SOLD: Castle Rock River Ranch | Fay Ranches

CASTLE ROCK RIVER RANCH

Nye, Montana

$2,500,000

54± acres

INTRODUCTION

The 54± deeded acre Castle Rock River Ranch includes about a third of a mile of Stillwater River frontage for trout fishing, pine-covered hills, towering rock formations, and meadows. The property consists of two parcels contiguous to 80± acres of State Land and 680± acres of BLM land. A one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 1,572± SF log and rock main home and onebedroom, one-bathroom, 509± SF log guest cabin sits on the property’s northwest side, right on the river. The property also includes a 30’ x 60’ log and river rock horse barn and stable, a horse shelter, a wood round pen, and four horse pastures, perfect for the equestrian.

Sitting just east of the majestic Beartooth Mountains, the property is just down the road from Custer National Forest, which includes one of the wildest and most beautiful blocks of roadless land in the United States, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, home to Montana’s highest peak, Granite Peak, measuring 12,807± feet. Yellowstone National Park borders the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and extends south beyond Jackson, Wyoming. Encompassing an estimated twenty million acres of some of the wildest country in the world, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the most wildliferich areas on earth. Not surprisingly, hunting in this area is tremendous due to the amount of big game, including very high-quality elk.

1 Castle Rock River Ranch | Nye, Montana

QUICK FACTS

• 54± deeded acres in 2 parcels contiguous to 80± acres of State Land and 680± acres of BLM land

• About a third of a mile of both sides of the Stillwater River

• One bed, one bath, 1,572± SF log and rock home

• One bed, one bath, 509± SF log guest cabin

• Rustic trapper cabin

• 30’x60’ log and river rock horse barn and stable, horse shelter, wood round pen, and four horse pastures

• Less than 30 minutes to Fishtail, MT, and Absarokee, MT

• About an hour to the scenic town of Red Lodge, MT, and a little further to Red Lodge Mountain

• An hour 20± minutes to Billings, MT, and a little further to its commercial airport

• Abundant wildlife including moose, elk, black bear, white-tailed deer, eagles, grouse, sandhill cranes, herons, and turkeys

• Dramatic views of the Beartooth Mountains

ACREAGE

Castle Rock River Ranch comprises 54± diverse deeded acres in two parcels, including four horse pastures. Elevation ranges from 4,680± feet on the north side of the property to 5,180± feet to the south where the land meets BLM. The landscape comprises lush rolling mountain meadows of tall grass and hillsides shrouded with pine trees. About a third of a mile of both sides of the Stillwater River meanders through the ranch, providing an essential habitat requirement for all the diverse wildlife on the property.

Castle Rock River Ranch | Nye, Montana

Castle Rock River Ranch | Nye, Montana

IMPROVEMENTS MAIN HOME

Perched against the stunning backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains, the main home stands as a testament to craftsmanship and history. Originally built over one hundred years ago and used as a residence for a dairy farm, the current owner deconstructed, reclaimed and restored it to its original glory. Now, with 1,572± square feet of living space, every corner of this home is designed to immerse you in the tranquility of Montana’s wilderness. Step inside, and you’re drawn to the inviting warmth of the river rock fireplace. Its crackling flames cast a cozy glow throughout the openconcept living area. Large windows frame breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, inviting the outdoors in. The kitchen, outfitted with modern appliances, offers a perfect space for culinary pursuits. Ascend the stairs to the lofted bedroom, where a large skylight offers a front-row seat to the starlit sky and the rugged beauty of the nearby cliffs. Off the back deck, take in views of the Stillwater River as it flows by. You will find the dairy farm’s historic residence’s slab concrete foundation outside the main home. This is a place to gather and dine while looking out at the river. The original fireplace produces enough heat to warm you during cool Montana evenings. While sharing stories of today’s adventures, one can’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to the land and its storied past.

