Unlike most Hill Country ranches, Cherokee Springs Ranch, thanks to deliberate acquisitions of neighboring properties over the past 15 years, completely controls access to both creek banks. Within the ranch's boundaries, you enjoy completely private access to one of Mother Nature's most treasured natural resources.

Ancient native pecan trees shade the gently sloping banks, creating an oasis where family and friends can splash in the cool water or pull bass and seasonally stocked trout from its depths. Humans, as evidenced by several Indian mounds in proximity to the creek, have long sought out its life-giving bounty.

A beautifully-sited 3-acre lake, complete with a dock, adds another water source for wildlife and recreational element for people. Stocked with bass year-round, it's an angler's dream as well as a kayaker's paradise.

Springs burble up through the limestone in hidden nooks throughout the ranch. In addition, the water-rich ranch also includes 3 small stock ponds scattered over the property along with a windmill outfitted with a solar pump to supply two wildlife watering stations in the far-reaches of the ranch. A highly productive well supplies the houses and provides irrigation for the yard.

Land

Within the ranch's fencelines, the elevation rises to about 1,410 feet. The terrain varies with the elevation, and as a result, the entire topography of the Texas Hill Country is on display.

In the lower elevations, which includes the lush creek bottom, the soil is rich, deep and productive. Each year the native pecan trees produce a bounty, which the wildlife feast on.

Depending on the season, cultivated fields, encompassing about 160 acres, are planted in a mixture of wheat, oats and sunflowers, providing grazing, hay or a buffet for migratory doves. Cherokee Springs Ranch annually produces about 150 round bales of hay that is used to supplement the cattle herd during the winter months.

As the elevation climbs the land's character changes from open, rolling hills dotted with live oak and scattered park-like clearings to rougher, wilder limestone outcrops. The native brush, which has been sculpted to remove excess cedar, provides a wildlife smorgasbord that includes wild persimmon, white brush, mesquite and host of other palatable browse species.

Wildlife and Livestock

For the past 10 years, the abundant wildlife resourcesnative whitetails, Rio Grande turkeys, feral hogs, doves, ducks and a plethora of non-game specieshave been managed under the watchful, experienced eye of a consulting wildlife biologist. The primary goal has been keeping populations in balance with the land's carrying capacity, so each species can thrive and the habitat remains abundant.

With the deer in mind, nature's bounty is supplemented with protein, energy-rich corn and seasonal food plots. Hunting opportunities have been limited to family and friends, but could be expanded into a commercial operation if the new owners so choose.

While the current owners have focused their attention on wildlife, they maintain a 20-head herd of commercial cows to help manage the vegetation and honor the area's ranching heritage. Because of the land's productivity, the livestock operation, depending on the new owners' goals, could be enlarged.

Living

The main house and adjoining guest casita form a welcoming compound situated near the front of the ranch. Professionally designed and maintained landscaping that showcases hardy, drought-tolerant Texas natives ensure the homes seamlessly blend into the area's natural beauty.

The 2-bedroom/2-bath A-frame main house with a limestone exterior and red metal roof, also includes 2 loft spaces, so it comfortably sleeps 7+ people. The professionally decorated home combines warm wood floors, custom-stained trim and cabinetry, tile and granite with patterns reminiscent of the region's geology, and soaring ceilings to create an aesthetic that is both sophisticated and natural. The main house features a full kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances.

The 2-bedroom/2-bath casita, which was designed by Austin architect Gary Furman, is connected to the main house by a motor court and lighted stone walkway. The casita, too, was professionally decorated and carries the sophisticated natural aesthetic throughout. The casita has a "continental kitchen," with a microwave, coffee bar and undercounter fridge as well as the ranch's media room featuring Surround Sound and a billiards table.

The main house's garage holds 4 vehicles, while the casita's garage holds 2. Each garage has a utility/gun room outfitted with a washer and dryer and other conveniences.

Because the best ranch living happens outdoors, the compound boasts a covered outdoor dining area with a huge rock fire place. There is also fire pit nearby where people can collect to shake off the chill of a fall evening or roast marshmallows for sticky s'mores on balmy summer evenings.

Family and friends can also take a dip in the compound's pool. With a diving board crafted from a huge rock hauled from the back of the ranch, the pool, too, appears as if it could be part of nature's handiwork.

Ranch Infrastructure

While Cherokee Springs Ranch is a prime destination for outdoor recreation, it is a real ranch wearing high-quality "work clothes."

The original rough-cut ranch roads have been upgraded, and now all corners of the ranch are accessible by more than 9 miles of all-weather roads. Like every other appointment, the roads were meticulously designed to make the most of the ranch. The road system loops through the various pastures, giving the ranch an even larger feel.

Perimeter fencing is a mixture of game-proof and traditional low fences. While the current owners prefer to manage wildlife with the come-and-go flexibility offered by low fences, some neighboring ranches have opted to high-fence shared fencelines.

To keep equipment in top condition, there are two metal equipment sheds, open on the front and enclosed on three sides; one has a concrete floor while the other has a caliche floor. Three hay barns, with a combined capacity of 150 round bales, complete the storage options.

Wildlife infrastructure includes 10 permanent hunting blinds, both ground and tower blinds, 5 protein feeders and 10 corn feeders, all of which transfer with the sale. In addition, there is a game processing shed complete with a walk-in cooler, so post-harvest game handling is convenient and contained.

Accessibility

Cherokee Springs Ranch fronts on East Farm-to-Market Road 501 guaranteeing unfettered access. The ranch is located about 10 miles east of Cherokee, 20 miles southeast of San Saba and 25 miles northeast of Llano, so small town charm is within easy driving distance.

Nestled in the heart of Central Texas, the ranch is about 1.5-1.75 hours from Austin, 2 hours from San Antonio, 3.25 hours from the Metroplex and 4 hours from Houston. Because of its ideal location, the ranch is close enough to urban Texas to be a weekend getaway and far enough away so big city hustle and bustle is reduced to a fleeting scene in the rearview mirror.

For those who want to get to the country quicker or must cover a longer distance, the Llano Municipal Airport is just 25 minutes from the ranch gate.

Unsurpassed Opportunities

Over the past 15 years, the foundation for superlative Hill Country living built on impeccable quality, enduring style and unpretentious practicality, has been laid at Cherokee Springs Ranch. Opportunities still exist to make this one-of-a-kind ranch a personal expression.

Building sites exist that showcase stunning views and provide an ideal backdrop for a dream home. Another site, suited for a skeet range, has been located and architectural plans exist if that's a desire. A 14-acre field near the living compound could easily be converted into a horse paddock for those who love to ride.

For someone searching for a move-in ready property, Cherokee Springs Ranch should top the list. The majority of the ranch equipment and home furnishings will transfer as part of the sale.

Whether you are looking for a real farm, a real ranch or a real recreational oasis, Cherokee Spring Ranch is the real dealand a rare opportunity to own this much acreage and this much pristine, private live water under one fence.

For pricing information or to experience the real living available on Cherokee Springs Ranch for yourself, call Joe David Yates with Joe David Yates and Associates at 512-567-3036 (mobile) or 325-294-4444 (office).