JEFFERSON
RIVER RANCH ESTATE
Three Forks, Montana
$8,395,000
118± Acres
INTRODUCTION
Drive through the gate of Jefferson River Ranch Estate, and you’re not stepping into a project—you’re stepping into your Montana dream, fully realized. This 118± acre turnkey retreat spares you the headaches of multi-year design and construction timelines, cost overruns, and the mental gymnastics of building. Everything is already in place—from the carefully crafted improvements to the pristine riverfront landscape—so you can start enjoying Montana today, not years from now.
Wake each morning to panoramic views of the Tobacco Root and Bridger Mountain ranges, their peaks glowing in the sunrise like something out of a Western daydream. Over a mile of live water winds through the property, including a generous stretch of the Jefferson River. This haven offers productive trout fishing and teeming wildlife. Whitetail deer, moose, pheasants, turkeys, and countless waterfowl call this sanctuary home.
At the heart of the property is a 4,100± square foot residence designed for both elegance and comfort. With four en suite bedrooms, it’s ideal for hosting without sacrificing privacy. Nearby, a charming guest house with two bedrooms and two baths offers more space for family or visitors. For those craving quiet solitude, an off-grid cabin beside a tranquil troutfilled pond offers the perfect escape within your own family estate. New gravel roads and riding paths make it easy to explore every corner of the property by foot, horse, or ATV.
Horse lovers will find everything they need—a well-equipped barn with four stalls, a tack room, individual runs, an outdoor arena, and a round pen. Prefer to lease it out? The infrastructure is equally suited for generating income through equestrian operations.
Just 7± miles from the town of Three Forks, this ranch balances peaceful seclusion with effortless accessibility. Bozeman, Yellowstone, blue-ribbon trout streams, ski resorts, and a major airport are all close enough for spontaneity but far enough to preserve your privacy. Jefferson River Ranch Estate isn’t just beautiful—it’s ready. The land has been carefully managed, the infrastructure meticulously built, and the lifestyle thoughtfully curated. This is not raw land or a fixer-upper. This is a legacy property that delivers immediate enjoyment and long-term value, with no waiting required.
QUICK FACTS
• Turnkey 118± acre ranch with premium improvements—no construction needed, move-in ready
• Over a mile of live water, including direct Jefferson River frontage with trout fishing and abundant wildlife
• 4,100± square foot main residence with four en suite bedrooms, built for comfort and privacy
• 2-bedroom, 2-bath guest house, perfect for family, friends, or extended stays, attached to a 6-stall garage/party barn
• Beautiful and newly constructed off-grid cabin with wood fired sauna set beside a scenic troutfiled pond—ideal for quiet escapes or guest overflow
• Equestrian infrastructure includes a 4-stall barn, tack room, individual runs, outdoor arena, and round pen
• Non-equestrian enthusiasts have the potential to seize an income-generating opportunity by leasing the horse facilities
• Extensive trail network with new interior grass paths and gravel trails for easy access across the property
• No covenants or restrictions
• Prime location just 7± miles from Three Forks, with Bozeman, Yellowstone, and top recreation all nearby
Jefferson River Ranch Estate | Three Forks, Montana
ACREAGE
The 118± acres of the Jefferson River Ranch Estate are diverse. Approximately a third of the property consists of native grassland, pasture, and sagebrush prairie, providing a convenient landscape for horses and wildlife. Another two-thirds of the property of riparian land supports wildlife and offers great recreational opportunities.
Jefferson River Ranch Estate | Three Forks, Montana
IMPROVEMENTS
Upon stepping into the primary residence, spanning approximately 4,100± square feet, guests will be captivated by the welcoming open layout, bathed in natural light and adorned with exquisite interior design touches. These include gracefully curved barrel ceilings, state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, and bespoke custom finishes that enhance the overall breathtaking aesthetic. The main residence boasts four en suite bedrooms, each featuring expansive windows that frame stunning vistas of the verdant riparian areas below.
Adjacent to the main residence, the impeccably finished guest house, measuring around 1,200± square feet, offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms, an attached four-stall garage and a charming party barn. Nestled by the pond, a recently completed off-grid cabin creates a peaceful haven with a wood-burning sauna.
Every aspect of the ranch, from its structures to its meticulously landscaped grounds, has been conceived and executed with a commitment to unparalleled quality and refined taste. Equestrian enthusiasts will delight in the top-notch facilities, including a meticulously planned horse barn, tack room, four stalls connected seamlessly to outdoor runs, a spacious outdoor riding arena, and a round pen. Well maintained grass paths and new interior gravel roads crisscross the ranch, ensuring easy navigation.
Jefferson River Ranch Estate | Three Forks, Montana
Jefferson River Ranch Estate | Three Forks, Montana
RECREATION
HUNTING | WILDLIFE
Amidst the splendid water features and the absence of extensive development, the lower Jefferson River Valley serves as a thriving haven for wildlife. With roughly 0.30± mile along the primary Jefferson River channel and another three-quarters of a mile along a well-nourished side channel, water resources abound on the property, creating an ideal habitat for various species, including whitetail deer, moose, pheasants, turkey, waterfowl, and even a few black bears. While the property is already highly productive in terms of wildlife, a new owner may enhance this sporting paradise further by introducing additional food sources or constructing duck blinds, thereby elevating an already remarkable outdoor recreational experience.
