8,145.7 Acres in Aspermont, TX - $8,919,541

The looming form of Double Mountains has been a Rolling Plains landmark for more than 10,000 years, a feature mentioned in the journals of pioneers and U.S. Cavalry officers during the heyday of buffalo hunters, frontier military forts and trading outposts, sparsely scattered across this region of Texas.

Flowing beneath the shadow of this nearby mountainous geologic landmark is the meandering path of the Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos, sourcing from the distant Llano Estacado to the west, and cutting a meandering path for dozens of miles to its confluence with the Salt Fork in eastern Stonewall County.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

The 8,145.7 acre Caza River Bend Ranch is dissected by a seven mile stretch of this historical river in its serpentine path beneath massive cliffs, steep ridges and sandy banks, offering splendid views of a 14 mile sweep of private river frontage, including upland sites that support a wide array of vegetation and wildlife species, all within the embrace of four sweeping horseshoe river bends.

Fertile river bottom sandy loam soil is highly productive for native grasses and a host of shrub species that include mesquite, soapberry, agarita, lote bush, juniper, and willow. Such cover is favorable habitat for a multitude of native wildlife species, including whitetail deer, wild boar, coyote, bobcat, fox, turkey, mourning dove and bobwhite quail, a rich resource for those interested in hunting, whether with bow, rifle or shotgun.

Numerous areas of the property have been selectively grubbed in a manner to provide adequate cover for wildlife and improve the quail habitat, all while improving livestock grazing areas.

The ranch is fenced and cross-fenced into approximately 20 pastures and traps. Overall, fences appear to be in good condition. Elevation of the ranch ranges from about 1,575 in the river bottomlands to over 1,725 along the elevated ridges and upland areas.

On the southern portion of the ranch, approximately 588 acres are dedicated to cultivation and include some acreage for wildlife food plots, with the larger fields used for hay production and livestock grazing. Generally speaking, the cultivated fields are described as productive and very fertile clay loam soils.

Road systems throughout the ranch are favorable for vehicular travel to and from essentially all portions of the property. At least three river crossings, with imbedded stone bottoms, are navigable in either pickup or ATV vehicles.

WATER FEATURES

As implied by the name of the ranch, the most striking feature on the property is the seven miles of river frontage winding through the ranch, creating 4 sweeping bends that feature some spectacular high and elevated ridges and overviews. Approximately one dozen earthen ponds, many of them large in size, support excellent fishing as well as duck and sandhill crane hunting. In the northeastern portion of the property, two large ponds, approximately 4 to 5 acres each, are stocked with catfish and largemouth bass offering exceptional fishing opportunities for those favoring the rod and reel in spring and summer seasons. In the central portion of the property are three stock ponds that range from 1 to 3 acres in size. These ponds are excellent sources of respite for ducks and sizable flocks of sandhill cranes in winter.

Water diverted to the structural improvements located north of the river is supplied by a water well located near the river bottomland. This well is reported to produce about 50 gallons per minute, an uncommon phenomenon in this region. The well also furnishes water to several drinking troughs located in the northern portion of the ranch. Municipal water from the Hamlin Community serves the south side of the ranch.

HUNTING, WILDLIFE AND RECREATION

The Caza River Bend Ranch has been well managed providing fantastic hunting and recreational opportunities for outdoorsmen. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl flourish in the river bottomland and on the stock ponds located in the upland areas. Overstory vegetative cover of various species offer potential sites for hunter concealment, either natural cover or in elevated box blinds.

IMPROVEMENTS

Structural accommodations appear to be in very good condition and include an approximate 10,000 square foot two-story owners lodge containing 10 bedrooms, 11 baths, and a massive two-story four-sided rock fireplace made of rock harvested off of the ranch. A recreation area, wet bar and spacious great room/trophy room complete this very beautiful structure. Other features of the lodge include a covered parking area, storage and large viewing deck overlooking the Brazos River bottom.

North of the Lodge is an airplane hangar with concrete floor adjacent to a 1,750 foot grass landing strip.

Near the southern end of the ranch, next to the highway, is a modular home occupied by the ranch manager. Near the managers home is a 6,000 square foot barn with four large overhead doors. This barn, and a nearby equipment shed, are strategically located near the larger blocks of cultivated land and are utilized as both shop and storage for tractors and other heavy equipment. A set of well-designed pipe livestock pens equipped with scales is located on the south end of the ranch.

PRICE AND REMARKS

The Caza River Bend Ranch is a land of unique character. Molded by the meandering path of the Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos, hills, canyons and towering cliffs echo with voices from another time, conjuring images of a wilder land in grand style, all here in that vast region known as the Rolling Plains of Texas.

Nearby Aspermont offers a 4,000' x 60' asphalt landing strip and larger aircraft can easily be handled at Abilene Regional Airport, which is only about 45 miles southeast of the ranch.

This outstanding offering is realistically priced at $1,095 per acre.