If you've got a taste for bourbon and branch, like to watch the sun set over the back 40, and have a closet full of cowboy boots, then maybe it's time to find a working ranch to hang that hat. Southfork Ranch, made famous from television's Dallas, isn't on the market — it's making a good living hosting weddings and tours — but here are five fabulous Texas ranches that are on the market right now, y'all. Brand not included.
Address: 236 Doss Spring Creek Road near Fredericksburg
Number of acres: 475
Bells and whistles: Seven antique windmills that have been restored to working condition, and two pools. Primary residence is almost 10,000 square feet, features six bedrooms and was crafted from an 1800s schoolhouse, a circa 1800 carriage house, an early 1800s Dutch barn, and antique corn cribbed cabins. The compound is "more beautiful than you could ever imagine," says Gary Dolch with Compass RE Texas.
Provenance: The Arch Stanton Ranch is home to the largest collection of rare, historically significant restored antique barns in the country, and maybe the world. They were painstakingly reconstructed by a team of specialist craftsmen, blacksmiths, stone masons, architects, designers and artisans.
Distance from downtown Houston: 252 miles
Listing price: $19.995 million
For more information: Contact Gary and Michelle Dolch with Compass RE Texas LLC, 512-656-5627, archstantonranch.com
Address: 5261-B Highway 39 in Hunt
Number of acres: 2,850
Bells and whistles: An underground limestone cave with several rooms full of stalactites and stalagmites for exploring. The magnificent "Big House" is perfect for entertaining and is surrounded by more than 1,300 square feet of covered porches. Kerrville, which has an airport with a runway, is only 30 minutes away.
Provenance: Heaven's Gate is situated on a segment of land once known as the legendary Faulkner Ranch, owned and operated by the same family for almost 25 years.
Distance from downtown Houston: 293 miles
Listing price: $10.4 million
For more information: Contact Ken Hoerster with Texas Ranches for Sale, 210-859-6256, texasranchesforsale.com
Address: 9871 FM 2691 in Crystal City
Number of acres: 4,000+
Bells and whistles: Hunters will appreciate the bounty here with whitetail bucks, javelina, turkey, quail, dove, feral hogs, ducks and fishing; while the 6,000 square foot home and 4,500 square foot guest quarters are designed for comfort.
Provenance: Once owned by Atlanta Braves MVP third baseman "Chipper" Jones and known at times as the Double Dime Ranch or High Cotton, the 9,000 acre property was split in half in 2016, with the north and south segments going to different buyers. The hunting resort has a shooting range, a dozen water wells, more than 20 stocked tanks and 25 water troughs.
Distance from downtown Houston: 326 miles
Listing price: $12.85 million
For more information: Contact Geoffrey Myane, agent/salesperson, 830-486-8555, texaslandbrokers.org; or Carl Bishop, AE Realty, 210-688-9740, thecarlbishopteam.com
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Address: 8000 County Road 1117 in Snyder
Number of acres: 3,802
Bells and whistles: Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea. This property is in Scurry County, historically the highest oil producing county in Texas. Whoever buys this property will retain 97 percent interest in the oil, which has been found 8,000 feet down. Other revenue streams include mineral, wind, cattle, hunting and agricultural.
Provenance: This Texas Historic Landmark was built in the early 1900s by W.A. Johnson, who made cement blocks from his own sand and gravel. The interior features oak woodwork handcrafted by an English carpenter.
Distance from downtown Houston: 442 miles
Listing price: $20.449 million
For more information: Contact Rogers Healy with Rogers Healy and Associates Real Estate, 214-368-4663, rogershealy.com
Address: 3701 FM 1477 in Comanche
Number of acres: 4,222
Bells and whistles: The main house is 4,000 square feet with four bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Plus, the seller also will convey 100 percent of owned mineral interest.
Provenance: Comanche Star Ranch is the largest contiguous ranching operation available in this part of Texas. This extensive property also features eight professionally managed trophy lakes.
Distance from downtown Houston: 286 miles
Listing price: $16.7 million
For more information: Contact Kasey Mock with The Mock Ranches Group | Keller Williams LAND, 512-275-6625, mockranches.com
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