Last Updated on October 4, 2022
Cherokee Springs Ranch is featured in the Fall 2021 issue of Texas LAND magazine. Click here to find out more.
Cherokee Springs Ranch, located between Cherokee and Bend in southeastern San Saba County, is a 1,685± acre wonderland of live water, diverse landscapes, unsurpassed productivity and real Hill Country ranch living.
Water
Coursing through the ranch for 1.75± miles, Cherokee Creek—a pristine, spring-fed, year-round creek—divides the ranch into 700± and 985± acre sections. Unobtrusive man-made dams create stretches of rippling, free-flowing water as well as languid pools and tumbling waterfalls. Enjoy completely private access to the creek within the ranch’s boundaries. Ancient native pecan trees shade the gently sloping banks. Humans, as evidenced by several Indian mounds in proximity to the creek, have long sought out its life-giving bounty.
A three-acre lake, complete with a dock and stocked with bass year-round, is 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 three small stock ponds 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 are 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.
Wildlife & Livestock
For the past 10 years, the abundant wildlife resources—native whitetails, Rio Grande turkeys, feral hogs, doves, ducks and a plethora of non-game species—have 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 remain abundant. 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 two-bedroom, two-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 main house’s garage holds four vehicles, while the casita’s garage holds two. 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 fireplace. There is also a 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.
Infrastructure
The original rough-cut ranch roads have been upgraded, and now all corners of the ranch are accessible by more than nine 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.
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, five 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.
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 Springs Ranch is the real deal—and a rare opportunity to own this much acreage and this much pristine, private live water under one fence.
1,685 Acres in San Saba County, Texas
CherokeeSpringsRanch.com
Contact for More Information
Joe David Yates — Listing Broker • 512-567-3036 • JD@joedavidyates.com
JoeDavidYates.com
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