Last Updated on December 6, 2023
Colorado River Ranch is featured in the Winter 2023 issue of Texas LAND magazine. Click here to find out more.
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. 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 hunting operation. The ranch’s majestic, gated entrance, which fronts on 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 cleared, is a mixture of open range and native trees, brush and forbs. As is characteristic of the Hill Country, the elevation changes and rises about 300 feet within the ranch, which is marked by craggy hills, eye-catching outcrops and stunning bluffs that overlook its namesake Colorado River.
The Colorado borders the ranch for 2.5± miles, all of which is easily accessible; some portions provide exceptional views from 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 to supply water for wildlife throughout the ranch. The ranch boasts seven electric and solar-powered water wells.
Obviously, water is the lifeblood of a ranch, especially one that supports a host of wildlife. Once set up as an elite white-tailed breeding business, the ranch is home to genetically superior, now free-ranging whitetails that show the results of the $8 million investment in the herd. It is not uncommon to see 200″ deer and 300″ deer are occasionally spotted. The custom-designed breeding facilities are insulated, climate-controlled and outfitted with electricity and water. The infrastructure is in excellent condition, so the business could be renewed with little effort if the new owners so choose.
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 exotic herd adds value to the ranch and 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.
A custom exotic package can be tailored to fit the new buyer’s desires, if needed. The broker can provide additional details about the offering.
“This ranch features two and a half miles of accessible Colorado River Frontage.”
Living
The homes of 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. For instance, 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. The floor plan includes several, well-placed gathering areas that overlook scenic vistas that seem to unfold forever. 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 large 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, 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 20’ x 20’ gun safe room.
Infrastructure
The ranch is outfitted with a complement of outbuildings that include 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. Contact the broker for more details.
Opportunity
With its size, accessibility, abundant water, superlative wildlife and infrastructure that provides exceptional living, the Colorado River Ranch is one of a kind. The opportunities that lie within its fences are endless.
3,304± Acres
Lampassas County, Texas
$60,000,000
TT Ranch Group
(214)718-2800 • Tyler@TTRanchGroup.com
TTRANCHGROUP.COM