6 minute read
Lake Monticello
LAKE MONTICELLO
5,700± Acres in Titus County, Texas
PRESENTED BY HORTENSTINE RANCH COMPANY
5,700± ACRES
Mount Pleasant, Titus County, Texas
$131,100,000
Lake Monticello, one of the state’s largest privately owned lakes encompassing 2,001± acres, lies in the heart of a 5,700± acre blank canvas of opportunity in Titus County near Mount Pleasant, Texas.
The exceptional offering is two hours east of downtown Dallas and one hour west of Texarkana. The property, which has at least 18 access points from six different roadways, is just three miles from I-30 and is adjacent to a rail line.
In addition to 17± miles of undeveloped shoreline, including 7.69± miles that could potentially be developed on Lake Monticello, the one-of-a-kind property also provides an additional 1.24± miles of frontage on Lake Bob Sandlin. No other property in the region offers access to both iconic lakes.
THE LAND
The property is an unparalleled mix of surface water and productive woodland habitat. The property includes Lake Monticello (2,001± acres), Trophy Bass Lake (66± acres) and 1,043± acres along with award-winning reclamation land (2,590± acres). The reclamation land features 18 smaller lakes, ranging in size from 1± acre to 43± acres, that deliver almost 222± acres of additional recreational opportunities.
The terrain, undergirded by sandy loam, is classic Piney Woods featuring gradual elevation changes and crisscrossed by meandering creeks and drainages. On the north side of Lake Monticello, a year-round wetland attracts wintering waterfowl. The pocket of rich biodiversity supports cattails, bulrush, smartweed and water lilies, which create a haven for birds, turtles, frogs and other water-loving creatures.
Lake Monticello is surrounded by mature hardwoods including oak, hickory, pine and maple. Native grasses thrive on the dam’s upstream and downstream embankments.
The prize-winning reclamation areas were designed to create a diverse assortment of ecosystems across the property. A variety of hardwoods have been planted so they provide contiguous wildlife corridors, while loblolly pines were planted in the uplands to deliver an infusion of income in the future.
THE WATER
Locals call the area Tri-Lakes. Lake Bob Sandlin, which spans 9,000± surface acres, sits adjacent and downstream from Lake Monticello. Lake Cypress Springs is approximately six miles southwest of Lake Monticello. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, covering almost 640 acres, is nestled between Lake Monticello and Lake Cypress Springs, further enhancing the area’s recreational appeal and options.
Lake Monticello, opened to the public from 1973–2019, sits in the Cypress River Basin and is fed by Smith and Blundell creeks. The lake, estimated to be 38-40 feet at its deepest points, is renowned for exceptional fishing, but is beloved for swimming, water skiing, kayaking and other water sports. Currently, the lake has one functional boat ramp with paved turnaround access, a large parking area and two floating docks.
The Trophy Bass Lake (Discharge Channel), which measures an impressive 66± acres, is connected to Lake Monticello by a concrete dam. The dam sits at a higher elevation than Lake Monticello and provides two distinct bodies of water with the main lake’s drainage basin. The Trophy Bass Lake could be managed for trophy bass separately because water flows out of it into Lake Monticello.
The reclamation land features 18 smaller lakes, ranging in size from 1± acre to 43± acres, that deliver almost 222± acres of additional recreational opportunities.
In addition to providing a recreational oasis, the property boasts impressive water rights—an extremely valuable asset in modern Texas. The owner was granted a Certificate of Adjudication which authorizes the maintenance of the existing dam and reservoir and impound therein not to exceed 40,100 acre-feet of water. The owner is also authorized to divert 15,300 acre-feet of water per annum for industrial, municipal, agricultural and recreational use from the aforementioned reservoir. Additional water rights may be available for purchase.
Monticello Dam is south of the convergence of Blundell and Smith creeks in the Cypress Creek Basin. The zoned earthen embankment, which measures 3,215 feet long, maintains a Low Hazard classification by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Freese and Nichols completed a dam inspection in December 2023 and the full report is available to pre-qualified buyers on request. According to the report, Monticello Dam is classified as a Large Dam because its capacity exceeds 50,000-acre feet. Per the Freese and Nichols’ report, the dam has a Conservation Pool Capacity of 40,100-acre feet and a Crest of Dam Capacity of 69,100-acre feet.
THE WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
From its inception, Lake Monticello has been a destination for anglers, and through time has developed a reputation for yielding exceptional trophy bass. The lake record bass weighed 14.09 pounds. The array of sought-after sport fish species includes largemouth bass, sand bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish and crappie.
The structural habitat is comprised of underwater roadbeds and bridges, humps, rip rap, inundated timber, brush and creek channels. The aquatic vegetation consists of hydrilla, pond weed, lily pads and other desirable aquatic plants that provide ample cover for the sport fish and the bait fish.
Wildlife thrives in the superlative, diverse habitat that characterizes the property. White-tailed deer, wild hogs, armadillos, raccoons, rabbits, river otters, beavers, foxes, bobcats, coyotes and squirrels all call the land home. The diverse habitat also attracts a multitude of birds including great horned owls, robins, cardinals, herons, songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl. Despite abundant wildlife populations, no hunting has been allowed in the past 40 years, but that could be easily changed.
In addition to providing outstanding habitat, the landscape and waterways are the perfect backdrops for outdoor adventures. Explorers can hike, bike, ride horses or ATVs. The quiet spaces encourage nature studies and bird watching. Water lovers can enjoy angling, kayaking, canoeing and water skiing. Camping, either in tents or RVs, is an option.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The absence of any major structural improvements means the property’s future is limited only by the new owner’s imagination.
Utilities are easily accessible. Transmission lines traverse the property, and power is provided by the Bowie Cass Co-op and the Wood County Co-op. Water is delivered by the Tri Special Utility District.
The adjacent railroad can connect to the Union Pacific, Blackland Prairie and Kansas City Southern main lines, opening the possibility of industrial enterprises.
Four airports—Mount Pleasant Regional, Sulphur Springs Municipal, Texarkana Regional and Dallas-Fort Worth—are within easy driving distance.
Today, it would be virtually impossible to build a private lake the size and scope of Lake Monticello, so it is indeed a rare, multi-faceted jewel. Whether the new owner wants to burnish its potential as a private recreational haven, a luxurious waterfront resort, a commercial enterprise with an industrial component or an exclusive residential enclave, the property is a treasure waiting to be claimed.
Whether the new owner wants to burnish its potential as a private recreational haven, a luxurious waterfront resort, a commercial enterprise or an exclusive residential enclave, the property is a treasure waiting to be claimed.
Find Out More
Lake Monticello here
Cash McWhorter, Broker
469-222-4076
