SOLD: Buffalo Jump Equestrian Estate | Fay Ranches

BUFFALO JUMP EQUESTRIAN ESTATE

Three Forks, Montana

$6,900,000 | 250± Acres

INTRODUCTION

Standing among ancient Native American buffalo jumps in one of Montana’s most historic and iconic settings, Buffalo Jump Equestrian Estate dramatically frames the distant Spanish Peaks while quietly perched above the world-famous Madison River below. The ranch, consisting of roughly 250± acres of blufftop irrigated pastures, is home to one of Montana’s most impressive equestrian estates. Developed nearly a half-century ago by visionaries of their time, the ranch’s equestrian compound boasts facilities to be admired by elite horse breeders and the most serious horse trainers. A nearly 30,000± square foot heated indoor arena provides horsemen ample space to work year-round in any discipline of the equestrian arts.

The estate’s centerpiece is the timeless 40-stall stable fully outfitted with equipment shops, vet rooms, and multiple staff housing units. The newly renovated stud barn stands separately, rounding out the compound with modern living quarters just far enough away from the action. With the current ongoing renovation, Buffalo Jump Equestrian Estate reveals a sense of permanence seldom found on other equestrian estates. With no expense spared, the grounds are thoughtfully divided with the highest-end fencing and designed to modern bison management standards. Buried irrigation runs throughout each paddock, and the automatic pivot irrigation supplements operations with onsite hay production.

Along with the corrals and outdoor arenas, the livestock sorting facilities are state-of-the-art and the standard by which all else is measured. In addition to the ranch’s equestrian prowess, the Madison River, including an 18± acre wooded private island, forms the eastern boundary of the ranch, counting the ranch among premium fishing properties of Southwest Montana. Located just a short 15± minute drive from Three Forks and a 30± minute from the vibrant University town of Bozeman, the ranch is conveniently close to amenities but far enough away to enjoy privacy.

QUICK FACTS

• 250± deeded acres

• 1± mile of riverfront property on the Madison River with 18± acre deeded private island

• Well-managed steel pipe corral system with paddocks and fencing throughout the property

• 30,000± square foot heated indoor arena. 40± stall main stables and separate stud barn

• Multiple guest quarters and offices for staff, business activities, and guests

• Buried paddock irrigation with an additional 30± acre pivot

• Dramatic views of the Spanish Peaks Mountain Range, high limestone cliffs of the Madison Range, and the tip of the peaks of the Tobacco Root Mountain Range

• 15± minute drive from Three Forks, Montana

• 30± minute drive from Bozeman, Montana

• Abundant wildlife habitat, attracting a wealth of waterfowl and other wildlife

IMPROVEMENTS

I ndoor A ren A

A 30,000± square foot heated indoor arena anchors the compound with voluminous space and meaningful features savvy operators appreciate. Stalls, vet room, and tack room complement the arena space, fully outfitted with chutes and alleys expected of the most efficient facilities. Excellent hay and equipment storage flank the arena undercover, and the attached living quarters and office ensure the arena can be managed at the highest level. Located at the north end of the property, the arena is surrounded by a full suite of corrals, outdoor arenas, semi and RV parking, and livestock stock sorting infrastructure suitable for hosting big events.

The ranch manager’s home attached to the indoor arena is complete with a four-bedroom, two-and-ahalf bathroom.

Indoor Arena

Centering the compound, the nearly 9,000± square foot main stables consist of 40± horse stalls. Lofted hay storage provides direct feeding to each 14 feet by 14 feet stall from above, and the generous aisles lend luxurious right-of-way for horse movement through the facilities in all directions. Shop space, staff quarters, and main office are all attached and awaiting this once bustling barn to be returned to its full glory.

Main Stables

Main Stables

Connected to the main stables on the facility’s east side is the guest house, with a two-bedroom, twoand-a-half bathroom, a workout area, and a two-car garage. On the west side of the main stables is a twobedroom, one-bathroom upstairs apartment with a studio and an office on the ground floor.

Studio and Office Entrance

Guest House

Guest House Kitchen Office

The 3,000± square foot stud barn has an additional 7± stalls. Fully renovated, the integrated threebedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom apartment offers high-end comfort and inspiring space. Capable of various uses, the stud barn provides a practical housing solution for a new owner while a new vision for the estate is being contemplated.

