LOCATION: This legacy parcel is the northeast section of the Big Springs Ranch, lying along the east side of Mill Creek Road for about 2 miles, and the north side of East Mill Road for about 4.5 miles, where the James River and the Little Devils River join. 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 6.5 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: This ranch includes about 2.5 miles of both sides of the ever-flowing James and Little Devils Rivers, including 250 gpm Live Oak Springs, which substantially contributes to total flow and creates a riparian system that is expansive and dominated by exotic Karst limestone features. This rugged environment is difficult to access, which is precisely why it remains so pristine. The number of European descendants who have seen the confluence of the James and Little Devils Rivers likely numbers in the dozens, not hundreds, and most of them were probably on a horse.
The stunning rock streambeds are up to 125 yards wide, and in some cases bounded by cliffs up to 100 tall, creating a mystical environment that is unique to this part of the Texas Hill Country. A number of floatable/swimmable holes are found, some perhaps up to 8 deep, all in unforgettable settings of seclusion and natural grandeur, all with edible sized fish.
A large lake of up to 4 acres (when full) is located at the head of a highly interesting, spring-fed canyon, which is said to flow water all of the time, in beautiful, shaded settings beneath limestone cliffs. The creek includes falls, fern-lined pools and overhanging trees, in an exquisitely exotic setting in the center of one of the pastures.
There is one water well on site, unequipped at this time, and adequate groundwater is known to be in the area, with high volume wells nearby. For more info on area groundwater, please contact the Hickory Underground Water Conservation District and/or the Kimble County Groundwater Conservation District.
LAND: The picturesque ranchland is mostly gently rolling plains, with scattered liveoaks and mesquites, punctuated by roller chopped strips of high protein woody shrubs. There are several rough, rocky canyons flowing to the north, and interesting river breaks with colorful cliffs on both rivers.
Hardwoods include liveoaks, cedar, mesquite, elm and Spanish oak, with a fair amount of drought-dead cedar found in some areas. Native tall grasses and turfs are in good shape in most areas, and abundant wildlife includes whitetail deer, exotic deer, turkey, hogs and varmints. Dove are sometimes found in huntable numbers, and waterfowl often populate the large lake.
Though there are no high hills on this section, views of the surrounding hills and Blue Mountains are jaw-dropping, and the ongoing roller chopping has created excellent opportunities for observing wildlife. Rock hunting is splendid, and the area is known for an abundance of Native American sites.
IMPROVEMENTS: The only improvements on this section are cross fencing, one water well, ranch roads and sheds- a blank canvas in the truest sense of the word.
FINANCIAL/TITLE: Listing Price is $4,235/acre = $9,520,000. Sellers will provide current survey and basic title insurance. Mineral conveyance is negotiable. There are no known easements other than electric and phone service, and an electric easement to the SW corner will benefit this tract. The property lies in both the Harper Independent and Mason Independent School Districts, and the 2014 ag exempt property taxes are estimated at $2539. This property is co-listed with Marshall Kuykendall, Kuykendall Land Co., 512.585.5565.
SUMMARY: If you are seeking a legacy-quality ranch with drought-proof water, then LOSR should be on your short list for viewing. There is little wasted land on steep hillsides here, but still plenty of intrigue and exotic features. Land on these rivers rarely sells, but now a rare opportunity exists. We welcome your inquiries, and invite you for a private tour or more discussion.
The information contained herein has been diligently assembled and is deemed reliable, but is not warranted by Broker or Seller, express or implied, and is subject to change, prior sale, errors and/or omissions and withdrawal from market. Buyers must verify accuracy of representations on their own, as well as investigate potentially pertinent natural attributes, laws and regulations, and draw their own conclusions regarding the usefulness and value of the property for a given purpose. Viewing appointments scheduled with LANDTX staff only. SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY DO NOT TRESPASS.
Buyers brokers must be identified on first contact, and must accompany buying prospect on first showing to be allowed full fee participation. If this condition is not met, fee participation will be at sole discretion of LANDTX, David E. Culver, broker.
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Research Parcel InformationThis legacy parcel is the northeast section of the Big Springs Ranch, lying along the east side of Mill Creek Road for about 2 miles, and the north side of East Mill Road for about 4.5 miles, where the James River and the Little Devils River join. This is about 15 miles NW of Harper (supplies, feed, restaurant, basics), on the Kimble/Mason County line.