SOLD: Settle Ranch | Fay Ranches

SETTLE RANCH

Canyon Creek, Montana

$13,950,000 | 5,967± Acres

Settle Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

INTRODUCTION

Located in the beautiful Canyon Creek Valley lays 5,967± acres of The Settle Ranch. This extraordinary Ranch offers diverse landscapes, including forested mountains, sagebrush hillsides, aspen creek bottoms, irrigated hay fields, and natural grasslands. Located 25± minutes from Helena, Montana’s state capital, the Settle Ranch is a generational working ranch providing excellent wildlife resources, recreation, and natural beauty.

Developed as a traditional Montana cattle ranch, the Settle Ranch improvements comprise multiple residences, historic sheep barns, loafing sheds, and corrals. Two center-pivot irrigation systems support a haying operation that feeds the 400± cow-calf pairs the Ranch maintains. A 4± acre pond, a seasonal creek, and multiple irrigation ditches provide water for agriculture production and recreational use. As a significant winter range habitat, the property maintains a year-round big game presence, specifically elk, whitetail, mule deer, and antelope.

For thousands of years, the Helena Valley has hosted the wanderings of Native Americans, fur trappers, gold prospectors, and homestead farmers. As the Last Chance Gulch gold strike lessened, farms and ranches spread across the fertile Helena Valley.

Centrally located in western Montana, the Settle Ranch provides quick access to a multitude of recreation. Endless acres of public land provide miles of hiking, biking, skiing, and riding access within minutes. In under 45± minutes, anglers and boaters can recreate on the Missouri River, as well as many lakes and creeks. Helena offers museums, theaters, concerts, and an active art scene. The Settle Ranch perfectly combines a traditional working cattle ranch and endless opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation.

QUICK FACTS

• 5,967± acres of diverse landscapes – forests, sagebrush hillsides, grasslands, creek bottoms

• The ranch is not under conservation easement but a prime candidate for implementing a conservation easement

• Year-round elk, whitetail, mule deer, and antelope populations

• Big game winter habitat, specifically elk

• 4± acre pond, creeks, and established irrigation ditches

• Fantastic fishing in the pond

• Pivot and flood irrigated hay fields, about 500± acres

• Supports 400± cow-calf pairs

• Multiple residences

• Historic sheep barns, loafing sheds, and corrals positioned throughout the ranch

• 25± minutes from Helena, Montana

• 15± minutes from Great Divide Ski Area

• 45± minutes from the Missouri River

• Only 20± minutes from Hauser Lake

ACREAGE

The Settle Ranch offers diverse landscapes, including forested mountains, sagebrush hillsides, aspen creek bottoms, irrigated hay fields, and natural grasslands on 5,967± acres. Multiple creeks flow throughout the property, providing ample water and excellent wildlife and aquatic habitat.

IMPROVEMENTS

The main home, constructed in 1990, boasts a spacious 1,752± square foot featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property also includes a conveniently attached two-car garage and a deck that wraps around the house, offering stunning mountain hillside views. Cozy up in the comfortable living room for a relaxing evening.

With deep connections to American history, the property includes the original rancher’s house, two staff housing homes, three grand historic sheep barns, equipment storage, loafing sheds, and corrals.

AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION

Agricultural operations on the Settle Ranch represent a classic, well-rounded Montana cattle operation at an attractive scale.

• 500± acres of irrigated pivot and flood-irrigated hay fields

• Currently, the owner takes one cutting averaging 1600 tons and grazes off the second cutting

• The balance of the ranch is divided into 22 native range pastures, all well-watered

• A total of 6 wells on the ranch

• Multiple developed springs

• The ranch consistently supports 400± cow-calf pairs

• Once supporting sheep operations in the 1950s, the historic ranch compound ensconces a sheltered pocket along Trinity Creek where stock can be efficiently worked and sorted between the timbered foothills and the valley floor

• The ranch offers multiple barns and equipment facilities, including three large historic barns strategically positioned throughout the ranch

• Multiple cattle corral facilities throughout the ranch

• The current owner utilizes these structures for calving and different purposes, making the operation run efficiently

• Complimenting the cattle operations, the ranch’s BLM, Forest Service, and State grazing leases are strategically located southwest of the ranch, and cattle are moved by horseback and four-wheelers to the leased lands atop the continental divide

• The grazing leases are separated into four pastures. They rest one pasture each year

• In addition to the state, BLM, and Forest Service leases, the owners have a private lease supporting 100 of the 400 pairs during summer. This private lease could be continued under the right circumstances

• The ranch has two employees, both live on the ranch

The mix of modern management and traditional practices passed down through generations makes The Settle Ranch efficient and productive while sustainably coexisting in a complex ecosystem.