Located on arguably the best homesite on the lower Madison River, a 9,300± square foot primary residence is amidst total renovation. Down to the studs, a new owner can either revive the once-grand home or start over from scratch.

Stud Barn and Apartment

Main Homesite

Stud Barn Horse Stall Apartment Kitchen

AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS

The majority of the ranch consists of irrigated pasture ground divided into rotational paddocks. The grounds can support all classes of livestock, especially bison, making the ranch suitable for safely managing many different types of livestock simultaneously. A newly constructed 30± acre pivot helps provide operations supplemental feed.

LOCATION

t H ree F ork S

The small, historic town of Three Forks is about 15± minutes from the property. With a population of 2,000± people, Three Forks offers a variety of amenities. The historic Sacajawea Hotel was constructed in 1910 and now offers fine dining and overnight accommodations in an elegant atmosphere. The Headwaters Public Golf Course features a 9-hole course adjacent to town. Three Forks also provides medical facilities, a private airport, a library, grocery store, coffee shop museum, florist, tackle shop, and numerous places to dine, shop, and swap stories over a cold beverage.

b oze MA n

The property is a 40± minute drive from the vibrant university town of Bozeman (population 56,000±), home to Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies. Bozeman has received national accolades for its scenic location, endless outdoor activities, and historic downtown. Bozeman restaurants and shops have become favorite places for those who love nature—whether fishing, hunting, skiing, mountain biking, or hiking.

AIRPORT SERVICES

Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport is the transportation hub for southwest Montana and is located only 30± minutes from the property. It is serviced by numerous daily flights from Delta, United, American, Alaska, Allegiant, Avelo, Frontier, Jet Blue, Southwest, Sun Country, and Jet Suite. The airport also caters to corporate and private aircraft and provides hangar rentals.

RECREATION

In addition to horse activities, the 1± mile of the Madison River borders the property, making Buffalo Jump Equestrian Estate a formidable fishing property.

Located north of the Cobblestone Fishing Access Site, this section offers deep, slow holes along braided side channels and islands, providing diverse fishing opportunities. Multiple braids and islands create a wetland paradise ideal for wade anglers. Large brown and rainbow trout swim in these waters with the chance to hook a fish in the 6 to 8-pound class. It is common to see mature brown trout cleaning up gravel inside channels during the fall months to complete their annual spawn. In the spring, large rainbows follow suit. Finding a location where you have more quality fishing options would not be easy.

The Gallatin, Yellowstone, Jefferson, and upper portions of the Madison River are located within 15 to 60 minutes and are some of the world’s most famous fly-fishing rivers. These rivers are known for their dry fly fishing. Throw in some of the best streamer fishing in the State, as well as excellent nymph fishing, and you’ve got a variety of rivers that can provide a lifetime of entertainment. There are fish in these rivers that can exceed 24± inches.

Other world-class fishing rivers within 1 to 1.5 hours from the property are the Ruby, Big Hole, Missouri, and Beaverhead Rivers. Several world-class “fee” spring creek fisheries are also close. About 60 miles over the hill in Paradise Valley, the Yellowstone River and Depuy, Armstrong, and Nelson spring creeks attract anglers. Several tributaries, spring creeks, and mountain lakes in the area will also become known to you. A 2± hour’s drive will put you into the Henry’s Fork watershed in Idaho or the center of Yellowstone National Park. The Park is where many of these famous rivers originate. Its nutrient-rich waters are why the greater Yellowstone region is one of the best areas in North America for catching trophy trout. The vastness of this area can occupy an angler for a lifetime.

Because of all the fabulous water amenities and lack of development, wildlife thrives in the lower Madison Valley. For the waterfowl hunter, hunting opportunities are everywhere. The Madison River supports local varieties of nesting waterfowl. White-tailed and mule deer tend to congregate along the river bottom during the day and head into the valley in the afternoons to feed on native grasses. Elk congregate near the river as well as the surrounding hillsides.

Upland bird populations are substantial in the valley due to the agricultural operations in the area and ample amounts of water and food plots. Hungarian partridges are common, as well as a few pheasants. The property is a small slice of a true sportsman’s paradise.

