Situated in the rolling country of Nolan County, Boyd Ranch lies approximately 34 miles from Abilene, 20 miles from Sweetwater, 15 miles from Merkel, 128 miles from Midland, and about 200 miles from the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. The ranch offers convenient access to both public and private airports in Abilene, making arrival for owners, guests, and corporate groups efficient in all seasons. Well-maintained interior roads allow most showings and ranch use to be conducted from a pickup rather than a UTV, with improved routes leading from the main entrance through scenic lookouts and down to headquarters.

Historical Significance

Boyd Ranch carries a distinguished Western pedigree, having been owned and operated by famed horseman Buster Welch, whose horsemanship legacy is recognized across the cutting horse and ranching world. It was later owned by Bob Adkins, a prominent oilman from Sweetwater, Texas, further cementing its place as a notable holding in this part of the state. The current owner has assembled additional acreage in four purchases over the years. The ranch’s current use as both a working operation and a setting for corporate and family gatherings maintains that tradition of hospitality, horsemanship, and stewardship on a grand landscape.

Headquarters and Improvements

The primary residence at headquarters is an approximately 4,560 square-foot home offering 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, designed for comfort and entertainment on a ranch scale. The well-appointed kitchen features a double oven, large island, extensive counter space for serious cooking, and an industrial built-in refrigerator, supported by two HVAC units and a 24 kW generator for added peace of mind. Just steps away, the historic little house, once used for day-rate cowboys, now offers a 1,392 square-foot, 2-bedroom, 2-bath cottage with kitchen and living area, ideal for guests, family, or staff. This property is offered fully furnished and is completely turnkey.

Cook Shack and Entertaining

The classic Cook Shack is in excellent condition and is tailored for entertaining hunters, clients, or large family groups in authentic ranch style. It includes a bunk room, washer and dryer, commercial-style gas stove, commercial grill and griddle, two wood-burning fireplaces, a large, screened porch, and a full bathroom, creating a self-contained gathering hub. Whether hosting a weekend hunt, corporate retreat, or holiday gathering, this structure anchors the social life of the ranch in a warm, inviting setting.

Barns, Storage, and Working Facilities

Boyd Ranch is well-outfitted with functional and flexible support improvements. An open-air barn measuring approximately 84100 feet (about 8,400 square feet) provide significant covered parking or shaded outdoor workspace for equipment, trailers, or gatherings. An older set of horse stalls at roughly 3649 feet (about 1,764 square feet) offer traditional stall space for horses, preserving the property’s equine heritage. A newly erected 5050 barn delivers approximately 2,500 square feet of enclosed storage, ideal for housing equipment, buggies, corn, and other ranch necessities, while a tornado shelter near the little house adds an extra layer of safety.

Water Resources and Infrastructure

One of the defining strengths of Boyd Ranch is its water. There are currently about 15 water wells on the property, with 13 reported as operational, providing ample supply for all residential and ranch needs with capacity to spare. Four former windmill wells have been converted to solar pumps, improving reliability and efficiency, while four electric wells are dedicated to the headquarters area, collectively producing around 40 gallons per minute to serve the house and supporting infrastructure. Multiple surface tanks scattered across the ranch, coupled with excellent prospects for additional wells, create a robust water system that supports both livestock and wildlife.

Terrain, Habitat, and Elevation

The ranch spans classic Mulberry Canyon country, with elevation ranging from approximately 2,480 feet at the higher ridges down to around 2,080 feet in the lower country. This relief creates a visually compelling landscape of rolling breaks, long vistas, and sheltered draws, ideal for both livestock and wildlife. While perimeter and interior fences are generally functional, a newly added section of high fence, approximately 2.5 miles along the north entrance, enhances control and management options for wildlife and livestock.

Wildlife, Hunting, and Recreation

Boyd Ranch is an outstanding hunting and recreational property with a thriving native game population. Whitetail deer numbers are strong and have benefited from lighter hunting pressure over the past three to four years, and an audad herd of roughly 30 head roams the canyons and rimrock. Bobwhite quail are on the rebound and increasing in number, joined by plentiful wild hogs, turkey, and a variety of native game, with three recent sightings of mountain lions adding to the sense of true wild country. The ranch includes 12 deer blinds and feeders in place, creating a ready-made hunting layout for family and guests.

Mystique, History, and Lifestyle

Beyond its agricultural and recreational merits, Boyd Ranch holds a unique sense of mystique and discovery. A conquistador’s breastplate was reportedly found inside a cave on the property, and metal detecting has turned up traces of gold and silver ore, fueling stories of buried treasure hidden in the canyons. There are numerous unexplored caves on the property, leaving some mysteries uncovered by the new owner. The historic Forty Niner Mail Route once went through the portions of the Boyd Ranch. Additionally, the outskirts of the Boyd Ranch encompass the Butterfield Trail and Outlaw Canyon. Today the ranch serves as an exceptional corporate retreat and gathering place for families, offering luxury accommodations, serious infrastructure, and an authentic working-ranch feel. With its deep history, dramatic terrain, abundant wildlife, and first-class improvements, Boyd Ranch stands ready for its next steward to carry the legacy forward.

Exclusions

All heavy equipment, trucks and trailers are excluded from the purchase.

Broker and Commission Disclosure

Buyer’s Agent/Broker must be identified upon first contact with Listing Broker/Listing Agent and Buyer’s Agent must be present at the initial property tour in order to participate in any real estate commission. Commission splits will be at the sole discretion of the Listing Broker.

Listing Agent: Matthew Price, McCullar Properties Group

Sales Agent License Number: 0805135

Telephone: 325-280-7809

Listing Broker: Clay McCullar, McCullar Properties Group

Broker License Number: 0635496

Telephone: 325-665-4037