656.59 Acres in Navasota, TX - $24,294,200

Competition polo field

Competition skeet/trap range with cabin

350+ acres of improved hay pastures

Horse pastures fenced with 2" X 4" non-climb wire and slick top wire

Located in a Federal Opportunity Zone

Introduction

All but hidden on a quiet dead-end county road in southern Grimes County awaits one of the most remarkable properties of its kind, Whitehall Ranch. Remarkable, not only for its many thoughtfully designed improvements and amenities but also for the depth of its natural beauty. Rarely does one encounter such unique parallel between what has been designed and that which is made perfect in its natural state.

At 656 acres, Whitehall Ranch is just over a square mile in area. Perhaps more appropriately stated as just over a "section" of land. The magnificence of the ranch begins before one enters the property. The surrounding landscape is vast and comprised of gently rolling pastures of large ranches. The horizon is framed by a broad, elevated rise in topography shrouded in trees.

The ranch's controlled access pipe fence entrance and gate are well built and, if anything, understated, projecting quality and function over pretense. The visible fence lines are immaculately maintained, straight, and true. From the road, the gentle rise in elevation into the property initially conveys only a partial image of what lies beyond, essentially denying passersby an in-depth look into the ranch. Lush coastal Bermuda grass carpets the gently rolling front pastures, which eventually combine with nearby stands of trees to form the visible horizon. What lies beyond that horizon is something far more unique.

Whitehall Ranch is wrapped in live spring-fed creeks with banks adorned with ferns, palmettos, and wildflowers. Whereas the rolling front pastures are characterized by large stands of lush mast-producing native pecan trees and oaks, the middle pasture is a continuation of oaks and native pecans, which converge with willow, sycamore, and elm trees spotted with small stands of pines. Traversing deeper into the ranch across yet another spring-fed creek, one is all but transported to the heart of east Texas. What was black land soil is now sand, and that which was a cluster of oaks is now a breathtaking stand of towering pine trees.

From rolling post-oak savannah to black land prairie and finally to piney woods, one encounters three distinct ecoregions within one property's boundaries. This undeniable natural beauty, combined with the masterfully designed improvements and amenities, firmly establishes this property as a class of its own. Whitehall Ranch can only be described as a one-of-one property; as such, it must be experienced to begin to understand or appreciate its significance. We invite you to do just that: experience Whitehall Ranch.

A tour of the ranch

Upon entering the ranch, the main drive is unobstructed by utility poles and powerlines as the utilities have been thoughtfully placed underground, visible only by the few well-labeled utility junctions that connect the entire property to not only the regional power provider but to the seven (7) backup generators and seven (7) water wells that leave no reliance upon public infrastructure. Both sides of the entrance drive are lined with impeccably maintained fences constructed of 2" x4" non-climb wire and slick top wire. True to form and tradition, upon entering the ranch, one first arrives at the Gatehouse.

A quaint 2,400 square foot three-bedroom, two-bath residence surrounded by large shade trees thoughtfully positioned with views of the entrance, front pastures, and stables. The Gatehouse adjoins a lush coastal hay pasture, grounded with fine sandy soil and equipped with a plumbed water trough where thoroughbreds are exercised daily on an oval track. Beyond the track in the northeast corner of the property are three identical 961 square foot cottages within a fenced area currently used to house ranch staff and well suited for guest lodging.

Continuing into the ranch, one next approaches the Greenhouse. Tastefully oriented, it is within a one-acre fenced reserve that contains an orchard of fruit-bearing trees and a tilled garden exploding with flowers and vegetables. Strewn about within the confines, a brood of chickens alternate between patrolling their domain and laying eggs in their adjacent coop.

There is a consistent theme to every aspect of the ranch, which is a tasteful, understated quality committed to not only the design of the ranch but also the functionality it provides. This is apparent when one comes next to the FAA regulation helipad with a lighted landing. Let your imagination be the only limitation to what this property can accommodate.

Adjacent to the helipad, the heart of ranch operations is centered by a 175' by 200' compact base, caliche yard. On the north end of the yard, a three-sided equipment barn framed with galvanized posts and beams with steel siding. To the west is an expansive roof-covered equipment barn with an elevated eave; to the east is a fully enclosed two-bay shop.Lastly, we find the stables to the south end of the yard. Striking in design and function, it is comprised of twenty (20) stalls, with two (2) apartments, an office, a feed room, and two (2) well-appointed tack rooms, all overlooking the center pasture and 8.5-acre managed fishing lake. Upon exiting the barn and stable compound, we find an adjacent set of equestrian pens and a round working pen backdropped with large trees and lush vegetation bordered by well-manicured drives.

Continuing into the ranch, situated west of the barns and stable, is a 3.5-acre wetland pond. The wetland is designed to manage water levels to maximize seasonal wetland vegetation growth. This vegetation serves the countless waterfowl that find refuge within the pond during their spring migration north to the prairies of Canada and again in the fall as they return to the south. In perfect complement to this shallow wetland, which caters to species of puddle ducks such as mallards, gadwall, widgeon, wood ducks, and pintails, we find to the south the vast 8.5-acre lake. The deep clear waters cater to the diver duck species such as canvasback, redheads, and scaup.