S k II ng & S no W bo A rd I ng

Big Sky Resort/Moonlight Basin, the Yellowstone Club, and Spanish Peaks Mountain Club are located a little over an hour from the property and boast world-class snowboarding and skiing options. Bridger Bowl Ski Area is also about an hour away and offers a more local atmosphere. The ranch’s proximity to Bozeman, multiple ski areas, and endless recreation opportunities make this an ideal location.

CONSERVATION / STEWARDSHIP

Each of us at Fay Ranches loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay Ranches has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay Ranches is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.

MINERAL RIGHTS

All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the Seller will convey to the Buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the Buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.

$6,900,000

Cash

Please contact James Esperti at (406) 581-4795 | jesperti@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com .

PRICE TERMS CONTACT NOTICE

Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.

RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE

As required by Montana law, a broker or salesperson shall disclose the existence and nature of relevant agency or other relationships to the parties to a real estate transaction. The various relationships and description of duties are as follows:

1. SELLER AGENT

A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:

• Act solely in the best interests of the seller;

• Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the seller;

• Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the seller agent and not known or discoverable by the seller unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the seller agent;

• Safeguard the seller’s confidences;

• Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the seller’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement;

• Fully account to the seller for any funds or property of the seller that comes into the seller agent’s possession; and

• Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

• Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a seller and obtaining a seller’s written consent, to represent multiple sellers of property and to list properties for sale that may compete with the seller’s property, without breaching any obligation to the seller.

A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:

• Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the seller agent, except that the seller agent is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller;

• Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent when the seller agent has no personal knowledge of the veracityof information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property;

• Act in good faith with a buyer and a buyer agent; and

• Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

BUYER AGENT

A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:

• Act solely in the best interests of the buyer;

• Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the buyer;

• Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the buyer agent and not known or discoverable by the buyer, unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the buyer agent;

• Safeguard the buyer’s confidences;

• Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the buyer’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement;

• Fully account to the buyer for any funds or property of the buyer that comes into the buyer agent’s possession; and

• Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a buyer and obtaining a buyer’s written consent, to represent multiple buyers interested in buying the same property or similar properties to properties in which a buyer is interested and to show properties in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, without breaching any obligation to the buyer.

BUYER AGENT (cont)

A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:

• Disclose any adverse material facts that are known to the buyer agent and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer;

• Disclose to the seller or the seller agent when the buyer agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property;

• Act in good faith with a seller and a seller agent; and

• Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

3. DUAL AGENCY If a seller agent is also representing a buyer, or a buyer agent is also representing a seller with regard to a property, then a dual agency relationship may be established. In a dual agency relationship, the dual agent is equally obligated to both the seller and the buyer. These obligations may prohibit the dual agent from advocating exclusively on behalf of the seller or buyer and may limit the depth and degree of representation that you receive. A broker or a salesperson may not act as a dual agent without the signed, written consent of both the seller and the buyer.

A “Dual Agent” is obligated to a Seller in the same manner as a seller agent and is obligated to a Buyer in the same manner as a buyer agent, except a dual agent:

• Has a duty to disclose to a buyer or seller any adverse material facts that are known to the dual agent regardless of any confidentiality considerations; and

• May not disclose the following information without the written consent of the person to whom the information is confidential;

• The fact that the buyer is willing to pay more than the offered purchase price;

• The fact that the seller is willing to accept less than the purchase price that the seller is asking for the property;

• Factors motivating either party to buy or sell; and

• Any information that a party indicates in writing to the dual agent is to be kept confidential.

4. STATUTORY BROKER

A “Statutory Broker” is not the agent of the Buyer or Seller but nevertheless is obligated to them to:

• Disclose to: i. a buyer or buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the statutory broker, except that the statutory broker is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; and

• ii. a seller or a seller agent any adverse material facts that are known to the statutory broker and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer;

• Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in putting together a real estate transaction, and

• Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

5. IN-HOUSE SELLER AGENT DESIGNATE Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house seller agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a seller for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the seller with respect to the designated transaction.

6. IN-HOUSE BUYER AGENT DESIGNATE Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house buyer agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a buyer for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the buyer with respect to the designated transaction.