SOLD: Diamond J Ranch | Fay Ranches by Fay Ranches

DIAMOND J RANCH

Ennis, Montana

$7,495,000

160± Acres

INTRODUCTION

Just northwest of Big Sky Resort and only 20± minutes from Ennis lies some of Montana’s most stunningly beautiful land on mountain slopes that lean toward the Madison River. Fay Ranches is privileged to offer this land for sale to a fortunate investor intent on continuing the legacy of conservation and land stewardship established in this valley. Thousands of accessible acres of National Forest land sit to the north and south, and the ranch is contiguous to two conservation easements, adding to the property’s privacy. This area represents an essential component of a critical migration corridor for wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In 1929, Julia Bennett, a dude ranch pioneer, designed and built the Diamond J Ranch with the help of a few local workers. Fred Wilson, known for The Baxter in Bozeman and many other iconic buildings in Southwest Montana, was the architect. Historically run as a summer guest ranch, Diamond J Ranch is a private retreat comprised of rolling hills covered in aspen and evergreens with gorgeous views of 10,000’+ jagged peaks inhabited by elk, moose, bear, and deer. The fenced ranch includes a large old lodge with a commercial kitchen, historic cabins, horse corrals, a barn, outbuildings, a pool and pool house, and an indoor tennis court with the Spanish Peaks and Fan Mountain to the north and southeast and the Madison River Valley to the west. Mill Creek and the fishable Jack Creek merge and run through the ranch, totaling about a mile of creek frontage, with a spring-fed trout pond in the southwest corner. No zoning or conservation easements inhibit the ranch.

1 Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, Montana

QUICK FACTS

• 160± deeded acres historically run as a summer guest ranch

• Historic improvements include a lodge, multiple cabins, an indoor tennis court, a pool/pool house, a horse barn, and a hay barn

• Fiber optic internet was recently run to most structures

• Bordered by multiple conservation easements but not under conservation easement or zoning

• Very close to thousands of acres of National Forest

• Over half a mile of both Mill Creek and fishable Jack Creek

• Large spring-fed trout pond

• World-class deer and elk hunting in a very private basin

• Nestled in the Madison Range, with views of Fan Mountain and the Spanish Peaks, and glimpses of Lone Peak

• 20± minutes to the Madison River

• 20± minutes to Ennis, Montana

• 40± minutes to Big Sky Resort and a little further to Big Sky Town Center if you have a Jack Creek Road right; otherwise, it is a little over a two-hour drive

• 1 hour 30± minutes to Bozeman and its international airport

• 1 hour 30± minutes to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park

ACREAGE

Elevation ranges from 5,720 feet to 6,160 feet. A spring-fed trout pond sits in the southwest corner, about half a mile of fishable Jack Creek runs along the southern border, and about half a mile of Mill Creek runs along the eastern side of the property. The improvements span from the center of the property to the southeast corner where Jack Creek and Mill Creek converge. Over half of the property is forested. To the north lie two neighboring conservation easements that sit between this property and seemingly endless acres of National Forest accessible via the Mill Creek Trailhead for foot and horseback travel. This trail runs past the east side of the property.

3 Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, Montana

HISTORY

In 1929, Julia Bennett, a dude ranch pioneer, designed and built the Diamond J Ranch with the help of a few local workers. Fred Wilson, known for The Baxter in Bozeman and many other iconic buildings in Southwest Montana, was the architect. Over the years, guests at Julia’s Diamond J Ranch included Gary Cooper, two daughters of one of the wealthiest men in the country, the ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, the famed Western explorer, painter, and photographer William Henry Jackson, and others. In 1936, Julia opened the Diamond W Ranch in Tucson, Arizona, and continued to run both ranches until the 1950s, driving her saddles and equipment back and forth. Julia went on month-long hunting trips in the Spanish Peaks every October between ranch seasons with her packhorse and tent, shooting her last elk at age 84.

Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, Montana

Historic photo of Antelope, Honeymoon, Bear, and Deer Cabins (2024 on opposite page)

7 Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, Montana

IMPROVEMENTS

The historic ranch compound is situated to take advantage of incredible views. It includes a lodge, multiple cabins, an indoor tennis court, a pool/pool house, and horse barns. There is plenty of room for all your friends and family! On the east side of Mill Creek you will find:

• LODGE: Built in 1929, the historic lodge includes a commercial-grade kitchen, two dining rooms, a living room with a fireplace, and a half bathroom.

