Naughty. Nice. We won’t ask. But for anyone on your list who needs something extraordinary, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty has just the thing. There is nothing like the luxury of land — and all the big skies and big living that come with it. The brokerage has a special ranch-and-land division that deals in luxury ranch real estate both big and small — from suburban equestrian estates to giant spreads all over Texas, Oklahoma, Mexico, and more — and from weekend getaways to hard-working, income-producing properties.
Here, we’ve rounded up just some of the spectacular luxury ranch and country offerings available from Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. There is something for every gift-giver’s budget, too, from $2-plus million all the way up to $60 million.
Trust us: Giving one of these rarefied ranches is going to make someone very, very happy this year. And the next. And the next. And the …
Lampasas, Texas — Colorado River Ranch
This spread is a 3,304+/- acre oasis in the famed Texas Hill Country. In legendary Lampasas County, it offers majestic views, extensive lodging options, roads, high fencing, live water, a long-range shooting tower, and various barns and shops. The wildlife varies from hog, dove, and world-class white-tailed deer to rare and exotic species that include sable, greater kudu, Grevy’s zebra, and one of the few established Cape buffalo herds on a private ranch in the United States. As its name suggests, the ranch has nearly 2.5 miles of Colorado River frontage. The main lodge is a 10,000+/- square foot beauty with multiple gathering areas, a full bar, a gaming room, and a commercial kitchen. A smaller lodge is a stone’s throw away. This luxury ranch is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream.
The price: A golden $60 million
The expert: Tyler Thomas of the TT Ranch Group at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; 214-396-9692; ttranchgroup.com; briggsfreeman.com/ranch.
Fort Worth — Shelton Ranch
The historic Shelton Ranch is an 880-acre property that has been in the same family for generations. Just 25 minutes from downtown Fort Worth and 45 minutes from Dallas, it offers a main home, a manager’s home, and a shop/storage building. Entirely fenced and cross-fenced, it is an ideal mix of rolling grasslands and dense, native tree cover. Surface water on the ranch includes seven stock tanks, a lake of approximately 4 acres, and frontage on both sides of Gilmore Creek. The ranch is in the City of Fort Worth water district and in the Northwest Independent School District. Shelton Ranch is primed for development: Several residential developments exist and are under construction in the immediate area. Shelton Ranch is at 3500 Peden Road in Fort Worth.
The price: It’s hush-hush
The experts: David Burgher and Harlan Ray of the Burgher-Ray Ranch Group at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; 214-353-6601; burgherray.com; briggsfreeman.com/ranch.
Chihuahua, Mexico — Palmar-Nogales Ranch
This unique offering represents some of the premier grazing country on the market for the serious cattle rancher: It’s not often that one can own a ranch with all the quality characteristics of good weather, large size, quality production, and excellent location. Accessed immediately upon driving across the border from the United States, this nearly 82,000-acre opportunity is two contiguous ranches — Nogales and El Palmar — that together offer gentle valleys, rolling hills, and a wide variety of grasses and vegetation, perfect for cattle. Chihuahua continues to have one of the fastest-growing economies in Mexico. Because of its proximity to the United States, just south of New Mexico and part of Texas, it is strategically important to Mexico.
The price: It’s on request
The expert: James Sammons III of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; 214-701-1970; jamessammons.com; briggsfreeman.com/ranch
Decatur, Texas — 2080 County Road 2445
This exceptional ranch offers 40-plus acres of privacy, abundant trees, and breathtaking views from its multiple hilltops. The nearly 6,100-square-foot home is tastefully updated and boasts four bedrooms, three living rooms, a media room, a private study/library, a gourmet kitchen, a sunroom, and an additional office/library/fitness room. The outdoor luxuries include a sparkling pool with a water feature and slide, an outdoor kitchen, and a delightful combination of covered and open spaces for entertaining. Just beyond the home is a nine-stall barn with a bunkhouse, wash bay, two guest powder rooms, ample storage, and an enclosed 70- by 90-foot arena for the equine enthusiast who likes to ride in all weather! This unique property is perimeter-fenced and beautifully gated at the main entrance.
The price: A cool $3.2 million
The expert: Susan Anderson of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; 817-821-6659; briggsfreeman.com
Bowie, Texas — Saddlewood Ranch
In Montague County, the rolling terrain of Saddlewood Ranch — only about 90 minutes northwest of Dallas-Fort Worth — encompasses 480+/- acres of mixed open pastureland, mesquite flats, and live-oak bottoms, which meander along West Belknap Creek. The rolling terrain has several granite knobs, which allow for long, scenic views. The ranch is home to many native species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, waterfowl, turkeys, quail, wild pigs, and doves. Abundant surface water in the form of five stock tanks and a creek provide ample water for wildlife and cattle. This property provides an opportunity to own both a recreational and income-producing ranch, with amazing potential for further improvements.
The price: A gleaming $2.688 million
The expert: Asher Watkins of the Watkins Ranch Group of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; 214-663-1313; watkinsranchgroup.com; briggsfreeman.com/ranch
Weatherford, Texas — 1704 Silverado Drive
This one is for the elegant equestrian: 4.6 private acres in the sought-after equestrian community of Silverado on the Brazos. The newly constructed home offers 4,860 square feet of luxury ranch living, including an open-concept island kitchen, multiple living areas, stone fireplaces, hardwood floors throughout, a formal dining area, a home office, and a posh main suite. There is a spacious covered patio with an outdoor kitchen and grill, all overlooking the beautiful view and the sparkling pool and spa. A bonus room above the oversized garage includes built-in bunk beds and a full bath. This luxury ranch is completely fenced and cross-fenced with multiple turnout pastures.
The price: A sparkly $2.395 million
The experts: Will Woods and Emily Gray of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty; 903-348-1232 and 817-773-4427; briggsfreeman.com
