PATAGONIA RIVER RANCH PATAGONIA ~ ARGENTINA
”World Class” Trophy Sporting Estancia
Somewhere ~~ Out there ~~ Near 40° South Latitude, There is a very special place…
_____________________ Neuquen Province ~ Patagonia ~ Argentina www.PatagoniaRiverRanch.com
“Every place on earth bespeaks its own rhythm of life. Every locality has its own spirit. There is no accounting for the mysterious magnetism That draws and hold us to that one locality we know as our heart’s home.” ~Frank Water, Mountain Dialogues
A Short Story about... One of the most beautiful places on earth, a little purple berry and an owner’s dream. In 1992 the owners’ visited Patagonia, Argentina for 2 weeks searching for big trout. That visit brought them to the San Martin area and they fished all the rivers in the area ~ and YES, they caught big trout. What they didn’t know at the time was that Patagonia was going to catch them ~ and oh, how it did, and with such conviction, emotion and passion! Hooked to the core.. Longing for adventure off the beaten path, Patagonia would captivate and inspire them to return. Oh, and listen to this... One day their guide said they were going to visit and fish the waters of Estancia Quemquemtreu. To get there from San Martin you had to take the gravel road that goes past the front gate of what is now Patagonia River Ranch. At the time there was just an old rickety wire closure (not even a gate) at the entrance. Nothing to catch their attention. Along the way to Estancia Quemquemtreu they inquired about some bushes growing along the side of the road with little purple berries. Yes, the guide said they were edible and so they stopped to give a try. After eating a handful of those tasty little morsels the guide told them of a Mapuche (indigenous inhabitants) legend. According to legend anyone who partakes of the Calafate Berry will forever return to Patagonia. Need I say more… The owner’s continued to return to Patagonia every year thereafter and soon a dream was born ~ the dream of creating an oasis and sanctuary for the ardent fly fisherman and impassioned adventurer. The search began in 1995 for the right piece of land ~ land that spoke to their heart and soul. In 1996 the land now known as Patagonia River Ranch ~ along that same stretch of gravel road that was traveled on their first visit ~ was offered to them for sale. They quietly walked the property with the owner ~ each knowing in their heart “this was it”. Standing under the giant Silver Poplar tree in what is now the asado area they said “Okie-Dokie” ~ the journey began. The lodge was completed in 1999 and they received their first guest.
Year ~ 1996
This is Big Country ~ Land of the Tango, the Gaucho and Big Trout!
Patagonia, Argentina ~ located in the Southern Hemisphere, is a land of wild open spaces, gin clear waters and kind gentle people. As the first snows begin to fall in North America, summer is just beginning 40° south of the Equator. The Patagonia portion of the Andes includes the southern most provinces of Neuquen, Rio Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego, encompassing a length of over 1,250 miles.
Patagonia River Ranch is located in northern Patagonia in the province of Neuquen. Lying close to the Andes, some eight hundred miles southwest of Buenos Aires, northern Patagonia is a profoundly seductive country of rugged mountains, beech and cypress forests, plains and pristine lakes and rivers. Vast, empty and dramatic, it reminds one of Montana 50 years ago with a bit of Switzerland thrown in. Its two principal population centers are San Carlos de Bariloche, surrounded by lakes and mountains, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, San Martin de los Andes, a charming lake and mountain town reminiscent of Chamonix, France.
Ranch Location Patagonia River Ranch is strategically located between the sleepy fishing village of Junin de los Andes and the vibrant alpine village of San Martin de los Andes. A two hour flight by jet from Buenos Aires delivers you to Chapelco Airport and then a short 25 minute drive puts you at the gate of the ranch. San Martin de los Andes, a 45 minute drive from the ranch, is certainly one of Argentina’s premier resort and vacation communities. Located on the shores of Lacar Lake, within the Lanin National Park, San Martin is a paradise of peace and quietness, immersed in an environment of rivers, waterfalls, mountains and magical forests. The quaint village of Junin de los Andes, a mere 30 minute drive from the ranch, is a small agricultural and ranching community. Considered the fly fishing hub of northern Patagonia, anglers come from all over the world to fish the enchanting waters of this region.
Area Activities From the ranch there are endless opportunities for recreational activities and adventure. Winter offers world-class downhill and cross country skiing from Chapelco Ski Resort located a few kilometers from San Martin. Summer offers a variety of activities including fishing, biking, river/lake tours, hiking, whitewater rafting, climbing, horseback riding, golf and much more. Located midway between the ranch and San Martin is Chapelco Golf Resort. It was the first and most renowned golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus in Latin America: 18 holes ~ Par 72 ~ 7,163 yards.