• ELK CABIN: This two-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin built in 1929 features a stone fireplace in each bedroom.

• HILLTOP CABIN: This two-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin has two stone fireplaces.

• ANTELOPE CABIN, DEER CABIN, BEAR CABIN, and HONEYMOON CABIN: Built in 1929, these cabins include a bed, one-bathroom, a living room with stone fireplace, and a porch.

Lodge Lodge

Elk Cabin

Antelope/Deer/Bear/Honeymoon Cabins

Lodge Lodge

Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, Montana

As you move west of Mill Creek you will find:

• COOKIE'S HIDEAWAY: This small cabin includes a bed and electricity but no water.

• MOUNTAIN GOAT CABIN: Built in the mid-1980s, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom log cabin includes a kitchenette, two wood-burning fireplaces, and a wraparound deck.

• CORRAL CABIN: This log cabin includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living area.

• VICTOR'S CABIN: Built in the 1980s, this 3,704± SF, two-bedrooms, 2.5-bathroom cabin includes a full kitchen, two sunrooms, a wraparound deck, three wood-burning fireplaces, and a washer/dryer.

• BRANDING IRON CABIN: This cabin with power has been used as a cozy gathering spot that includes historical pictures and memorabilia, as well as a wood fireplace, but no bathroom or living area. A two-stall storage shed sits next to this cabin.

• CARINA'S CABIN: Built in the 1930s and added onto in the 80s/90s, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom log cabin sits right on Jack Creek and includes a kitchenette with a wood-burning stove and fireplace, as well as baseboard heat.

• BUCK CABIN: This cabin includes a large bunkroom and a bathroom.

• MOOSE CABIN: Built in 1987, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin includes a living room, full kitchen, propane stove, wood fireplace, and washer/dryer, as well as two outbuildings: an office and a shed.

• TROUT CABIN: This one-bedroom, one-bathroom log cabin includes a kitchenette.

Mountain Goat Cabin Mountain Goat Cabin

Corral Cabin & Barn

Moose Cabin

Carina’s Cabin

Branding Iron Cabin

Corral Cabin

Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, Montana

• HORSE BARN & HAY BARN

• POOL AND POOL HOUSE: The ranch boasts an outdoor saltwater pool and hot tub, as well as a pool house built in 2008 with a pump room, bathroom with changing room, and a sauna/spa.

• INDOOR TENNIS COURT

Horse Barn & Hay Barn

Jack Creek

Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, Montana

RECREATION FISHING

Jack Creek drains out of the Madison Range and runs through the property into the Madison River near Ennis Lake. You’ll find rainbow trout mostly, with brookies higher up the drainage.

The Madison River, just 20± minutes west of the ranch, is arguably the most famous fly fishing river in the world due to its early notoriety from such legendary fly fishers as Joe Brooks, Charles Brooks, and Bud Lilly, as well as its scenic beauty and incredible numbers and size of trout. The river begins in Yellowstone National Park at the confluence of the Gibbon and Firehole Rivers and is a productive fishery for its 120-mile length. The Madison combines its flow with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers near Three Forks, Montana, to form the Missouri River. Throughout its length, the Madison changes character from riffle, run, and pool water to turbulent pocket water to a stretch commonly referred to as “the 50-mile riffle.” The Madison is known for its dry fly fishing. From blue-wing olives and midges in the springtime, the salmon fly hatch in June, mayflies, caddis, hoppers, and terrestrials in the summer, and back to blue-wing olives and midges in the fall and winter - throw in some of the best streamer fishing in the state as well as great nymph fishing. You’ve got a river that can provide a lifetime of entertainment for beginners as well as seasoned veterans.

It is difficult to find a location in the American West with more quality fly-fishing options than southwestern Montana. The Gallatin, Beaverhead, Henry’s Fork, Ruby, and Big Hole Rivers are within 30 to 90 minutes of the ranch. The famous Yellowstone River is approximately two hours to the east. Extensive miles of trout streams are also accessible in Yellowstone National Park, only a 90± minute drive south.

