LOCATION: This robust recreational ranch is located high in the spring-laden canyonlands of the Little Joshua Creek drainage, about 8 miles NW of surging Boerne (hospital, big box stores, good restaurants, shopping, supplies). This is less than 30 miles from N San Antonio (all else), about 30 miles from charming Fredericksburg, 20 miles from Kerrville and 90 miles from Austin. Access is via a mostly paved county road (Possum Creek) to the north, and limited access to the south via private Jamison Road.
The area is composed of small to large-sized recreational tracts, and there is some development to the east, closer to I-10. Neighbors range in size from 1,000 acres to a couple of smaller tracts near the SE corner, one of which is an inholding of about 3 acres, that could easily be fenced out. For more information on Kendall County, go to the Kendall County website.
WATER: Austi...
WATER: Austin Ranch contains a significant portion of the headwater springs of Little Joshua Creek, several of which continue to have visible flow as of 9/1/11. The deep canyons harbor numerous springs, which feed 5 gorgeous lakes ranging in size from 2 to 5 acres, all stocked with bass, catfish and perch. The ranch record bass is 13.4 lbs.! There are 4 other smaller ponds, several of which could be expanded/deepened, two of which currently hold water.
The springs issue forth beneath small limestone ledges and cracks, surrounded by maidenhair ferns and riparian shrubs, in exquisite settings reminiscent of semi-tropical gardens, bubbling forth sweet, clear water. The lakes are stunning in the steep canyons, surrounded by huge lacy oaks, cypress, walnuts and sycamores, and there are numerous splendid homesites with potential lake views.
The ranch is also blessed with deep groundwater from the Cow Creek/Trinity aquifer, with a total of 5 water wells, ranging in depth from 300 to 1,000 feet. One 930 deep well jetted at 60 gpm, and has a 3 hp submersible pump, and there are two other deep wells of unknown production capabilities, plus two shallow wells. For further information on area groundwater, contact the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District at (830) 816-2504.
LAND: What a spectacular, high country ranch. . . with massive ridges splitting deep canyons full of clear water springs and large lakes! The tops are manicured, allowing for maximum viewing of wildlife and distant hills, with only scattered oaks breaking up the wide open scenery. Drama is around every corner, and the nooks and crannies are full of fascination and intrigue!
One will see a tremendous variety of healthy hardwoods on this ranch, including the beautiful lacy blue oak, live oak, Spanish oak, sycamore, walnut, cherry and burr oak. . . truly stunning in the fall! The hillsides are steep, and thick with mixture of cedar/oak, while the bottoms are smooth, with scattered large trees and deeper soils. The total elevation change on the ranch is about 340 from top to bottom, and it is one of the largest feeling 1,000+ acres we have seen.
Soils on top are stony clays with pockets of silt, and there are several, scenic limestone cliffs observed alongside the streams throughout the ranch. A cave has been located, and others are likely present in this area known for karst limestone features. The deeper, clay/loam soils of the valleys harbor lush native grasses, humongous trees and just the right amount of woody shrubs, allowing for excellent wildlife cover, including various species of songbirds and varmints.
The ranch has been stocked with extra-fancy whitetail deer, with the ranch record being 180+ B&C, and common sightings in range of 150-160. Also present are sika, blackbuck, axis and red stag. The area is known as prime turkey habitat, and huntable numbers of doves are present occasionally. During winter months, waterfowl are usually present on the larger lakes as well.
IMPROVEMENTS: The crowning jewel of the mountaintop is the fabulous, 5,800 sf Hill Country-style lodge, overlooking the many fingers of the Little Joshua Creek drainage to the NE. This fine home was completed in 2005, is composed of 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, and features a stone/wood exterior with standing seam metal roof. The interior is a cool mixture of stone/wood/plaster, with huge kitchen opening into spacious great room.
The ceilings are way up there. . . the feeling is expansive and open. . . with striking Hill Country views through huge picture windows from almost every room! The finishes and appointments are first class and well installed, with many details and special touches. An outdoor great room is awesome, with its own fireplace, and extensive porches surround one side of the home. A very impressive porte cochere greets you upon arrival, and the landscaping of the area is exceptionally well done and maintained.
An extensive network of improved base roads allows easy access to all parts of the ranch, which has about 875 acres under high fence. A stone, 2/1 foremans house is near the south ranch entrance, and there are two nice, clean mobile homes on site for workers and/or guest spillover from main house. Two implement sheds of about 30 X 100, plus a large approx. 10,000 sf shop/barn/shed comprise the working headquarters. There is also a pair of overhead bulk feed storage bins included in the sale, as well as numerous nice blinds and feeders, not to mention the deer herd itself.
FINANCIAL/TITLE: Listing Price is $8,500/acre, cash to Sellers, who will provide current survey and basic title insurance, mineral conveyance is negotiable. The access from Jamison Road is limited, subject to conditions of a legal settlement made by a prior owner. An inholding of about 3 acres can be fenced out, and the access to that parcel is the only ingress/egress burdening the ranch. The ranch is located in both the Comfort and Boerne ISDs, and 2011 taxes are estimated at $36,000. Most of the ranch is under wildlife management and ag exempt, though several small pieces are not, but about to be, after appropriate revised usage periods.
SUMMARY: If you are looking for ultimate seclusion coupled with 35 minute access to the nations 7th largest city, at an affordable price tag, we suggest you join us for a tour of Austin Ranch. This place is shined up and ready to use, with almost-new improvements and infrastructure, and some of the prettiest lakes and vistas in the area. This is one of the better canyonlands ranches we have seen in quite some time, with superior water and aesthetics, and it will likely sell quickly, so COME ON!
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