Castle Rock River Ranch | Nye, Montana

GUEST CABIN

Just a stone’s throw away from the main residence, perched near the banks of the Stillwater River, sits a quaint log guest cabin offering cozy comfort in a serene setting. This structure was also discovered on the property, deconstructed, restored, and transported to its current location. With one bedroom, one bathroom, and 509± square feet of living space, this charming cabin serves as the perfect retreat for guests.

GARAGE/SHOP

A detached three-car garage sits just beyond the guest cabin, with plenty of room for vehicles, equipment, and storage. The large horse stall within the garage offers convenience for horse owners, allowing them to tend to horses in a separate location from the nearby stables. Additionally, having a shop space means space for tools, maintenance equipment, and space to work on projects.

TRAPPER’S CABIN

Nestled amongst the towering cottonwood trees and overlooking the tranquil waters of the Stillwater River, the rustic trapper’s cabin embodies the essence of Montana’s rugged wilderness.

TACK BARN

The tack barn, designed with four horse stalls, ample storage, and tailored for breeding and training cutting horses, would be a superb asset for any equestrian enthusiast. Each stall offers comfort and safety for the horses, with features such as proper ventilation, sturdy construction, and easy access to water and feed. The storage area is crucial for keeping tack, saddles, and other equipment organized and readily accessible, streamlining the care and management of the horses.

OTHER OUTBUILDINGS

• 30’ x 60’ log and river rock horse barn and stable

• Horse shelter

• Wood round pen

• Covered hay storage

• Four horse pastures

9 Castle Rock River Ranch | Nye, Montana

RECREATION

FISHING

The Stillwater River, both sides of which flow through the property for about a third of a mile, begins in the Beartooth Mountains and joins the Yellowstone River in Columbus, Montana. This beautiful and wild river is a dry fly fishing river, and fishing this pocket water stream with a big hopper or stonefly pattern can be excellent with strong, fighting cutthroats, rainbows, brook trout, and brown trout averaging 10-16″, though fish up to 22″ are possible. Some of the best fishing holes on the Stillwater River are right in front of the cabins.

East Rosebud Creek and West Rosebud Creek, renowned for fly-fishing, are about a half-hour from the property. Not far from Castle Rock River Ranch, Yellowstone National Park is a favorite for wildlife viewing and photography, fly fishing, and the wonders of nature found nowhere else in the world.

HUNTING | WILDLIFE

Located in Hunting Districts 575 and 525, wildlife viewing and hunting on the ranch and the contiguous public land is tremendous. Trophy elk hunting is the main draw, but moose, black bear, white-tailed deer, eagles, grouse, sandhill cranes, herons, and turkeys also frequent the property. Castle Rock River Ranch is just down the road from some of the most beautiful and pristine mountain wilderness, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, a trail riding and hiking paradise. Winter in the area offers superb snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Red Lodge Mountain is a little over an hour away for downhill ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Summer activities include hiking, 4-wheeling, and horseback riding on the ranch and nearby public land.

Mule deer on property Elk on property

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Castle Rock River Ranch | Nye, Montana

LOCATION

Castle Rock River Ranch is a little less than 1.5± hours from Montana’s largest city, Billings (population 122,700±), and its commercial airport. The ranch is easily accessed via paved highway and maintained gravel county roads. Fishtail, MT (population 100±), less than 30 minutes east of the ranch, is the nearest small town, offering groceries and other necessities. The same distance away is Absarokee (population 690±), a scenic and small community that serves as a gateway to many recreational activities.

The ranch has incredible views of the mountainous terrain and the “Beartooth Front,” considered one of the state’s most desirable and sought-after regions. The Beartooth Front is bounded by Red Lodge and Rock Creek Canyon to the east, Nye and Stillwater Canyon to the west, and the massive Beartooth Plateau forming the southern boundary.

Red Lodge (population 2,750±), about an hour from the ranch, boasts a variety of historic buildings now used as art galleries, restaurants, and shops. The famed Pollard Hotel is steeped in history with a guest list that included Buffalo Bill Cody and Calamity Jane. The Beartooth Highway, a National Scenic Byway, is a 3± hour drive and encompasses 68± miles of beautiful scenery. Ski and snowboard at one of Montana’s best ski/snowboard areas, Red Lodge Mountain.