HUNTING | WILDLIFE

Located in hunting district 360, the big game hunting on Diamond J Ranch is incredible due to excellent genetics, tremendous habitat, privacy, and a lack of public hunting in the area. The lack of public hunting allows the property owner to manage the elk herd for trophy quality and herd health. The elk on the ranch are very vocal because they aren’t being pressured. Consequently, the elk have an opportunity to develop as mature adult animals into their 5th year and beyond when elk are in their prime. The result is a herd with many elk that would score 350 and above. For many seasoned hunters, the process is the most enjoyable part of hunting. The pursuit of mature bulls of this stature, whether you are successful or not, is the pinnacle of the sport. Doing it in an area where you don’t hear or see another hunter is what hunting dreams are made of. In addition, all sorts of wildlife, such as deer, bears, wolves, mountain lions, moose, mountain goats, and other creatures, frequently travel through the area.

EQUESTRIAN

Diamond J Ranch’s barn and arena make it a breeze to have horses, and the miles of trail on and around the ranch provide endless opportunities for the horse enthusiast. Exploring this scenic property on horseback allows riders to connect with nature while traversing the different terrains this property offers, such as forests, hills, meadows, creeks, and natural springs. Two forest service trials adjacent and down the road provide access to the Spanish Peaks Unit and the Taylor Hilgard Unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness in Gallatin National Forest.

Elk; not taken on property

Moose; not taken on property

Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, Montana

LOCATION

About 20 minutes west of the ranch is the authentic western town of Ennis, Montana (population 1,000±) on the bank of the Madison River, one of the most famous trout fisheries in the U.S. Ennis is a popular destination for avid anglers and local ranchers. The downtown area has a variety of amenities such as fly shops, restaurants, old west saloons, antique shops, and galleries.

Just 45± minutes from the property if you have an existing Jack Creek Road right, Big Sky Mountain Village and Moonlight Basin sit below Lone Peak high in the Rocky Mountains of southwest Montana. Without a Jack Creek Road right, the drive around Ennis and through the Madison Valley will take a little over two hours. Within the resort community of Big Sky (population 2,900±), the Town Center is centrally located about seven miles below Lone Mountain. Spectacular 11,000± foot snow-capped peaks surround the 600± acre walking village. Although the slopes look close enough to touch, they are a few thousand feet above the shops and homes, providing a milder climate with mountain access just minutes away. Amenities in the Town Center include hotels, restaurants, bars, a movie theater, an ice-skating rink, a medical clinic, and more. Music in the Mountains hosts free summer outdoor concerts in the Town Center Park. Bozeman

Diamond J Ranch is about 1.5 hours from Bozeman (population 58,000±), home to Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies. Bozeman has received national accolades for its scenic location, limitless outdoor activities, and historic downtown. Bozeman has become a favorite place for those who love outdoor recreation, whether fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, or hiking.

GETTING THERE

About 35± minutes from the property, Ennis-Big Sky Airport has a 7,600 ft x 100 ft paved runway for private jets. About an hour and a half from the property and just outside of Bozeman is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Jet Blue, Southwest, Sun Country, and United Airlines, with direct flights to and from many cities (www.bozemanairport.com).

Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, 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

This property is not under conservation easement.

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.

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.

SUMMARY

Nestled in a lush natural landscape, the 160± deeded acre Diamond J Ranch is not only a stunningly beautiful and private recreational property but also an excellent real estate investment, a superb elk and deer hunting ranch, and a gathering place for friends and family that could also be used as a guest ranch for income. Just 40± minutes west of Big Sky Resort (possibility to get a Jack Creek Road Right if you are a resident and Madison Valley Ski Club member) and 20± minutes east of the Madison River for trout fishing, proximity to amenities can’t get much better. Water on the property includes two creeks totaling a mile of creek frontage and a spring-fed trout pond. Some properties are meant to be experienced, and this truly is one of those. Pictures can’t capture the tranquility you experience here. Imagine horseback riding, fishing, ATVing, hiking, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing without leaving your property!

Fan Mountain

Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, Montana

Please contact Branif Scott at (406) 579-9599 | bscott@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches, Inc. must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties we have listed, please visit www.fayranches.com.

$7,495,000 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.

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

Diamond J Ranch | Ennis, Montana

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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