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Rocking M Ranch
On The Cover
ROCKING M RANCH
1,438± Acres
Erath County, Texas
Encompassing 1,438± acres in Erath County just 10 miles north of Stephenville, Rocking M Ranch is an equestrianfocused recreational ranch with established hunting and the potential for cattle production. The low-fenced ranch, which has been home to a renowned horse breeding operation for decades, is about 90 minutes from Dallas and 10 minutes closer to Fort Worth.
The rolling terrain belies its location in the northeastern portion of the Edwards Plateau. The elevation ranges from 1,180± to 1,327± feet above sea level and includes hilltops as well as bottomland. With stunning views unfolding in all directions, living and working on the Rocking M is almost like living and working in a painting.
The vegetation reflects the rich diversity of the Cross Timbers eco-region, named by early settlers who encountered large belts of oak forests. The Rocking M includes a mix of cultivated fields, native and improved pastures as well as superlative wildlife habitat. Whitetailed deer, wild turkey, dove and migrating waterfowl are regulars on the ranch.
A great system of gravel roads and wellmaintained trails, suitable for horseback riding, ATVs or hiking, make access to every corner of the ranch easy. And a skeet range with masonry high/low houses and a gun range ensure that everyone’s aim stays true prior to taking the field while providing another activity for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Rough Creek runs through the ranch for almost two miles, providing private frontage on both sides. In addition, there is 3,000± feet of southside frontage on the North Paluxy River. While the creek and river both run seasonally, they are rock-bottomed and almost always have large pools of water along their respective water courses. The average rainfall is 30 inches to 35 inches per year.
When it comes to water, the 8.5± acre lake is arguably the focal point. Anglers can test their skills against the fish lurking in its depths. More than 10 stock ponds are scattered throughout the ranch. Water wells service all the improvements.
The classically designed main house is a study in well-appointed ranch living. Crafted from custom stone, topped with a metal roof and surrounded by deep, covered porches, the home, situated on a hilltop, overlooks the pool, the gardens, the arbor and the stunning viewshed. To make the outside even more inviting, the porches and patios feature stone flooring, and the upstairs sleeping porch is screened.
Inside the house, the foyer and two-story living area set the tone. A double staircase accesses the balcony that is adorned by a custom-railing handcrafted from historic branding irons from iconic Texas ranches. The balcony overlooks the living area with its distinctive two-story, stone fireplace and provides access to three bedrooms and the sleeping porch.
The home also features an open kitchen, wine closet, multiple living areas, mud room and numerous wet bars. Expansive windows throughout illuminate the space, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons people to gather.
The unsurpassed attention to detail continues through the grounds, which are surrounded by a custom iron fence. Stone steps lead from the back of the house through the large, terraced gardens to the cantilevered swimming pool. Well-planned stone paths make enjoying the irrigated gardens and yard “a walk in the park.”
A covered walkway leads to a three-car garage featuring shop offices, a large bunkroom with kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a greenhouse and additional storage.
Two private, three-bedroom guest houses are just a short drive away. Recently renovated, they include large, open kitchens and living areas along with screened porches positioned to showcase the view, two-car garages and impeccable landscaping.
For horse enthusiasts, the equine facilities combine practicality with panache. With its stone exterior and metal roof, the main barn commands attention due a facility with a 40-foot-wide center aisle, 30 oversized stalls, automatic water troughs, a fly control system and covered turnout. The barn also includes an office, breakroom, several tack and feed rooms as well as two indoor and four outdoor wash racks outfitted with hot and cold water.
The stud barn, featuring six oversized stalls with pipe fencing and turnouts, is built from the same stone and metal roofing to create a cohesive feel. A tack room, office, wash rack and feed room round out the structure.
An outdoor arena, round pen, walker, hay shed and equipment barn are in close proximity to the main barn. Twenty turnouts with loafing sheds and no-climb fencing complete the equestrian infrastructure.
For those who demand excellence in all things large and small, the Rocking M Ranch offers the opportunity to own an exceptional equestrian property with established hunting and the potential for livestock production. It’s ranching with a scale and scope that is rare within an easy drive of the metroplex. If you’re looking for a legacy, this where you can build it.
1,438± Acres
Erath County, Texas
Property ID: 15925391
$15,950,000
Burgher-Ray Ranch Group
David Burgher & Harlan Ray, Brokers
415-993-8222