AREA HISTORY

As legend has it, having spent months looking for gold, four men made camp along a stream in the southwestern corner of the Helena Valley. A little “color” was found, but not enough to stay. After trying other areas, the desperate group returned for one “last chance.” On July 14, 1864, the men found placer gold in the stream they named Last Chance Gulch. By the end of 1860s, over $18 million in gold had been discovered in Helena from Last Change Gulch and other discoveries.

Many small communities sprang up throughout the Helena Valley, including Silver City and Marysville, as miners continued establishing mining strikes. After a contentious duel between Montana Copper Kings, Helena became Montana’s state capital in 1894. The Helena Valley developed into a vital agriculture and commerce hub for Montana, which continues to this day.

Helena, Montana

SPORTING PURSUITS & RECREATION

H unting & W ildlife

With a diverse range of forests, grasslands, and mountainous terrain, the region is home to herds of elk and various wildlife species. The Settle Ranch is a haven for several popular game species, such as elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, black bear, and mountain lion. The property’s location also aligns with the Pacific Flyway, a preferred route for around 350± migratory birds heading south for winter. These birds include Canadian geese, ducks, cranes, and shorebirds.

Photo not taken on property

Settle Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

The 4+/- acre pond is a great place to go wet a line with the potential of catching various trout species. It is common to see the water boiling with fish feeding during the early morning and late afternoon hours.

When the time comes to explore other fishing waters, the Missouri River flows on the eastern side of the Helena Valley. It is well known for its world-class trout fly fishing, particularly for brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat, and brook trout. The lower river is home to a variety of other fish species as well, including walleye, sauger, and catfish. Fishing on the Missouri River near Helena can be good yearround, although the best time to fish for trout is typically from late spring through early fall. Apart from the river, the area also boasts three large reservoirs – Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Lake Dams – providing a wealth of fishing and recreational opportunities.

O t H er r ecreati O n and f amily a dventures

Helena, Montana, located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, provides plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. In addition to hunting and fishing, the area boasts an extensive network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, camping, and backpacking. For water lovers, the Missouri River and Canyon Ferry Lake are ideal for boating enthusiasts. Minutes from the ranch is the Great Divide Ski Area, a local hill perfect for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, and golfers can enjoy multiple golf courses near Helena during the summer months. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616

LOCATION

Helena, Montana’s state capital, is located 25± minutes’ drive from the Ranch and combines an active beat of students, politics, and outdoor activities. Local events occur often and create an ambiance of community— theater and symphony, a jazz festival, concerts, rodeos, race in the Governor’s Cup, and enjoy the largest dog sled race in the lower 48 states. Helena was founded with the July 14, 1864 discovery of gold in Last Chance Gulch by four men known as “The Four Georgians.” By 1888, about 50 millionaires lived in Helena, more per capita than any city worldwide. The State Capital Building (with its distinctive gold rotunda), the Civic Center, and the Saint Helena Cathedral are among Helena’s many unique historic buildings.

Today Helena is a robust home to over 33,000 full-time residents, features quality higher education opportunities at both Carroll College and Helena College, and is the county seat of Lewis and Clark County. The valley includes excellent medical facilities, a regional airport with flights to major hubs for connections to almost anywhere, Montana state offices, Fort Harrison and a Veterans Hospital, and various shopping, restaurants, performing arts, and other amenities. The Helena community features a vibrant and active business atmosphere. It offers a wonderful quality of life to the full-time and parttime residents in the Helena Valley and region.

AIRPORT SERVICES

Helena Regional Airport is located about 25± minutes’ drive from the Ranch. The airport accommodates direct flights to Salt Lake, Seattle, Denver, and Minneapolis via Alaska, Delta, and United Airlines. Exec Air, located in Helena, caters to private aircraft. Additionally, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, approximately 1 hour and 45± minute drive from The Settle Ranch, is the busiest commercial airport in Montana, offering more flight options.

WATER RESOURCES - WATER RIGHTS

Multiple water rights, including domestic wells, will transfer with the property. Available upon request.

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

We at Fay Ranches love the land and want it to remain productive agricultural ground and 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.

SUMMARY

The Settle Ranch is a beautiful 5,967± acre ranch property with robust cattle operations and worldclass outdoor recreation. The Ranch’s location provides significant habitat for big game, including elk, whitetail, mule deer, and antelope. The Ranch is ready for new owners/operators with multiple residences, historic barns, sheds, corrals, irrigation systems, and vast acres. Just 25± minutes away from Helena, Montana’s state capital, the Settle Ranch is easily accessible to town amenities but far enough away to enjoy privacy and the beautiful outdoors.

www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

$13,950,000

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 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.