GETTING THERE

Woltermann Memorial Airport in Columbus supports private planes and is about 45 minutes from the ranch. The paved runway is 3,800 x 75 feet.

About an hour away, Red Lodge Airport supports private planes with a paved 4,000 x 75-foot runway.

The closest commercial airport to Castle Rock River Ranch is the Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), about 1.5± hours from the ranch. The airport is served by United, Cape Air, Delta, Alaska, American Airlines, and Allegiant.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is about two hours and 20 minutes to the west. It is served by Alaska, Allegiant, American Airlines, Avelo, Delta, Jet Blue, Southwest, Suncountry Airlines, and United.

Castle Rock River Ranch | Nye, Montana

Castle Rock River Ranch | Nye, Montana

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.

CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP

Each of us at Fay 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 has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay 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.

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www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

WATER RIGHTS

Montana waters, in all their varied forms and locations, belong to the State for the benefit of its people. A water right is the right to use the water within state-established guidelines, and not any ownership of the water itself. Since water rights in Montana are guided by the prior appropriation doctrine, a person’s right to use a specific quantity of water depends on when the use of water began, establishing the relative priority date of use on the water source. The first person to use water from a source established the first right, the second person could establish a right to the water that was left, and so on. Additionally, water users are limited to the amount of water that can be beneficially used. Beneficial use includes, but is not limited to, agricultural, recreational, fish, wildlife and domestic purposes.

Montana is currently conducting a statewide adjudication of all water rights with priority dates prior to July 1, 1973. The statewide adjudication is a court process that prioritizes and quantifies all existing water rights in each Montana drainage basin. With 85 basins in Montana, and over 219,000 water right claims, the statewide adjudication is a massive undertaking that is expected to stretch well into the future. Until the adjudication process is complete, the status of any particular water right claim cannot be guaranteed. Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons do not warrant or make any representation concerning the quantity or quality of any water rights, nor any legal entitlement to use of water rights, permits to appropriate water, exempt existing rights, determination of existing water rights, nor any ditches, ditch rights, or ditch easements appurtenant to or constituting a burden on the property. Water rights claims appurtenant to the property may or may not have been fully or finally adjudicated, and any Buyer is advised to make any offer to purchase contingent upon and subject to such independent inspections, evaluations, and advice concerning the water rights and adjudication process as a Buyer might deem prudent. All Buyers should be aware that Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons involved in this offering have not conducted an expert inspection or analysis of the water rights for this property. 17 Castle Rock River Ranch | Nye, Montana

SUMMARY

Castle Rock River Ranch is one the most desirable properties offered for sale along Montana’s coveted “Beartooth Front.” The ranch sits next to BLM and State land, providing direct access to hundreds of acres of pristine wilderness, plus unparalleled views of 12,000± foot snowcapped peaks, whose heavily timbered slopes run down to meet the surrounding valley. To the north, take in 100+ mile views of the vast western landscape and Montana’s legendary “Big Sky.” Lush mountain meadows, aspens, conifers, and almost a third of a mile of the Stillwater River make this a unique property.

Enjoy world-class elk hunting across the river on the ranch and contiguous public lands. This property feels very private yet is only 1.5± hours from Billings-Logan International Airport, allowing easy access to and from the property. Whether seeking a tranquil retreat or a basecamp for outdoor adventures, this Montana masterpiece offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of Big Sky Country. With its picturesque setting, this piece of history is more than just a residence—it’s a sanctuary.

Castle Rock River Ranch | Nye, Montana

Please contact Branif Scott at (406) 579-9599 | bscott@fayranches.com or Will Brunner at (406) 209-1225 | will@bigskysir.com to schedule a showing. This is a co-listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. or Big Sky Sotheby’s must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.

$2,500,000 Cash

Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange

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 veracity of 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.

2. 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.

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.

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