LOCATION: This northwest section of the Big Springs Ranch lies along the north side of SH 385 for about 1.5 miles, and along the west side of gravel Mill Creek Road for about 2.5 miles, with area landmark Joy Mountain being at the center of the 385 frontage. This is about 15 miles NW of Harper (supplies, feed, restaurant, basics), on the Kimble/Mason County line. Still held by Schreiner descendants to this day, this portion has never been offered for sale outside of family. The highway and county road frontage is extensive, totaling about 4 miles, yet there is virtually no traffic on any of them.
This is about 20 miles from both Junction (5,000 paved, lighted airstrip) to the SW, and prized Mason to the north, in the western part of the Texas Hill Country. Both of these communities have grocery stores, shops, medical clinics and restaurants. Fredericksburg is about 45 miles east (...
This is about 20 miles from both Junction (5,000 paved, lighted airstrip) to the SW, and prized Mason to the north, in the western part of the Texas Hill Country. Both of these communities have grocery stores, shops, medical clinics and restaurants. Fredericksburg is about 45 miles east (good hospital, extensive shopping/restaurants), Kerrville (university, box stores, many resources) is 45 miles southeast on I-10, and Llano is about 55 miles NE.
San Antonio (nations 7th largest city, international airport, major medical) is about 85 miles south, and Austin and San Angelo are both about 100 miles distant. This is a decidedly rural area, in big ranch country, not frequented by hordes of people. Cattle, sheep, deer and outdoor recreation rule this part of the Hill Country, and it is a rare, pristine zone that has much appeal to those searching for the feel of bigger country, yet still only 1.5 hours or slightly more from 3 large, vibrant cities, and 45 miles to the nearest Wal-Mart or Lowes.
WATER: The ranch features permanent, spring-fed James River flowing thru for about 1.5 miles, about 1/3 of which has reliable flow with several floatable holes full of large fish. This stream is seasonal in its upper reaches entering the ranch, but reliable flow (per locals) emerges from rocks into a wide, rock bottom streambed pocked with clear water holes topped with lily pads, and thin ribbon flow streams that amazingly persist in deep Texas summers. Large trees line the stream banks in some areas, with potential for lovely camp or cabin sites. Rock bluffs prevail in others, creating an interesting and unique riparian zone not easily penetrable by man.
One water well is located on site, and ample groundwater is known in the area, with high volume wells nearby. There are a couple of stock tanks that hold water seasonally. For more info on area groundwater, please contact the Hickory Underground Water Conservation District and/or the Kimble County Groundwater Conservation District.
LAND: The site is mostly gently rolling land, with scattered liveoaks and strips of roller chopped shrubs, supporting good stands of native tall grasses and turfs. Joy Mountain, rising 200 above the plains, is a landmark for the area, and anchors the SH 385 frontage nicely at its centerpoint.
Soils are primarily tan to red sandy loam with rock outcrops along the streambeds and river. Hardwoods include liveoak, elm, Spanish Oak and mesquite, with little cedar to be found. Note the roller chopped strips on the aerial photograph. The chopped shrubs are predominately mesquite, agarita, persimmon and bee brush, and offer excellent high protein browsing for livestock and wildlife of all varieties.
Hunting is rated as excellent for deer, turkey, varmints and hogs. Dove are sometimes present in huntable numbers, and quail seem to be returning to the area after a decades-long hiatus. Several edible-sized fish have been observed in the river, and waterfowl will find stock tanks seasonally.
Views from the top of Joy Mountain are fantastic and well worth the effort to make the trek, though hill views of the nearby Blue Mountains are splendid from most locations on the site.
IMPROVEMENTS: One water well with submersible pump, some gathering pens and cross fencing comprise the only improvements on this tract, a literal blank canvas.
FINANCIAL/TITLE: Listing Price is $2,650/acre = $4,406,950. Sellers will provide current survey and basic title insurance. Mineral conveyance is negotiable. There are no known easements other than electric and phone service. A dipping vat is located on site and will not be remediated by Sellers. The property lies in both the Harper Independent and Mason Independent School Districts, and the 2014 ag exempt taxes are estimated at $1132. This property is co-listed with Marshall Kuykendall, Kuykendall Land Co., 512.585.5565.
SUMMARY: RSR is one of the highest value live water offerings with paved highway frontage in the area, and includes abundant scenic beauty, wildlife and solid ranching potential. The gentle roll allows almost complete accessibility, and the high % of good soils bodes well for future productivity and recreational uses. If the above speaks to you, we welcome you for further discussion and a site tour.
Search for detailed parcel information including; Elevation & Vegetation Maps, Ownership Information, Detailed Parcel Information, Crop History Map, Soil Survey Productivity Data, and more.
Research Parcel InformationThis northwest section of the Big Springs Ranch lies along the north side of SH 385 for about 1.5 miles, and along the west side of gravel Mill Creek Road for about 2.5 miles, with area landmark Joy Mountain being at the center of the 385 frontage. This is about 15 miles NW of Harper, on the Kimble/Mason County line.
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