FISHING
Owners enjoy the river frontage with early morning and evening casts. The Jefferson River Ranch Estate frontage offers deep, slow holes holding large trout, while the side channels provide more dynamic and diversified fishing opportunities.
Numerous lakes in the Tobacco Root Mountain and reservoirs, namely Harrison and Ennis Lakes, are just south of the Jefferson River Ranch Estate. In addition, some of the most famous trout fishing rivers are within a 35-75± minute drive, the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Big Hole Rivers. The Madison River, a popular destination with clear water and prolific hatches, provides exciting dry fly-fishing opportunities for brown and rainbow trout near the property.
OTHER
Bridger Bowl Ski Area and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center are just a short 30-minute drive northeast of Bozeman and offer great skiing with a charming and local atmosphere. Along with the Bridgers, the Gallatin Range to the south includes over ten distinct mountains with elevations of more than 10,000 feet. The Gallatin Range extends to Yellowstone National Park.
Big Sky, Montana, hosts Big Ski Resort, the Yellowstone Club, Moonlight Basin Ski Resort, and the Spanish Peaks Club, each with a private Jack Nicklaus or Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course.
Big Sky presents Music in the Mountains Summer Concerts, the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, and the Arts Council of Big Sky.
11 Jefferson River Ranch Estate | Three Forks, Montana
Jefferson River Ranch Estate | Three Forks, Montana
AREA HISTORY
Throughout history, indigenous tribes battled for control of the hunting ground around the headwaters of the Missouri River. In 1805, led by Sacajawea, Captain Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the Corps of Discovery became the first non-native people to enter the Missouri River confluence of three significant rivers. Lewis and Clark named the rivers after current exploration supporters - Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin. Future explorers noted the quality of hunting lands and water. The original settlers began farming and ranching the area for the same reasons.
Established by a railway land agent, “Old Town” Three Forks became an important Milwaukee Railroad hub. Three Forks subsequently moved one mile south to its present location. Many of the original Old Town buildings moved with the town. Originally named the Philosopher’s River by William Clark, Willow Creek, Montana, was renamed by homesteaders for the many willows along its banks.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Missouri Headwaters State Park encompasses the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers. The park preserves the camp where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1805 on their westward exploration.
Featuring a system of limestone caves, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park provides visitors with guided tours within 10± miles. Year-round hiking and mountain biking are popular on the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park trail system. Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, located about 21± miles from Jefferson River Ranch Estate, is home to one of North America’s largest buffalo jump sites.
Yellowstone National Park resides within a two-hour drive south through the Madison Valley along the Madison River. With unique hydrothermal features, geology formations, and extensive wildlife populations, our first national park provides unparalleled opportunities to view the wonders of natural ecosystems.
LOCATION
The small historic town of Three Forks, Montana, is located 7± miles from Jefferson River Ranch Estate. With a population of about 2,000 people, Three Forks offers a variety of amenities for culturally minded visitors and sporting enthusiasts. The historic Sacajawea Hotel offers fine dining and overnight accommodations. Bridger Brewery recently constructed a second location to quench thirsty anglers, mountain bikers, and locals. Headwaters Public Golf Course features a 9-hole course adjacent to the town.
Hosting Montana State University, the Museum of the Rockies, significant tourism, and high-tech industries, Bozeman’s economy is considered one of the strongest in Montana. Downtown Bozeman merchants have been outfitting explorers, miners, ranchers, and the army with supplies to sustain them for over 100 years. Today’s downtown features rows of turn-of-the-century buildings with over 100 shops and restaurants lining a beautiful, historic retailing corridor. With its mountain ski town vibe, Bozeman lies 39± miles from the Jefferson River Ranch Estate.
AIRPORT SERVICES
The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is 32± miles from the Jefferson River Ranch Estate and is an easy drive from the property. Alaska, Allegiant, American, Avelo, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, and United Airlines service Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport as a non-stop destination. Jet Aviation, Yellowstone Jetcenter, and Million Air provide fixed-based operations. Northern Wings Aviation, Summit Aviation, and Ridgeline Aviation offer charter and private flight services.
Three Forks Airport, FAA Identifier 9S5, has an asphalt runway, hangars, and tie-downs for public use. The Jefferson River Ranch Estate is 7± miles from the Three Forks Airport.
