975 Acres in Alba, TX - $4,999,000

This highly improved property is being offered completely turnkey for instant usability and enjoyment. Situated in the game rich Sabine Sanctuary, this high fenced private ranch extends a combination of unparalleled tranquility and riverfront recreation. Whether its hunting, fishing, horseback riding, river exploring, cattle grazing, pecan harvesting, rest and relaxation or a combination of all, Foster Ranch is truly a multipurpose property with something for everyone.

Location:

Foster Ranch is located in southeast Rains County, less than 75 miles East of Dallas, TX. Rains County Road 2440 provides end of the road access into the ranch's secure gated entrance. The southern boundary of the ranch is nearly three and a half miles of Sabine River frontage.

The ranch entrance is less than 20 miles from Wood County Airport, which features a 4000 x 60 runway.

Habitat & Topography:

The ranch offers a variety of mixed use habitat within the South Central Plains Ecoregion. Oaks, walnut, elm, pecan and other hardwood varieties make up the primary tree canopy. In the bottomland areas trees have been carefully sculpted to create remarkable beauty. The soil in the bottomland portions of the ranch is primarily Gladewater Clay, which is typical for areas near the Sabine River. Gladewater Clay is darker in color, productive for food plot crops and moderately permeable.

In the hay pastures, mature oaks and other hardwood trees provide generous shade and add strong visual appeal to the landscape. The 200+/- acre highly improved Bermuda and Bahia grass pasture benefits from meticulous range management practices. Annual hay yield is reinforced by Rains Countys average rainfall of 40+ inches. The soils in the upland pasture are primarily Woodtell Loam varieties. These Woodtell Loam soils are lighter in color, well drained and highly productive for crop and grass production.

An elevation change of approximately 40 feet occurs from the north end to the south end of the ranch. At approximately 380 feet, the area around the main entry gate is the highest point located on the property. From this highpoint, elevations gradually drop to the lowest elevation of approximately 340 feet near the Sabine River. Frequent topographic relief, carefully sculpted roads and professionally designed drainages enhance rainfall migration through and off of the ranch during wet months.

Wildlife, Hunting:

Foster Ranch is recognized as one of the best white-tailed deer and waterfowl hunting ranches in this part of the state. As a secure, game fenced sanctuary for world class white-tailed deer hunting, the existing herd contains approximately 160 +/- deer. Superior genetics were originally introduced and the ranch has been under a meticulous MLD Level III management program for many years. Numerous bucks far exceeding 200 B&C are harvested and continue to breed within the preserve on an annual basis. Native browse, productive soils, diverse tree canopy and scenic perennial food plots, paired with the owners supplemental nutrition program, create an unpressured and easily sustainable habitat to ensure the herds best interests are met. It would be hard to place a value on the total time, effort and money that has been invested to create the current deer herd that is being included with this sale. Numerous established blinds, feeders and food plots are in place.

An additional 125+/- riverfront acres of the ranch remain low fenced as a free range hunting option for white-tailed deer, feral hogs, waterfowl and other small game. This acreage is contiguous to the game fenced portion of the ranch and is easily accessible through multiple gates. Numerous food plots, feeders, blinds and a developed road system are in place and ready for use. Reds Slough and several natural waterfowl wetlands are located in this low fenced area, giving waterfowl and deer hunters ample separation.

Foster Ranch features outstanding waterfowl hunting in a variety of styles. Red Slough and other naturally created wetland areas host generous populations of puddle ducks in a traditional dark woods setting. As the sun rises, Mallards and other dabbling ducks arrive out of nowhere to tree top level. Their unmistakable whistling wings backpedal frantically as they slowly descend into the timbered shallow water refuge. The ranch's main lake has carefully designed shallow water areas allowing water levels to draw down seasonally. This encourages the development of moist soils and allows the landowner to plant fall waterfowl crops in advance of the upcoming season.

Water, Fishing:

Centrally located within the ranch, a scenic 20 +/- acre private lake provides year-round recreation with a memorable backdrop. Oak tree groves on the lakes east and south banks offer an ideal setting for outdoor entertaining, family gatherings and unforgettable sunsets. In late spring, the owners plant grain sorghum along the lakes edge to further enhance the waterfowl hunting.

For wildlife and livestock purposes, numerous stock tanks are located throughout the ranch. Each tank maintains water yearlong, even in dry months. Foster Ranch's southern boundary is an approximate 3.5 mile high-bank stretch of the Sabine River. This iconic East Texas river offers exceptional fishing for black bass, sand bass, stripers, catfish, alligator gar and other game fish. Convenient canoe and kayak access is possible by way of a sloped concrete bulkhead. The river views are impressive and the multiple access points add a thrilling angling and recreational dimension to the ranch.

Franks Creek traverses the ranch along the northern and eastern boundary. Water from this tree laden estuary flows southeast and then turns due south into The Sabine River. Over time, water from Franks Creek and The Sabine River have fused, creating a remarkable oxbow lake named Red Slough. Nearly a mile in length, with 5+/- acres of surface water at capacity, Red Slough is a waterfowl riparian jewel.

Several other natural creeks and sloughs are blanketed by Spanish moss, palmetto trees, water oaks and button willows. Their immediate tree canopy filters the sunlight, creating a setting reminiscent of the antebellum low country.

For the lake fisherman, many of the ranch's other lakes have trophy bass fishing potential. In addition, the western bank of legendary Lake Fork is less than 10 miles from the ranch's entry gate.

Main Residence:

The ranch's magnificent 12,000 +/- SQFT colonial style red brick home and courtyard are perfectly positioned on a hilltop overlooking the private lake and wildlife sanctuary. The custom three story home features 6 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms with vast balcony porches which provide spectacular multi-directional views. The homes centerpiece is a grand trophy room boasting 32 ceilings. From the trophy room, a landing and separate staircase leads to a well-appointed guest quarters with 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom for additional, private lodging. A generous driveway and parking area lead to an oversized 3 car garage with an adjoining mud room. The homes stout construction begins with a post tension engineered foundation consisting of 632 yards of concrete and 110 twenty foot piers. Impressive interior features include custom red oak cabinets and trim throughout, modern stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, interior pillars, multiple fireplaces, a private office, workout room, game room and many more.

Other Structures:

Insulated Metal Shop - 246 x 246 (600 SF) with game cooler, tool and equipment storage

Tractor and Implement Building 65 x 40 (2,600 SF)

Insulated Gear Building 30 x 18 (540 SF)

Covered Shooting Range - 18 x 12 (216 SF)

Basketball Court 50 x 30 (1,500 SF)

1,000 gallon diesel and 100 gallon gasoline storage tanks

Water Well and Utilities:

In a designated well house, a prolific Wilcox water well (100 GPM) and its 2,000 gallon storage tank provide water for various irrigation needs. None of the living quarters or facilities are currently on well water.

All utilities (electricity, water, and telephone) are run underground (1.1 miles) to the main house. The property is serviced by Farmers Electric Coop and Bright Star Salem Water Supply Company.

Taxes:

The property is agriculturally exempt and the taxes are approximately $18,000 annually.

Other:

The deer herd, home furnishings and a significant amount of equipment are priced to convey with an acceptable offer. Contact the broker for further details.

Minerals:

The owner believes to own a substantial interest in the minerals and executive leasing rights for the ranch. Currently there are no active leases or production. A significant portion of the minerals are priced to convey with an acceptable offer. Contact broker for further details.