Area Attractions Villa La Angostura ~ a charming resort town on Lake Nahuel Huapi; it’s known for its mountain-village architecture, first class boutique hotels, cozy restaurants, and artisan shops. The surrounding Nahuel Huapi National Park features Andean Mountain hiking trails, streams ideal for fly fishing, and lakes for a variety of water sports. Nearby, Los Arrayanes National Park is home to forests of centuries-old Arrayan trees. Cerro Bayo Mountain is the local ski area just outside of town. And not to be missed is the magnificent Seven Lakes Drive on the way to San Martin de Los Andes. Approximately 2.5 hour drive to PRR. San Carlos de Bariloche ~ Simply called Bariloche, this delightful city of over one hundred thousand people sits on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and is the focal point of the northern Patagonia region. With its European alpine-style architecture, and chocolate shops on seemingly every corner, Bariloche is often considered the Switzerland of South America. The international airport makes access easy; and with a variety of upscale hotels, lodges and B&Bs, this is the perfect base for summer adventure activities and winter recreation at renowned Catedral Alta Patagonia ski area. Approximately 3 hour drive to PRR. Pucon, Chile ~ Pucón is a town in central Chile's Lake District, lying on Lake Villarrica overlooked by the snow-capped Villarrica volcano. An adventure tourism hub, it's renowned for access to hiking trails, water sports, white-water rafting and kayaking as well as skiing and snowboarding. The surrounding terrain ranges from lakeside beaches to temperate rainforest. Natural hot springs are found in nearby forested valleys. Approximately 3 hour drive from PRR.
The Ranch With over a half mile of river frontage and consisting of approximately 205 hectares/506 acres Patagonia River Ranch is located in the very center of the most prolific 50-mile stretch of fishing water of the Rio Chimehuin. Beautiful tree lined roads, gardens, lavender fields and rose gardens provide an idyllic environment that surrounds the guest facility. The owners have invested significantly in the beautification of the ranch by planting approximately 142,000 trees and over 10,000 shrubs. Numerous intimate trails have been created for the enjoyment of guests, one of which is the fragrant walk through the rose garden. Over 4,000 South American rose bushes adorn the interior of the ranch, including over 100 different species. The vision of the owners was that the lodge, cabins, horse stable and other structures marry with the landscape, achieving an eyepleasing and comforting intimacy with each other ~ as though they had been there a very long time.
A View of the Rio Chimehuin as it flows past the ranch
The ranch’s three vegetable gardens, berry patch and orchard are both beautiful and productive, providing most of the fruits and vegetables used in the kitchen. Guests often enjoy spending hours in these horticultural heavens.
Patagonia River Ranch is fortunate to have one of Argentina’s finest horsemen, Gabriel Gonzalez, to manage the equestrian program.
The Lodge Reflecting old-world Argentinean architecture, the native rock and timber lodge provides an intimate and unique setting from which to experience the surrounding ranch environment. Constructed of native stone and lenga wood, the lodge was designed by a local San Martin de los Andes architect. The main lodge/home was intentionally designed to function as either a guest lodge or as a personal retreat. There are 6 bedrooms, one being the master which occupies the entire upper level. There’s a total of 6.5 baths ~ each bedroom having a private bath with a tub and separate shower. The spacious dining area with its stone fireplace, custom designed stag/iron chandeliers and sconces, wood floors and hand crafted hickory furniture creates a warm and inviting environment to gather and enjoy friends. A classic wine storage room off the kitchen provides space to store a collection of fine Argentine wines. A library stocked with books and cultural artifacts creates a peaceful transition between the great room and guest wing.
The private master suite features a spacious bedroom with stone fireplace, custom designed iron chandelier and sconces and a large walk-through closet. A spa like setting is created in the bath by the use of terrazzo marble flooring, custom vanity a Jacuzzi tub and large shower. Skylights and large windows provide fabulous lighting. All guest bedrooms feature furniture built by local craftsmen specifically for the lodge. Private baths feature tile/marble accents with a separate tub and shower. The unique antique bar was designed by the owner and crafted by local artisans.
The Cuisine Master Chef Claudio Abraham has been the producer of fine Argentine cuisine at the Ranch since the beginning of the operation in 1998. A graduate of the Gato Dumas Cooking School in Buenos Aires, Claudio is one of the finest chefs in all of Argentina. The culinary staff also includes Patricia Dalton, who is the supreme pastry chef and fully accredited sommelier. Her superb dessert offerings and wine selections are the ideal complement to the delicious and creative menu offered every night (including the weekly asado in the outdoor dining area).
