1,989 Acres in Blanco, TX - $21,500,000

Flora and Fauna: The ranch has been cleared of most invasive plant species and the pastures very well maintained. An abundance of Live Oaks are scattered all throughout the ranch giving it a Park like appearance. Along the river and creek drainage you will find Pecan, Elm and Sycamore trees. An 8 game fence encloses the ranch and the native whitetail deer herd has been meticulously managed. Due to the consistent water supply, the area teems with wild turkey a variety of varmints and upland birds.

Water: 3 miles of Blanco River frontage plus approximately a half mile in the Narrows Conservancy. There are 8 water wells plus numerous surface ponds.

Access: The ranch has multiple access points by public roadway and deeded easements.

Hunting: Native whitetail deer, wild turkey, varmints and migratory birds. The ranch has never been commercially hunted and has produced trophy whitetail in excess of 170 points Boone & Crockett. An annual tradition at the Craft Ranch has been a European Styled driven pheasant shoot. The ranch has a private bird preserve license issued by the State which allows the release and hunting of upland game birds. There are pheasant rearing pens which are used to raise 2-3000 birds annually. Then, just as in England or Scotland, a thousand or more birds are released on the ranch and beaters with dogs are brought in to drive the birds to the shooters. Each hunter is assigned a station and the birds are driven to fly over the stations. It is an incredible experience that is not often had in the States. Of course all the birds are not shot in the drive so the remaining days after the drive are spent hunting the pheasant with pointers. According to the family, it was not uncommon to shoot a thousand birds in a weekend!

Improvements: The main house sits atop a hill with beautiful westward views from the wrap around porches. Surrounded by mature landscape and century old Live Oaks, it speaks of Hill Country charm as you approach the drive.

Originally constructed in 1946 of native limestone, the house has been expanded over the years but the character of a period Hill Country Ranch house been maintained. Being comprised of 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms totaling 7500 square feet, there are 6 wood burning fireplaces throughout the house. A wonderful home to entertain in, the ambiance takes you back in time with all modern amenities to provide comfort and safety.

Not far from the house are the Horse Stables, also constructed of native limestone. An additional 2 bedroom 1 bath guest house, the foremans house, barns, equipment sheds and ancillary building complete the headquarters compound.

The River House was built in the 1940s of native stone and wood siding. A typical single level ranch house with beautiful views of the Blanco River bottom and improved pastures. The house is 3 bedrooms with 3 baths and approximately 2000 square feet in size.

About 75 yards from the River House is the Miracle House. Originally built in the 1870s, the Craft Family had the 2 bedroom 1 bath structure meticulously renovated with all modern amenities. A beautiful example of a 19th Century frame farmhouse that the German Settlers would have built in this area of the Hill Country. The remnants of old stone fences are close by, casting thoughts back to a different time of ranching in Texas.

There are several ancillary buildings in the River Ranch compound. The final house on the ranch is occupied by a ranch employee and his family, a 3 bedroom 2 bath frame structure built in the late 1970s. There are ancillary buildings near this house as well.

The ranch has miles of excellent quality compacted base caliche roads throughout providing year round access to the entire property.

Minerals: All owned mineral interests to be conveyed.

Summary: The ranch has been in the Craft Family since 1946 and the stewardship of the land is evident throughout the property. It is extremely rare that a ranch of this size, location and quality is offered for sale. I have had the pleasure of touring hundreds of thousands of acres all across Texas and this is without a doubt, the finest example of a quintessential Hill Country Ranch that I have ever witnessed.

The serene pastures, three miles of Blanco River frontage, quality improvements, outstanding location and 3.1 contiguous square miles of land are only surpassed by the incredible beauty of the Narrows.

This most unique and rare formation is an exposed ancient coral reef that the Blanco River has carved its watercourse through providing a truly one of a kind water feature. Curved walls dripping crystal clear water from fern grottoes, deep gin clear pools of water and cascading waterfalls provide a relaxing environment for a picnic with family and friends. The 320 acre tract of land that joins the Narrows was placed in a Conservancy several years ago to protect it from Imminent Domain by any governmental agency that would want it for public use. Additionally the land is protected from development as well. The neighbors immediately upstream have also placed their land in a conservancy and the owner directly across the river is a church from Houston and they too have protected the land from future development.

This is a rare opportunity to own a portion of the Texas Hill Countrys most unique properties.

Due to the proximity of the land, the rarity of the Narrows and the extensive Blanco River frontage, this ranch is perfectly suited for a Conservation Easement. This would provide the next owner with a generous tax credit and the perpetual benefit to enjoy and recreate on an incredible ranch higher in quality than most any State Park.

Asking Price: $21,500,000.00

The ranch is being offered on a private basis, please contact John Ed Stepan to arrange a tour.

John Ed Stepan Principal

Ranch Investments

Cellular: 512-921-0590

Office: 800-447-8604