Cover Ranch: Colorado River Ranch

3,304 Acres // Central Texas // Lampasas County

The 3,304±-acre Colorado River Ranch, located 14 miles from Lampasas in Lampasas County, provides water-rich, Hill Country living with opportunities as big as the Texas sky. The property is completely high-fenced and outfitted with top-of-the-line lodging and infrastructure. It is a ruggedly beautiful recreational paradise for wildlife enthusiasts who value genetically superior whitetails, native Texas game, and exotic species from around the globe.

This superlative getaway could be an exclusive family retreat, a corporate destination, or a commercial breeding and hunting operation. The ranch’s majestic, gated entrance—which fronts on paved FM 580—is just 83 miles from Austin, 135 miles from San Antonio, and 181 miles from Dallas.

LAND, WATER , & WILDLIFE

The land, which has been strategically thinned and cared for, is a mixture of open range and native trees, brush, and forbs. As is characteristic of the Hill Country, the elevation varies about 300 feet within the ranch, which is marked by craggy hills, eyecatching outcrops, and stunning bluffs that overlook its namesake Colorado River.

The Colorado River borders the ranch for approximately two-and-a-half miles, all of which is easily accessible. Some portions provide exceptional views from the soaring bluffs. The cool, clear river is the perfect escape from the sweltering heat, whether you enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, or fishing.

In addition, the ranch boasts a 10±-acre, stocked lake that is an angling hotspot. The ranch has water rights to the river that can be accessed, when necessary, through a main water line that runs from the river to the lake. Smaller water lines feed off the main line to supply smaller ponds and water troughs strategically located throughout the ranch for the wildlife. The also ranch boasts seven electric and solar-powered water wells.

Water is the lifeblood of a ranch, especially one that supports a host of wildlife. Once set up as an elite whitetail breeding business, the ranch is home to genetically superior, now free-ranging whitetails that exhibit the results of the $8 million investment in the herd. It is not uncommon to see 200 to 300-inch deer. The custom-designed breeding facilities are insulated, climate-controlled, and outfitted with electricity and water. The infrastructure is in excellent condition, and the business could be rekindled with little effort. The ranch is currently focusing on its exotic game breeding business which generates a significant net profit each year.

Other native species include feral hogs, dove, and migratory waterfowl that periodically take advantage of the river as well as other small game and non-game animals. The extensive exotic herd adds a majesty once reserved for the plains of Africa, Asia, and the American West. The global denizens include American bison, Cape buffalo, Greater kudu, sable, axis, aoudad, black buck, fallow deer, gemsbok, nilgai, oryx, Grevy’s zebra, bongo, Roan antelope, Grant’s gazelle, Dama gazelle, springbok, Thompson’s gazelle, Nile lechwe, Transcaspian urials, and nyala.

LIVING

The lodges on the Colorado River Ranch are prime showcases of rustic elegance. Combining the warmth of custom woodwork with solidity of stone, they are reminiscent of a mountain hideaway but have a definite Texas twang. Antlers have been used to create custom cabinet hardware, stair rails, and chandeliers. Big windows, soaring ceilings, and open floor plans add elements of air and light, bringing the outdoors inside.

The homes, which are in close proximity to one another, are easily accessible from the main gate on an all-weather road. Despite the easy access, they are thoughtfully secluded, so it feels as if you’re miles from civilization. They each were designed with privacy, functionality and luxury in mind.

The 10,000±-square-foot main lodge is the focal point, with a floor plan that includes several, well-placed gathering areas that overlook scenic vistas. The three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath structure includes a full bar, large dining area, gaming room, and commercial kitchen. The oversized screened porch and outdoor firepit both provide birds-eye views of meandering herds of wild game below.

The second lodge measures about 4,000-square-feet and is ideally situated to provide overflow lodging. It features six bedrooms and six bathrooms. In addition to the lodges, the Colorado River Ranch features a three-bedroom, two-bath owner’s home that encompasses 3,500±-square-feet.

The adjoining swimming pool and outdoor living area is an ideal place to gather with family and friends. Other housing options include a two-bedroom, two-bath home; a five-bedroom, three-bath, oversized, double-wide mobile home used for staff and hunting guides; and a one-bedroom, one bath apartment located under the elevated shooting tower, which also includes a custom 20x20-foot gun safe room.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The ranch is outfitted with a complement of outbuildings that includes barns, shops, equipment sheds, a processing facility with walk-in cooler, and more. They are all in excellent condition. The existing deer breeding facility could easily be converted into additional living quarters or a lodge. Minerals are negotiable based on the offer. All animals, equipment, and furnishings are included in the list price. Contact the broker for more details.

OPPORTUNITY

With its size, location, abundant water, superlative wildlife, and premier improvements, the Colorado River Ranch is one-ofa-kind. The opportunities that lie within its fences are endless! $60,000,000.

TT Ranch Group Briggs Freeman | Sotheby's International Realty

Tyler Thomasinfo@ttranchgroup.com(214) 718-2800ttranchgroup.com