Approaching the 8.5-acre managed fishing pond, one is immediately stuck by the clarity of the water. From the shore, countless bream and bass can be seen tending nests or patrolling the contours. The lake's perimeter is a balanced mix of manicured pasture and picturesque cattails, providing multiple cleared accesses to the lake. A custom aluminum-covered dock protrudes into the lake, which completes a beautifully inviting setting tailor-made for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Adjacent to the lake, we find a stunning, finely manicured, and zone-irrigated pasture that has historically served as the ranch's competition polo field. Some 14 acres in size, the ends of the field are adorned with live oaks. The grading and irrigation of this pasture provide a unique opportunity for continued use as a polo field or for a broad range of sophisticated agricultural purposes, such as a vineyard.

From the polo fields, one heads south, and to the left, a large stand of oaks and pecans occupies the still-level pasture. To the right is a gently falling landscape of manicured pasture that ends in a pronounced stand of dense trees that run the entire length of the ranch's western boundary, over a mile.

Within the shaded canopy of foliage, Beason Creek flows clear and is fed by numerous seeps and springs from surrounding properties. Well-maintained trails follow the length of the creek along this boundary with numerous cross trails and access points, maximizing the opportunity to enjoy the ranch's diverse ecosystems while maintaining an essential buffer of privacy from adjacent properties.

An oasis for wildlife the ranch is complete with abundant water, browse, and critical habitats for all native species of birds and mammals. The net effect of the contrasting elevation and diverse flora along Beason Creek is a thriving ecosystem for wildlife. The creeks give rise to leopard frogs, box turtles, and fish, while the lush underbrush and trees give sanctuary to woodpeckers, fulvous tree ducks, and magnificent herds of un-hunted whitetail deer.

About two-thirds of the way south along the ranch's western boundary, a ridge protrudes towards the creek, and the sides of the ridge gently break to each side. There, one finds an immaculate competition skeet and trap shooting range in the center of a tilled 18-acre seasonal wildlife food plot.

The shooting range is centered by a fully functional air-conditioned cabin complete with a full kitchen and bathroom, providing comfortable accommodations for shooters and guests between rounds. The range offers traditional high-house/low-house structures with high-end Italian remote-controlled throwers and a variable-direction trap thrower in the center. With a continued understated style and emphasis on quality, the range is constructed with concrete shooting stations and irrigated landscaping.

From the skeet range, one heads east, traversing a gently sloping pasture breaking to the south towards another spring-fed creek that obliquely passes through the ranch. After passing a small wildlife pond favorited by dabbling ducks, we again picked up on the primary road. Our path takes us across a feeder creek; one provides a low-water crossing for trucks and working equipment, and the other is a postcard-worthy bridge framed in large trees.

Once across the creek, the grade again begins to climb in elevation. The sides of the road and subgrade drainage pipes are subtly placed along the road, complete with stabilized rock aprons and flumes, which are subtle reminders of the depth of thought and the quality of design implemented into the ranch.

We now turn due east, and to our left, a fenced area shrouded in woods contains the primary and guest residences, which, for the moment, are still completely hidden from sight. To the right, an immaculate view unfolds, the land gently drifting down towards the lower reaches of the pasture guided by spring-fed drainages and creeks.

The property line visible the undeveloped adjacent tract majestically rising again, establishing a view that extends thousands of yards devoid of anything but pastures and trees. We now pass through into the easternmost section of the ranch, looping around the horseshoe pond, named for its shape; it serves both wildlife and livestock and has bass waiting to be caught. The lake exudes a sense of tranquility with a buffer of trees and landscape in every direction.

From the horseshoe pond, we turn north along the eastern fence line. The fence line is clear of brambles and weeds, and the path is maintained suitable for full-sized vehicles or UTVs. To our left, there is a wall of mature pines of a magnitude only appreciable in person.

The air smells of pine, and the temperature drops 15 degrees as we plunge into one of a half dozen shaded trails bisecting the pine stand. The trails in this section of the ranch are nothing short of majestic. With paths following creeks ridges and leading to open areas, one cannot help but begin to relax and let the chaos of everyday life withdraw while within these woods.

Lastly, we turn back toward the main road that brought us to these woods to a secondary gated entrance leading us down a private secluded road into the residence compound. Pulling in to the left a five-bay insulated garage, and to the center, a ring of structures, four in all. The guest cottage, the bunkhouse, the pool house, and the primary residence are all situated in a circle facing one another within a 75-yard oasis of nature. The center point is marked by a freshly cut zoysia grass path tied to illuminated live oak trees. The topography is gently elevated in the center, providing a perfect amount of privacy between the structures and maintaining a balance of intimacy by proximity without betraying each other's privacy.

We park in the shade of a double carport adjacent to the primary residence. Approaching the house, one is again struck by a sense of quality and timeless styling over opulence. The full wrap-around porch affords perpetual shade and opportune breezes for any season. The eave is adorned in galvanized poles and fixtures devoid of age or wear. Entering the side of the house, we pass down a hallway, and to our left is a full-size laundry room with abundant space and storage.

