LOCATION: Tucked away on a quiet, gravel county road near Sutherland Springs, this unique ranch is only 35 miles from downtown San Antonio, with basics (feed, steaks, Dairy Queen) about six miles away in delightfully rural Stockdale. The area consists of tracts that rarely change hands, and vary in size from 10 to over 200 acres, and this site has no small adjoiners.
Ranching and hunting are staples of this zone, though growth is nearby. Quiet country living in the shadow of the nation’s 7th largest city is what this site is all about, and your neighbors are going to be country folks with no interest in subdivision development.
WATER: Abundance of surface and sub-surface water is a major hallmark of this ranch. Alum Creek, a major area drainage, flows thru the site with ownership of both sides the entire distance. The +/- 1,400 ft. of Alum Creek is spring-fed, and flows cool, cle...
WATER: Abundance of surface and sub-surface water is a major hallmark of this ranch. Alum Creek, a major area drainage, flows thru the site with ownership of both sides the entire distance. The +/- 1,400 ft. of Alum Creek is spring-fed, and flows cool, clear water over a gravel/sand/boulder-strewn streambed. This creek is flowing strong as of 11/1/08, and there are holes than can accommodate inner tubes and youthful waders. Bass and sunfish are observed in this brook as well.
The site includes a shallow water well that has historically had artesian flow. The Carrizo Aquifer permeates the area, and an irrigation well is located less than 500’ from the south property line. Knowledgeable local well drillers estimate that irrigation quantity water is available on the site at about 500’, with static water level of 50’. The potential for future groundwater value is high, as thirsty San Antonio begins to look to the east to quench its vast thirst.
The groundwater conservation district is Evergreen – for more info on well drilling – try their website.
LAND: The ranch rolls gently from the north to south, culminating at Alum Creek, then rising up to sandy bottomland on the south sector. About 7 acres lies on the south side of the creek, is mostly wooded, and provides excellent game habitat. The views are distant from the higher elevations, and there are several drainages that offer additional impoundment potential.
Sandy soils are predominant, mostly with a tan to red tint. Highly unusual subsoil layers are observed on the cut bank of the creek, reminiscent of the Arizona desert, with carved sandstone hues of orange, yellow and maroon. Deep, narrow gorges have been eroded by centuries of surface water flow into Alum Creek, and these features are regarded as highly unusual for this area. The Alum Creek streambed is sandy with intermittent rocky shoals. A geologist or rockhound will enjoy this ranch immensely!
Vegetation consists of gorgeous motts of live oaks, post oak, regrowth and bull mesquite, hackberry and shrubs and forbs common to the area. Habitat is regarded as good for deer, turkey, songbirds and dove. Feral hogs are abundant, and signs of coyote, bobcat and the usual list of varmints are routinely observed. Deer hunting is rated as good, hog as very good, dove as good, and turkey as fair.
There is about 25 acres of field with the balance of the land being clean coastal dotted with large oak trees and a hardwood forest creek bottom. There is potential for specialized farming of crops such as grapes, nuts and melons, and cattle/hay production potential is fair, given adequate rainfall and fertilizer. Bovine stocking rate is about one AU/10 acres in average year with no heavy fertilizer.
IMPROVEMENTS: There are no improvements other than a shallow water well with electric pump, fencing with limited cross-fencing, pasture roads and a fresh makeover of cactus and brush removal, some new fencing and road upgrades.
Electricity and telephone service are available, and a rural water line (SS Water Co.) passes by the front of the property, with possibility of obtaining tap(s).
FINANCIAL/TITLE: Asking $4,950/acre, cash to sellers, who will convey 25% minerals with 100% executive rights, and 100% water rights at full price. Listing Broker is part owner. Additional contiguous acreage is available. Title is clean, and the site is located in the Stockdale School District.
SUMMARY: Alum Creek Hideaway is surely one of the best values, combining production, recreation and beauty, within a 35 mile radius of San Antonio. The creek streambed is one of the most strangely beautiful features this observer has seen in this area, and the added plusses of wildlife, water potential and abundant, mature oak trees are simply the icing on the cake.
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. SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, DO NOT TRESPASS.
Buyer’s 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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