James River Ranch

James River Ranch

rugged hill country beauty

1,959.63± Acres | Kimble County, Texas

Located on 1,959.63± acres in eastern Kimble County, the James River Ranch provides a secluded haven of peace, quiet and rugged Hill Country beauty that inspires a deep connection with nature. The current iteration, which is about 30 minutes from Harper, was created by combining three separate parcels.

Within the high-fenced boundaries, the topography ranges from jagged limestone cliffs to rolling hills and a fertile river bottom. From the ridge tops, the views encompass the James River valley and far beyond. All-weather roads make every corner of the ranch accessible.

The Water

Both banks of the James River run through about 800 acres of the property, flowing from south to north. In the summer, the yearround river disappears beneath the gravel bottom but never stops flowing. Two dams create two impoundments, measuring 1± acre and 2± acres.

Jim Little Creek enters the property on the far southwest corner coursing through the center of the property before exiting on the north. In the summer, it too disappears, but continues to flow.

Arrowheads and other artifacts of the region’s earliest nomadic residents can be found along the waterways.

An 8± acre lake, fed by groundwater, enhances surface water options. The lake, outfitted with five docks, is stocked with Florida largemouth bass and hybrid striped bass as well as bluegills and hybrid perch.

James River Ranch also boasts 11 wells, three of which are irrigation wells. Twenty-one water troughs have been installed throughout.

The Land and the Wildlife

Cedar has been strategically cleared and managed. Now, it only remains in a 30–40-yard-wide swath around the perimeter ensuring privacy and on the steep slopes where it controls erosion and provides nesting habitat for rare songbirds.

In the cleared areas, native grasses reappeared. Even some of the ridgetops have been cleared and replanted in native grasses and Kleingrass. Several hay fields, watered by sub-surface irrigation, deliver winter feed for the cattle and under good conditions grow a saleable excess.

Live oaks anchor the uplands while native pecan trees shade the James River and Jim Little Creek. Nutritious brush and forbs sustain the wildlife. Eighteen protein feeders supplement nature’s bounty.

The native white-tailed deer population has been managed under an MLDP-3 permit. Hunting has been limited.

Wild turkeys abound. Quail, dove and migrating waterfowl are present. Feral hogs, coyotes, bobcats, ringtails, raccoons, porcupines, foxes and the occasional mountain lion call the ranch home. Every spring bald eagles return.

The Living

The main house, which is about 2,100 square feet, contains two bedrooms, 2.5 baths and two studies that could be used as bedrooms. The “bones” were built in the 1960s and remodeled for the current owners’ use. Updates included adding an expansive, modern kitchen and an inviting wraparound porch, creating an open billiard room above the great room and installing large windows that illuminate the interior.

A large, covered patio connects the bunkhouse to the main house. Designed to give guests privacy, but easy access to the main house, the bunkhouse features two bedrooms each with a private bath.

The main barn features a second-story loft with two private bedrooms and two private baths.

In addition, a historic lodge built from an early schoolhouse sleeps 12. Two private queen suites with private baths that are attached to the lodge by a large, covered patio accommodate six guests. The patio is outfitted with an outdoor kitchen, fireplace and heaters, so the party can continue year-round.

Three small cabins, three hay barns, two equipment barns, two vintage barns, two sets of cattle working pens, two game processing facilities with walk-in coolers and a 400-yard rifle range round out the ranch’s infrastructure.

To experience the James River Ranch for yourself, contact Howard W. Hood at (830) 739-3815.

James River Ranch showcases the Hill Country the way it used to be, offering a peaceful, private retreat where even the sounds of modern living don’t intrude. For those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of 21st century living, the James River Ranch is a rare place where souls can be restored, and memories made.

1,959.63± Acres • Kimble County, Texas • Property ID: 20203973

Howard W. Hood , Broker • 830 739 3815 • Howard@HoodRealEstateInc.com

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