6 minute read
Clear Branch Ranch
Clear Branch Ranch
3,268 Acres in Coryell County, Texas
PRESENTED BY BURGHER-RAY RANCH GROUP
With abundant, crystalline water, Hill Country beauty and an ideal Central Texas location, the 3,268± acre Clear Branch Ranch is a rarity. As more people discover the majesty of the Lone Star State, ranches of this quality and size are becoming harder and harder to find, especially in proximity to the burgeoning I-35 corridor.
Nestled in Coryell County, one of the state’s most sought-after locales, Clear Branch Ranch, which sits just north of Highway 84 and fronts on County Road 267, offers plentiful elbow room close to the heart of metropolitan Texas. The ranch is minutes from the historic small-town charm of Gatesville, about 30 minutes from Waco, and about two hours from both Austin and Dallas. San Antonio is just under three hours away, while Houston is just over three hours.
The Water
Water is life, enabling agricultural and ecological productivity. On Clear BranchRanch life is good. The ranch takes its name from the Clear Branch of Coryell Creek, which courses through the ranch for 1.5 miles. Both banks lie within the ranch’s boundaries giving completely private access to its clear, liquid bounty and the opportunities it provides.
The creek has been dammed to create a magnificent 35± acre lake, which is an oversized treasure on private land. The lake, which can accommodate anglers casting from a bass boat or fun seekers throwing roostertails with wave runners, has an excellentsubstructure for maintaining an abundant fishery. The lake has been stocked with bass, catfish and perch.
The lake record for bass is almost 12 pounds. According to the owners, it is not uncommon for them and their guests to land up to 20 good size bass on any given afternoon of action-packed angling.
When the creek was dammed, it also created spectacular wetlands habitat adjoining the lake. The wetlands teem with their own unique species including waterfowl. During the season, waterfowl hunting at the convergence of the lake and the creek is superlative.
In addition, waterfowl enthusiasts can set up at one of the 20± stock ponds scattered across the ranch that also attract the migrating birds. Of course, the stock ponds also provide well placed water for livestock and wildlife.
Four water wells support the improvements throughout the ranch.
The Land
Diversity is the watch word at Clear BranchRanch. Within its fence lines, the elevation rises from 779± feet above sea level near the main entrance on the south end to 956± feet on the north end. The changing elevation provides the big, sweeping views that beg to be savored.
True to the character of the Edwards Plateau, the land is marked by tree-covered canyons and massive rock outcroppings. Despite its civilized location, parts of the ranch are accessibly rugged.
Pecan trees line the banks of the creek. The shaded creek bottoms beckon. The dense canopy provides a respite from the sun and the ideal setting for creekside picnics and long afternoons spent splashing in the shallows.
Historically, Clear Branch Ranch has been used as a livestock operation. When conditions are right and the vegetation resources managed properly, the land, which is cross fenced, can carry about 300 momma cows. Over the past decade, the current owners have diversified by high fencing the perimeter and introducing exotic wildlife. Today, cattle and wildlife, including whitetail deer that have been managed with a MLD Level 3permit, thrive side by side.
While there are pockets of improved grasses such as Coastal Bermuda, most of the ranch is native range. Native grass, brush and trees are nature’sbuffet for wildlife. Wildlife gravitates to the thick stands of brush scattered strategically throughout the ranch. The hardy natives also stand the test of Texas’ periodic droughts, providing sustenance for wildlife and livestock in tough times.
The Improvements
The three-bedroom, two-bath main house, built about 10 years ago, epitomizes comfortable, country living. The metal-roofed ranch house is crafted from limestone in the vernacular of the HillCountry. It looks as it were born of land.
High ceilings, plentiful windows and warm wood create a welcoming atmosphere. The living and dining areas are designed for entertaining. A limestone fireplace anchors the living room creating a focal point for gathering. Granite countertops lend their unique, functional beauty to the kitchen.
The ranch’s second home can serve as a home for a full-time manager or as a guest house, depending on the new owner’s needs.
Because Clear Branch Ranch is a working outfit, it features three sets of cattle working pens. One is located on the west side; another is centrally located while the third is on east side. Their strategic locations simplify the process of gathering and working cattle.
Ranch infrastructure is rounded out by two multi-use barns. The barns house equipment, tools and implements.
The Opportunity
As Texas continues to grow, the opportunity to own an oasis of peace, quiet and natural beauty encompassing the size, scope and diversity ofClear Branch Ranch is becoming increasingly rare. Ranches of this quality within an easy drive of major metro areas are rare jewels indeed, especially those that offer equal measures of recreation and productivity.
With abundant water, eye-catching vistas, hardy native range and habitat that supports livestock and wildlife, the Clear Branch Ranch is in a class by itself. Don’t miss the opportunity to claim its unique bounty for yourself, your family—and your future.
3,268 Acres in Coryell County, Texas • Property ID: 12316286
Harlan Ray • 214-908-7770 • HRay@BriggsFreeman.com
David Burgher • 214-213-8715 • DBurgher@BriggsFreeman.com