Cabins/Barns/Other Structures
Creekside Cottage
See �Detail of Improvements� page for more information.
Honeymoon Cabin
Horse Barn/Stables
Employee Housing
Working Barn
Chef & Guest Cabin
Business Description Patagonia River Ranch is a “world-class” luxury fly fishing and outdoor adventure lodge located on a trophy Patagonia, Argentina property and includes riverfront access to the renowned Rio Chimehuin. Just 25 minutes from the international San Martin de Los Andes Airport. The lodge accommodates 18+ guests in exclusive bedrooms and cabins, all with private baths. These accommodations consist of 5 deluxe guest rooms, Owner’s suite, a Creekside Cabin located adjacent to the rose gardens and the Honeymoon Cabin with a very private setting overlooking the river. The profitable seasonal business includes an exclusive client database, reservation and marketing management systems and turnkey administration. The season operates from early November to mid-April. The ranch and guest business staff is composed entirely of native Argentine personnel, who dedicate themselves to bringing daily pleasure to all who pass through the ranch gate. This unique aspect of the operation assures each guest of receiving a truly memorable cultural experience.
Fishing is an employment for idle time, which is then not idly spent. It rests the mind, cheers the spirits, calms unquiet thoughts, moderates passions, procures contentedness and begets habits of peace and patience in those who practice it.
~ Izaak Walton, 1653
Detail of Improvements The Main Lodge ~ Built 1998-1999. Consists of about 7890 square feet. ▪ Main floor ~ about 5,169 square feet including living room, bar, dining room, 5 guest suites, entry and hallways, kitchen, wine cellar, and kitchen storage. Square footage does not include extensive covered verandah and deck facing manicured lawns and the Rio Chimehuin. ▪ Second floor owners’ suite ~ about 2,075 square feet, with balconies facing the river and the gardens. ▪ Second floor guest suite ~ about 650 square feet. Creekside Cottage ~ about 607 square feet, located on a small creek adjacent to the rose gardens and main lodge; includes private deck, sitting room, bedroom and large bathroom. Honeymoon Cabin ~ about 1,013 square feet. A short walk on lighted pathway from the main lodge, overlooking landscaped lawns and the Rio Chimehuin. Includes private deck, mud room living room/kitchenette, bedroom, spacious bathroom and walk-in closet. Guest Room 9 ~ about 598 square feet, adjacent to the main lodge with private terrace, bedroom and bathroom. Employee Quarters with Bathrooms, Laundry, Bakery, Employee Dining Room ~ about 2,000 square feet, 2 story building across a small parking area from the kitchen of the main lodge. Can house 14-15 employees and includes the lodge managers private quarters. Large Galpon (Machine Shed) ~ about 1,857 square feet. Located near the parking area for ranch vehicles/boats storage and guide’s quarters. A short walk from the main lodge. Contains the ranch generators (main 65 KVA and back-up 47 KVA), electrical systems and is a shop for repairs, maintenance and construction. Small Galpon (Storage Shed) ~ about 395 square feet, located next to the vehicle parking/boat storage area. Storage used by the guides for fishing and boating equipment, accessories and supplies.
Guide Quarters ~ about 600 square feet with beds for 8 guides, bathroom and meeting area.
Irrigation Galpon ~ about 220 square feet, located away from the lodge near the river. Houses the irrigation pumps and equipment. Rose Garden Gazebo ~ about 200 square feet, located in the rose garden with large table and seating and lighting for evening events, wine tasting, etc. Rose Garden ~ about 10,000 square feet, located adjacent to the main lodge featuring approximately 100 different varieties of roses. Organic Gardens ~ located about a 5 minute walk from the main lodge. ▪ Tomato Greenhouse ~ about 650 square feet and heated. ▪ Large Glass Greenhouse ~ about 1,815 square feet. ▪ Large Greenhouse ~ about 1,360 square feet. ▪ Garden Gazebo ~ about 175 square feet. ▪ Garden Office and Storage ~ about 250 square feet. ▪ Hen House ~ about 1,000 square feet. Cultivated Organic Gardens ~ about 174,000 square feet (approximately 4 acres) surrounding the Organic Garden infrastructure including many varieties of vegetables, lettuce, etc., berries, fruit trees, lavender etc. Asador/Parrilla (Outdoor Barbecue Area) ~ about 1,150 square feet, across a small creek from the main lodge. This area is for the weekly guest asado and includes tables and seating, bar, grills, mud oven, etc. Horse Barn and Stables ~ about 2,400 square feet, 2 stories, located near the Organic Gardens. Includes 10 horses and all tack for guest riding. Additional Infrastructure and Improvements ~ the lodge property features almost a 100 kilometers of underground irrigation piping; extensive irrigation system; well; water systems for all lodge, guest and employee buildings; self-contained diesel generators for all power consumed at the lodge; diesel storage tanks; septic systems; satellite TV; wireless internet; phone system; extensive road system from main gate to lodge; pathway systems for guests and employees; foot bridges for guests and employees; 42,000 deciduous trees, and over 100,000 pine siblings planted over the last 10 years.
