LOCATION: This fabulous recreational ranch is located off of FM 1888 in a prized, but secluded area of northern Kendall County, just a few miles from famed Luckenbach, with direct access to Delaware Creek Road, a privately maintained, public road. Sizzling Fredericksburg (hospital, great restaurants, big box stores, incredible retail shops) is 18 miles NW, Blanco is 15 miles east and Boerne is 30 miles south. This area is composed primarily of large, high-end recreational ranches and scattered family farmsteads. Neighbors to this ranch range from 145 to over 6,000 acres, and include a 700 acre tract under Conservation Easement.
Austin is about a one hour drive to the east, and San Antonio is about a 50 minute drive to the south. The site is fairly centrally located to all things Hill Country, and there is only a short stretch of unpaved road to access the site.
WATER: Some of the...
WATER: Some of the most pristine, spring water seen anywhere is to be found within the borders of this way-cool ranch, comprising the headwaters of the Blanco River and Delaware Creek. Several of these springs originate on the ranch, and flow over solid rock bottom, steep-canyon draws, creating tumbling waterfalls and fascinating small wading pools. The settings are fantastic, with maidenhair ferns and other riparian plants abound, amidst a background of solid and mottled limestone. Water flow is ongoing during current drought (2/26/09), and is said to be historically reliable.
One totally owned drainage feeds north and creates a series of 3 stunning lakes, with the biggest (5+ acres), being over 25' deep and stocked with game fish, including bass, bluegill, catfish & sunfish, and serves as seasonal home to waterfowl as well. The lake record bass is 8.5 lbs. (per owner), and the area surrounding the lake is improved and manicured, overlooked by the awesome residence perched on the hillside above, and is served by a nice fishing/swimming pier. This lake is perfect for all types of water recreation, including floating, swimming and kayaking, and aesthetically contributes to a private setting that is truly a wonder to behold. A water pumping system from this lake provides 35 gpm water to residence and pavilion. Another lake located to the SE covers 3 acres when full.
Groundwater availability ranges from hit and miss, shallow wells (200' or less), to more reliable, deeper wells into the Trinity formation at around 600' depth. This water requires some treatment, and further information on groundwater can be obtained from the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District [link removed].
LAND: This ranch is one of the most naturally diverse sites ever seen, and boasts over 140 species of birds, 58 types of trees/shrubs/vines, 44 grasses and over 50 types of animals. Primary amongst the animals is the whitetail deer, with a ranch record of 140 B&C reported by owner. Large flocks of turkeys roam the area, and the birding is reputed to be superb. In fact, the ranch has been operated as a significant eco-tourism operation, with the focus being on outdoor photography workshops. The ranch was also one of the original venues for the exciting ?Images for Conservation? Pro-Tour photography competitions, and has been featured in several conservation and outdoor publications, as well as the TPW television program.
The land consists of flat to gently rolling hilltops which are laced by steep, lush canyons with limestone outcrops, some of which are quite scenic. Overall elevation change is a dramatic 290' from top to bottom, and yes, the views from the top are breathtaking and distant in most directions. Soils range from stony clays on top to loams in some of the bottoms, and hillsides are generally erosion-free with excellent stand of tall native grasses, deciduous trees and turfs.
Varied vegetation provides interesting bursts of color in spring and fall, and, with adequate rainfall, the wildflower display is unsurpassed. This ecosystem is beyond compare from top to bottom, and more detailed information on habitat and inhabitants is available upon request.
IMPROVEMENTS: A recently constructed exquisite, 4,000 sq. ft. Mediterranean-type primary residence designed by Austin Architect L.M. Holder provides luxurious shelter and entertainment possibilities, and has views forever protected by Conservation Easement on adjoining ranch. Consisting of 5 BR, 3.5 BA, this fine home has white stone exterior, high-barreled tile roof, huge Great Room, travertine floors, gourmet indoor and outdoor kitchens, and much, much more (list available upon request). This home is green designed for energy efficiency, has auto-backup generator system, and includes almost 1000 sq. ft. of decks/patios overlooking the lake and valley below, plus 4 car insulated garage/shop with its own bathroom.
A cool, lakeside park area with covered pavilion, electricity, firepit, etc., lies beneath the main residence, and there is an outbuilding in service for storage purposes. Other ranch improvements include fencing (fair to good, small section unfenced) and cross fencing, miles of roads, areas of shin-oak control, and some high fencing down part of west boundary. This ranch is adequately improved for its past use as photography workshop, and could certainly continue operating in that capacity with little further investment if one so desired.
FINANCIAL/TITLE: Asking $6.85M, cash to sellers, who will furnish basic title insurance and current survey. Minerals are negotiable, and one corner of the ranch is crossed by an electric transmission line (wooden H-frame, minimally
intrusive). An electric service line crosses the ranch N/S. The ranch lies in the Blanco School District, and 2008 ag-rate taxes were $9,270. The ranch is currently under a wildlife management plan.
Also, the subject 796 acres may be divided into pieces of approx. 297 acres with electricity, no improvements and spring creeks, and 500 acres with improvements and lakes. Details available from Broker.
SUMMARY: If you have an appreciation for the spectacular & pristine, and yearn for a location off of the beaten path, yet readily accessible to the best of the best, with a nice, trophy home already completed and livable. . .your interest in Petersen Ranch is invited. The endless variety and scenic beauty of this ranch will speak to you, and the value of the offering is solid. Let's go to Luckenbach, Texas, and enjoy nature at its best in the lap of luxury and sweet seclusion!
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. Viewing appointments scheduled only with LANDTX staff. 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.