To the right is a full-size bedroom and bathroom complete with a freestanding tub, shower, and walk-in closet. Oversized windows for each side of the bed bring natural light and wooded views.

Continuing forward into the house, we encounter another room to the right. The space is clean and efficient; the door is heavy and robust, clearly reinforced, and used as a gun closet and loading room, perfect for securely storing firearms and maintaining secured data access for the residences. Next, we enter the expansive center of the house.

Anchoring the room is a stunning art deco-inspired fireplace with magnificent steel flume and tensioners. To the left, a wall of full-frame windows and glass sliding doors provides lighting for the living room and an impeccable view of the lush earthen rise and tree canopy in the distance.

To the right, there is an ample bar with a sink and chairs. Beyond the bar is a full-size kitchen equipped with gas (propane) burning stainless commercial grade Wolf range and oven, along with an oversized Subzero stainless refrigerator and freezer. The far-right side of the center space is marked by a dining table, again enclosed by a wall of full-panel windows and sliding glass doors, giving an uninterrupted view of the natural beauty beyond.

From our center position, we go left toward the living room, where to the left again opens a tasteful bar room complete with a solid surface wrapped around the bar top, serving space, and sink. Further into the bar area, we find a well-located half bathroom.

Turning back towards the living room, we walk through the cascade of natural light. To say it looks like a scene from the pages of Texas Monthly, if not Architectural Digest, is an understatement. The natural light is supplemented in the center of the house with tastefully suspended light rails, giving the neutral color scheme of the residence the flexible feeling of an art gallery. An appropriate feeling as the ranch and its structures serve as a palette complimenting the landscape, constructed and utilized in a manner that leaves it uncommitted to time.

Beyond the living room, further into the house, we come to a space dedicated to billiards. A wall of full-panel windows is to the left, and built-in shelves are to the right. A functional space ready to accommodate any number of uses. Accessible from the center hallway or the billiards space, we will arrive at the master suite next. With a large, vaulted ceiling, the open space gives way to the office on the left and the bedroom on the right. Before us, there is a wall of full-panel windows and another sliding glass door. The view is filled with the form and beauty of landscapes, trees, and a pool fit for a Malibu cocktail social. To the right, again, we enter the bedroom area and the master bathroom. A solid surface double vanity sink, full-size shower, and freestanding tub. Centered in the bathroom, a fitting walk-in closet complete with built-in storage and racks prepared to accommodate all needs.

We now head back to the hallway; one could easily assume that the tour of the primary residence was done. However, a metallic button on the wall adjacent to a door leads us to a three-person elevator. We enter, close the door, slide the elevator door, and take a smooth, brief journey to the basement. Upon exiting the elevator, we come first to a short three-way hallway. The door opens to reveal a temperature-controlled wine cellar with ample storage and climate controls.

From the wine storage, we head further into the basement, where a room opens up in an expanse with two rows of seating facing a wall. We have entered the theater. With a state-of-the-art digital projector integrated into the smart home electronics, one can connect, display, and enjoy games or movies with guests. Before heading back up, we will access and visit the panic room.A room with reinforced doors, fire-resistant walls, and secured data connections provides a peace of mind space for events unknown and remaining true to the spirit of self reliance.

Emerging from the basement, we head next to the pool house. The beautifully maintained zoysia grass is tera-scaped into steps, giving the feel of a Zen garden in grass form. The pool, shaded seating area, and adjacent landscaping are nothing short of stunning. With a large outdoor grill and pizza oven, one can easily conjure images of every form of gathering, from family birthdays serving hotdogs and pizza to a fancy soiree fit for the pages of GQ magazine.

We enter the pool house kitchen, which is fully equipped and has large serving windows and a walk-up bar opening to the shaded pool seating area. From the kitchen, we enter the home gym. This is another clever use of a highly versatile space. Full panel windows and sliding doors again give a path to the trees and natural light. From the gym, we pass a bathroom and come next to a stunning full-sized sauna adorned in wood with a glass door. Beyond the sauna, we come to a highly functional full-sized laundry room with ample room and stunning views. The last stop in the pool house is the massage room, wrapped in windows and cast in light with immaculate spa furnishings.

Our next stop is the guest residence, known as the bunkhouse. At 1640 square feet, this home was designed with kids in mind. Four full-sized bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchen, washer and dryer. Next stop, the Guesthouse. This 1640 square foot accommodation provides a spacious accommodation with two bedrooms and two baths. A cottage feels with a full-sized fireplace in the living room and full-sized fireplaces in each bedroom. A full kitchen and laundry make this accommodation perfect for short- and long-term guests.

Before leaving the residence compound, we pass the five-bay garage. Yet another feature that delivers more than one would expect at first glance. The side door leads us into a free-span space devoid of interior columns with an automatic light sensor. The walls and ceiling are insulated and equipped with ample broad-spectrum lighting. The air gently moved with a line of low-profile industrial fans running the length of the building. And, of course, each of the five roll-up garage doors is powered with independent commercial-grade electronic door openers.