The centerpiece is about 1.5 miles of both sides of spring-fed Onion Creek, with 7 concrete and earthen dams stair-stepped along its length. This is the upper reach of this major watershed, and strong springs create flow even during dry times. In fact, during the recent 2 year severe drought, 5 of the lakes retained enough water to enjoy. The creek varies from rock-bottom with small waterfalls tumbling into clear pools, to gravelly shoals and wide slab flats, with much of it protected under a relaxing, shady hardwood canopy of oak, sycamore, elm and walnut trees.

A series of seven dams backs up shimmering lakes of deep water, perfect for fishing, swimming, floating and kayaking. There are table-size limestone outcrops jutting into the water in some areas, with smooth, grassy berms rising gently to the sides in others. The improvements are strategically perched alongside or near the waterway, though not clustered, allowing for privacy if so desired.

The main lodge is about 3,800 square feet, with 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, two living areas, country kitchen, two fireplaces built around a central stone patio which opens to a fabulous swimming pool. The look and feel is classic rustic Hill Country, and the location perched above a cliff overlooking Onion Creek, park-like bottomland and rugged hills rising in the background is simply stunning.

There are three other smaller lodges of two to three bedrooms, all constructed of stone and wood, all very comfortable for even the most discriminating guests. These dwellings are in good condition, with only minor renovations and repairs needed on most, if any. An apartment attached to a barn/workshop serves as foreman’s quarters, and past owners state that the ranch can sleep up to 40 if necessary. Virtually all furniture, art, utensils and other household items currently in the dwellings are included in the sale.

Other structures include an indoor lighted basketball court, various sheds and outbuildings, a cottage and gazebo. Tennis courts, zip line, skeet range, Frisbee golf course, riding arena, numerous stone picnic tables, barbecue pit, classic entrance, paved entry road and underground water storage are among other improvements designed to facilitate world-class entertainment and utility.

The entire ranch is game-proof fenced, and up to seven species of exotic animals call the ranch home, including bison, axis, fallow, blackbuck and elk. Protein feeders are scattered throughout the ranch, and water is piped to numerous locations from three electric wells. Ranch roads are excellent, and all equipment necessary to operate the ranch is included in the sale.

The land itself has the kind of variety most can only dream about owning. A high ridge bisects the ranch, with spring canyons falling off to the east and west, some of which flow water much of the time. Limestone bluffs tower over smooth, oak-studded creek bottoms, providing a dramatic contrast that is only found in this part of Texas. About 150 acres of clean fields are spread along the highway, and another 80 or so acres of field and good soil lie on the east side of the ridge.

“Top” country is mostly cleared of cedar, with tall Spanish Oaks and liveoaks remaining. Hillsides have been left in some cedar, providing welcome shelter and cover for wild game. Soils vary from loamy clay in the bottoms to caliche clay with limestone outcrops on the hillsides, to thin silty clays on the mesa top. This variety supports excellent native grasses and forbs, while also allowing ample material for road construction and maintenance.

This showcase ranch is a landmark property of the highest order, the kind of which rarely makes it to public market. The offering is “turn-key” to the lucky new owners, and current management will assist in a smooth transition. SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY WITH LANDTX OR PAUL HUDSON – DO NOT TRESPASS. THIS IS A CO-LISTING WITH HUDSON PROPERTIES, INC - 512-658-3801.

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.