It all started with a sketch. Before a shovel of dirt had been turned or a stone put in place, the owners of the 45-acre parcel in Lipan, Texas, had an idea of what they wanted to build that would one day be their homestead.
From that sketch, an architect and custom builder made their inspiration and dreams into a reality. Now the home located in Lipan (in Erath County about an hour west of Fort Worth) is a 5,497-square-foot ranch house with six bedrooms, four baths, and is part of a scenic ranch that is now available for sale.
What’s in a Ranch?
We have featured ranches before. Many have been hundreds and thousands of acres in size. According to the all-knowing, all-watching, all-listening Internet, there is no specific size of land that constitutes a ranch versus something smaller. As long as there is enough land to raise and graze livestock and/or raise crops to feed the animals then it can be called a ranch. Therefore, this beautiful 45-acre parcel that has three stock tanks, plenty of coastal grass, a chicken coop with over a hundred chickens, and areas for cows, sheep, goats, horses, and whatever else you might want to raise, is indeed a ranch.
What do You do on a Ranch?
Ranching is not for the faint of heart. Not only did I get the opportunity to put on my boots and kick up some dust while riding Elvis the horse, chase some cows around, and hold a baby goat, but I got to hear how the owners get up early every morning to feed animals, check the coop, plant the coastal grass, keep unwanted animals away from the property, and much more.
However, when that’s all said and done, there is so much to enjoy on this ranch. For starters, this property is located in an area that is so peaceful and quiet. It’s eerie how quiet it can get if you really are paying attention. You can hear the sounds of the wind in the trees, the mulling of the animals, and the splashing of water from the tanks. It’s definitely a place of tranquility where you can be at one with your thoughts.
When there is a gentle breeze, there’s no better place to hang than the porch that surrounds the entire homestead.
If taking it easy isn’t what you’re into and you’re finished with the ranch upkeep, head to the nearby metal garage/workshop/storage unit/home gym. It’s the perfect place and size — measuring 60 by 40 feet — to store farm and ranching equipment, boats, trailers, and off-road vehicles, and upstairs enjoy the fully stocked workout room.
Inside The Ranch Home
Okay so the ranch itself is amazing. Whether wandering around the land, enjoying the quiet, riding the horses around, collecting eggs from the chicken coop, enjoying a siesta on the porch, or pumping some iron, there is plenty to do.
But this is Tarrant County Tuesday (although we are in Erath County), and the hundreds and thousands of rabid readers want to know about the home that began on a napkin and became a reality.
The owners wanted to have a ranch-style home but not give it that cheezy over-the-top Texan look and feel. You all know what I’m talking about, so I’m not going to give specifics, but let’s just say this home has a rustic ranch atmosphere but doesn’t remind you of a Cracker Barrell restaurant.
Knowing one day they would sell their home to another buyer, the owners wanted to give the home a country-style look but also be able to resonate with future owners who might not be from the Lone Star State (we seem to get a lot of those types in Texas these days).
Purposefully Designed
The floors in the spacious open floor plan are wood-looking tile, which is ideal when dusty boots and animals come in and out. The cabinets are all custom designed and built not only with quiet-close doors and drawers but for specific mixers and appliances. The huge kitchen island is topped with concrete counters and has a secret hatch to access the rear of the Wolf range and all the electrical and gas outlets.
From just about every vantage point, you can see through large windows onto the property. Whether enjoying a cup of coffee as the sun rises or a cold beverage as the sun sets, you can do it all from the comfort of your living room.
So many aspects of this home are well thought out. All TVs are built into cabinetry and can be hidden and all wiring for electronic devices have their own nooks so there aren’t any visible wires.
Storage is also a huge asset of this home. All bedrooms have walk-in closets, and one room upstairs is dedicated as a gear storage area — and people who live on ranches have a lot of gear whether it’s 20 pairs of boots and jeans or camo pants and hats.
Beautiful Property
I know there are beautiful parts of every state — well mostly. I know there are breathtaking views in distant lands that would certainly rank higher than in Lipan, Texas — possibly. But it’s my column and my decisions and all I know is that Texas has some beautiful land. Yes, mountains are cool to see and beaches can be quite picturesque as well, but give me a Texas ranch and I’m good.
I’m not talking about when it’s 110 degrees outside with flies and mosquitos and parched earth. When the coastal grass is green, the wind is moving through, and the sky is blue, the ranch life is just the place.
The award-winning, denim-and-diamond-wearing, barrel-roping champion (yes, I said “barrel roping” just to make sure she’s reading this far) of Williams Trew Real Estate, Brittany Jones, has listed the ranch and all the fixin’s at 2600 FM 3208 in Lipan, Texas, for $3.25 million.
Three For The Road
Just to prove what a cowboy I am, no animals were hurt during this photoshoot.