Offering Price & Sale Conditions Patagonia River Ranch ~ Property consists of approximately 205 hectares/506 acres per current Mensura plan (Property Title Plan), including all improvements and current luxury fly fishing lodge business and equipment is offered at $8,000,000.00 USD Cash under the following conditions: 1) All offers to purchase must be in writing and accompanied by earnest money deposit in the amount of $150,000.00 USD. 2) Each offer must also be accompanied by Purchaser’s name as shown on their passport, passport number with expiration date, DOB, telephone number, email address, and bank references. 3) Earnest money will be held by the Argentine escribano in charge of the sale and title transfer, and will be applied to the deposit for the Compra de Venta (sales contract). 4) Investment Process and Business Structure: Purchasers making an offer, subject to confidentiality, will be able to review the current administration process, operation plan, marketing plan, financials and other pertinent documents. Stephen Vletas (see Stephen’s resume) will be able to provide a thorough explanation of business operations in Argentina; including practical and legal, and an explanation of foreign property ownership. Patagonia River Ranch, S.A. is a corporation which owns 100% of the guest ranch business and all the guest ranch business equipment. Ken Gangwer is the owner of PRR, S.A. The ranch property itself (PRR) is individually owned by Edie Lewis and Ken Gangwer. 5) A Compra de Venta (Sales Contract) will be drawn up upon agreement of all terms by the legal team supervised by Stephen Vletas; and the sale process begins. This Sales Contract is a legally binding sales/transfer document that will be executed in Argentina. Transfer of the PRR S.A. stock will begin at the same time the Sales Contract is signed. Transfer of the ranch property will begin also, and will go through the normal foreign transfer processes in Argentina. Again, Stephen Vletas will explain this in detail, as he has executed over one hundred transactions of this nature in Argentina over the past twelve years.
6) A registered and stamped Compra de Venta is a legal document that is also salable/transferable. Additional documents can also be executed in the United States if required, but this sale takes place solely under Argentine law. 7) Value of Property and Business combined is defined as $8 million total USD
For all information on this offering please contact Richard Lewis- Jackson Hole, Wyoming Phone: 307-690-8855 Email: RichardLewis@JHREA.com
Assets to be Transferred REAL ESTATE: All the property owned by Ken Gangwer and Edie Lewis, including the ranch land of approximately 506 acres. All residential structures including; the Guest Lodge, Guides/Chef Cabin, Honeymoon Cabin, Creekside Cottage, Employee Residences, Bakery, Laundry. Total square footage of these residential structures is approximately 15,000 square feet. Also includes; all ancillary structures including Barn, Shop, Generators, and all infrastructure. All furnishings including fine antiques, original art work, all bedding and linen supplies, all fine dining ware and professional quality kitchenware. The property also has a privately built levee as protection from the river and an extensive irrigation system. A detailed inventory will be provided, and will be attached to the Compra de Venta/Sales Contract. Note: The PRR project was not built on a budget-controlled basis, but built with the goal to create the highest quality product possible, and each year improvements are made with that same goal in mind. GUEST BUSINESS: All fishing equipment and supplies, including fly rods/reels, waders, boots, and rainwear. All camping equipment including tents, cots, sleeping bags, lights and cooking equipment. All rafts including 10 NRS rafts, 1 BIM raft, 2 Avon rafts, all boat frames, 2 Catarafts, all trailers and 9 trucks. A detailed inventory will be provided, and will be attached to the Compra de Venta/Sales Contract. Also included is the existing PRR database, marketing plan, brochures, DVD’s, etc.
PRR Location & Access 45 minutes from San Martin de los Andes 30 minutes from Junin de los Andes 25 minutes from Chapelco Airport 3 hours from Bariloche PRR
4 hours from Neuquen Chapelco/San Martin Airport – daily flights Bariloche Airport – daily flights Neuquen Airport – daily flights