Location: Located 3.5 miles from the square in Downtown Johnson City, Madrone Peaks Ranch is a towering gem in the heart of the Hill Country. Access to the ranch is by way of 60' Deeded Easement of of Flat Creek Rd. With the highest point on the Ranch sitting at 1764', the remarkable twin peaks are visible for miles and offer some of the best views in Blanco County. The ranch sits in an exclusive area known for its rugged beauty, bordering well-known Bamberger Ranch Preserve and only a few miles from the Preserve at Walnut Springs. The North side of the property watches over the the small town of Johnson City, a recreation hub that sits on the banks of the Pedernales River. When you wind up the Ranch Road and crest the pass, the Grasslands and Hill Tops of the 5,500 acre Bamberger Preserve and the Ranches at Brushy Top stretch to the southern Horizon.
Topography, Vegetation and Wildli...
Topography, Vegetation and Wildlife: While the steep Peaks are the most commanding visual features, the ranch is not all steep inclines and deep canyons. Almost half of the ranch is gently sloping and rolling topography. The Native grasses are not over grazed, and while the ranch would benefit from some cedar removal, Live oak and Spanish Oak are abundant. When climbing the hills or hiking the canyons, you will notice the unmistakable smooth red bark of the Texas Madrone Tree. Known for its beauty and scarcity, the tree is native to West Texas, New Mexico and small pockets in the Texas Hill country where the soil, sun and drainage are conducive to its survival. Hence, it is exciting to see the abundance of Madrone Trees on this ranch. The wildlife is typical of the Hill Country with a strong White Tail Deer population. The owners' family purchased the Ranch in 1960 for the sole purpose of deer hunting, a pastime that has been bringing people to the Johnson City area for decades. The varied topography provides great habitat, and selective harvesting on the ranch, combined with preservation-minded neighbors, translates into phenomenal low fence Hill Country deer hunting.
Water: There are 3 water wells on the ranch including an old windmill well that is currently out of service. The 2 wells in service were drilled before well logs were filed with the state, but according to owners, they produce 12-15 GPM and are 325' to 335' deep. The windmill well was not cased all the way to the bottom, and during service, debris fell into the well making it inoperable. The sellers have been told that by casing the existing hole, the windmill could be brought back to operation, but it was deemed unnecessary at the time because of the other 2 wells. There is a spring fed tank located at the main pass at the back of the property that sits above a deep canyon. Even in the driest times, there is some water in the tank and deer, hog, coyotes and other wildlife use it as a water source. The owner can remember when this was the headwaters to a creek in the 1980s that filled the canyon below and was an excellent place to catch limestone colored crawdads. It is not a stretch to think it could be that way again, as restoring the flowing surface water is one of the achievements that the neighboring Bamberger Preserve is most known for.
Improvements: The Northwest corner of the ranch is approx. 200' off of Flat Creek Rd. and has always been accessed by an old Ranch Rd called Elsa Ln. The county does not claim this road, however, a 40' deeded easement that connects both ranch entrances to Flat Creek Rd. was recently obtained. The first entrance leads you up the hill to a modest, yet comfortable home. The 4/2.5 home is approx. 2500 Sq. Ft. The original cabin was 24'x 24' but added onto in 1988 using large cedar piers harvested from the ranch. The home is surprisingly large, with a craft room in addition to the bedrooms and numerous closets throughout the house. Next to the home is a very nice guest house that was just completed in the summer of 2022 with very updated finishes. Outside the guest house is an inviting covered area that is perfect for relaxing, recreation, and cooking. This site is perched up on a hill and surrounded with trees that provide a nice windbreak, but with some selective removal of some trees, you could open up gorgeous views in all directions.
You can travel from the house or enter the second gate off of Elsa Ln to head toward the original deer camp. The first structure you approach is a very well constructed 30' x 60' metal building. It consists of 16' walls with two 12' roll up doors. Approx. half of it is has been finished out with a workshop downstairs, living area upstairs, a bathroom and a laundry room. The deer camp itself is an old mobile home that has been added on to. It serves its intended purpose well, but a new owner would most likely view this as a tear down. It does have a fireplace worth preserving, as it was built by the neighbor's father using old German craftsmanship typical of the area.
Why This Ranch?: Blanco County is one of the most desirable areas in the Hill Country. Just 2 miles off of the Texas Wine Trail portion of US 290, you are less than 30 minutes from Fredericksburg and a pleasant backroad trip to Luckenbach, Kendalia, Sisterdale and other cozy little Hill Country towns. The property is minutes from downtown Johnson City and just over an hour from Austin Bergstrom International Airport. The Ranch has been in the same family since 1960 and has remained relatively untouched. It has a low holding cost as it has not been over-improved and has a current agricultural exemption. Over 300' of elevation gain provides spectacular views in every direction. The views are not isolated just to the peaks: As you drive around the ranch you will see different Hill Country landmarks in every direction. With the combination of large neighboring ranches, convenience to entertainment, and unmistakable geographic features this place is truly one of a kind and must be seen in person to appreciate.
Buyers agent/broker must be identified and present at first showing to be allowed full fee participation. If this condition is not met, fee participation is subject to listing broker discretion.
From Johnson City: Travel Approx. 1 mile from the square on Hwy 290. Turn left on Flat Creek Rd. Travel approx. 2 miles and after crossing a cattle guard turn right on Elsa Ln. Both Ranch entrances are off Elsa Ln. on the left.