17 Jefferson River Ranch Estate | Three Forks, Montana
Jefferson River Ranch Estate | Three Forks, Montana
MINERAL RIGHTS
All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
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www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
WATER RIGHTS
Montana waters, in all their varied forms and locations, belong to the State for the benefit of its people. A water right is the right to use the water within state-established guidelines, and not any ownership of the water itself. Since water rights in Montana are guided by the prior appropriation doctrine, a person’s right to use a specific quantity of water depends on when the use of water began, establishing the relative priority date of use on the water source. The first person to use water from a source established the first right, the second person could establish a right to the water that was left, and so on. Additionally, water users are limited to the amount of water that can be beneficially used. Beneficial use includes, but is not limited to, agricultural, recreational, fish, wildlife and domestic purposes.
Montana is currently conducting a statewide adjudication of all water rights with priority dates prior to July 1, 1973. The statewide adjudication is a court process that prioritizes and quantifies all existing water rights in each Montana drainage basin. With 85 basins in Montana, and over 219,000 water right claims, the statewide adjudication is a massive undertaking that is expected to stretch well into the future. Until the adjudication process is complete, the status of any particular water right claim cannot be guaranteed. Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons do not warrant or make any representation concerning the quantity or quality of any water rights, nor any legal entitlement to use of water rights, permits to appropriate water, exempt existing rights, determination of existing water rights, nor any ditches, ditch rights, or ditch easements appurtenant to or constituting a burden on the property. Water rights claims appurtenant to the property may or may not have been fully or finally adjudicated, and any Buyer is advised to make any offer to purchase contingent upon and subject to such independent inspections, evaluations, and advice concerning the water rights and adjudication process as a Buyer might deem prudent. All Buyers should be aware that Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons involved in this offering have not conducted an expert inspection or analysis of the water rights for this property.
Jefferson River Ranch Estate | Three Forks, Montana
The Jefferson River Ranch Estate delivers an all-encompassing turnkey experience. A new owner can pass through the gate and immediately start relishing the ranch, including its opulent amenities, nestled within its pristine natural surroundings. The design of the enhancements aligns with the preferences of many prospective buyers, and the untouched land forms a distinct offering that promises instant gratification and enjoyment.
Jefferson River Ranch Estate | Three Forks, Montana
Please contact Ryan Bramlette at (406) 580-9569 | rbramlette@fayranches. com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.
$8,395,000 Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE
As required by Montana law, a broker or salesperson shall disclose the existence and nature of relevant agency or other relationships to the parties to a real estate transaction. The various relationships and description of duties are as follows:
1. SELLER AGENT
A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:
Act solely in the best interests of the seller; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the seller; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the seller agent and not known or discoverable by the seller unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the seller agent; Safeguard the seller’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the seller’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the seller for any funds or property of the seller that comes into the seller agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a seller and obtaining a seller’s written consent, to represent multiple sellers of property and to list properties for sale that may compete with the seller’s property, without breaching any obligation to the seller.
A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:
Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the seller agent, except that the seller agent is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent when the seller agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a buyer and a buyer agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
2. BUYER AGENT (cont)
A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:
Disclose any adverse material facts that are known to the buyer agent and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Disclose to the seller or the seller agent when the buyer agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a seller and a seller agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
3. DUAL AGENCY If a seller agent is also representing a buyer, or a buyer agent is also representing a seller with regard to a property, then a dual agency relationship may be established. In a dual agency relationship, the dual agent is equally obligated to both the seller and the buyer. These obligations may prohibit the dual agent from advocating exclusively on behalf of the seller or buyer and may limit the depth and degree of representation that you receive. A broker or a salesperson may not act as a dual agent without the signed, written consent of both the seller and the buyer.
A “Dual Agent” is obligated to a Seller in the same manner as a seller agent and is obligated to a Buyer in the same manner as a buyer agent, except a dual agent:
Has a duty to disclose to a buyer or seller any adverse material facts that are known to the dual agent regardless of any confidentiality considerations; and May not disclose the following information without the written consent of the person to whom the information is confidential; The fact that the buyer is willing to pay more than the offered purchase price; The fact that the seller is willing to accept less than the purchase price that the seller is asking for the property; Factors motivating either party to buy or sell; and Any information that a party indicates in writing to the dual agent is to be kept confidential.
4. STATUTORY BROKER
A “Statutory Broker” is not the agent of the Buyer or Seller but nevertheless is obligated to them to:
Disclose to: i. a buyer or buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the statutory broker, except that the statutory broker is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; and ii. a seller or a seller agent any adverse material facts that are known to the statutory broker and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in putting together a real estate transaction, and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
5. IN-HOUSE SELLER AGENT DESIGNATE Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house seller agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a seller for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the seller with respect to the designated transaction.
6. IN-HOUSE BUYER AGENT DESIGNATE
Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house buyer agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a buyer for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the buyer with respect to the designated transaction.
BUYER AGENT
A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to: Act solely in the best interests of the buyer; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the buyer; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the buyer agent and not known or discoverable by the buyer, unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the buyer agent; Safeguard the buyer’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the buyer’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the buyer for any funds or property of the buyer that comes into the buyer agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a buyer and obtaining a buyer’s written consent, to represent multiple buyers interested in buying the same property or similar properties to properties in which a buyer is interested and to show properties in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, without breaching any obligation to the buyer.
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