougar, hogs, fox and bobcats also live and flourish here. Hunting lease income of more than $25,000 annually is available if so desired.

Many songbird species including Cardinals, Mockingbirds, Painted Buntings, and Bluebirds visit feeders around the house in great numbers, as do several varieties of Hummingbirds. Countless varieties of wildflowers grace the hillsides and pastures from spring through fall. This is a birding and wildflower-lovers paradise.

WATER- Rainfall averages between 28 and 35 inches per year, maintaining 8 lakes, one large lake of about 8 +/- acres. The deep lake (approximately 35 ft deep) has largemouth bass (up to 13 lbs. have been recently caught), catfish, crappie and perch, offering excellent fishing opportunity for both children and experienced fishermen. All pastures except the big lake pasture have wells, either windmill or submersible pumps, for supplemental water. The houses are watered by submersible wells in the Trinity Aquifer giving unlimited clean, pure drinking and household water. Robinson Creek passes all the way through the ranch and is home to beaver and various duck species.

FACILITIES- Facilities include a red brick main barn with horse stalls, feed storage and wash rack for horses, an equipment barn with large locked tool storage and vehicle wash rack, and a hay storage barn. Working pens, arena, round pen and a modern one bedroom managers home are all in place, surrounded by huge oak trees adding charm and cool shade. The ranch is cross fenced into six pastures with good road access.

The MAIN HOUSE- The sprawling ranch home is a Texan's dream. This custom 6,000 sf ranch home is nestled on one of the highest hilltops in Hood County offering amazing vistas of the surrounding countryside. Historic Comanche Peak is visible some 16 miles to the south. A large inviting covered patio is the place to take in spectacular sunrises and sunsets while a beautiful pool with fire pit, a covered pavilion surrounded by marvelous gardens and stone walkways are invitations to family and guest enjoyment.

The house is brick over concrete block, pier and beam construction, 12" concrete floors covered in red quarry tile, and a standing seam metal roof. Entrance is onto a long tiled porch and glassed foyer leading to the great room exhibiting beamed ceilings, a spectacular rock fireplace and large windows bringing in light and incredible vistas. There are six large bedroom suites spread throughout the house. Adjacent to the wonderful blue tiled kitchen is a large office with a wall of east facing windows. The den/TV room adjoins the office and leads to one of the bedroom suites. Just north of the main house near the trees, sits a charming western style guest house with two bedrooms, one bath, kitchen and cozy living area. A recent addition is a large enclosed metal RV storage building!

MINERALS- The seller owns 100% of the mineral estate. There are a total of eight producing gas well on the property.

This ranch is being offered For Sale and is Exclusively Listed by Harlan Ray & David Burgher | Burgher-Ray Ranch Sales of Briggs Freeman Sothebys International Realty.

Buyers Broker must register prospects at first contact with Listing Broker.

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