This past weekend, I was in East Texas, and it was beautiful. I had no idea there were so many trees and forests and wildlife just 1.5 hours to the east of downtown Dallas. The soil is different. It changes from the black dirt of the Blackland Prairie, that thick, clay-like soil that is so rich for crops, to a lighter feed source for the piney woods and trees, trees, hundreds of trees.
And March 8 (today!), you can own a large lakefront swath of East Texas for a bargain that even HL Hunt would approve of. The iconic Timber Creek Ranch in Winnsboro is up for auction, with no reserve for a portion of the property. It’s 428 acres of pure heaven, one of the finest ranches in Texas. And one of the very few with full lake access. Word is the investment in this 12-year-old property is more than $15 million.
This will be the deal of a lifetime in East Texas. THEE deal.
You are not just buying a ranch, but an environment. A way of life. From riding horses at the huge equestrian center and ATVs on several riding trails, to shooting skeet or paintball, there is no limit to fun. And when it comes to water activities, you have 1,600 linear feet of sea-walled frontage on the 3,500-acre Lake Cypress Springs. There are also two on-site, bass-stocked lakes for trophy catches. The boat house is also enormous, with four automatic lifts to fit two boats and four personal water crafts.
As rugged as it may seem outdoors, there is no “roughing it” indoors. Each of the housing structures have interiors decked out in luxury. Five immaculately-designed timber and stone structures dot the rolling landscape, each a relaxing and lavish respite from the busy ways of city life equipped with high-end fixtures and finishes. With a total of 17,000 square feet of living space — enough to hold at least 30 people — there is basically no limit to all you can see, enjoy and do at Timber Creek Ranch. There are 11 bedrooms, 11 full baths and four half baths.
Like wine? Make it! There is even a private vineyard.
“Timber Creek Ranch ranks among the finest working and recreational ranches in Texas, and its lake frontage is especially unique,” says Kyle Crews, Executive Vice President of Allie Beth Allman & Associates, who is marketing the property along with Austin-based Concierge Auctions.
Kyle says the owners of this $12 million-plus ranch are now ready to move onto the next phase of their lives, though they have loved literally every second living here. He was their broker over three years ago when they bought the property.
“They have entertained here, relaxed, and enjoyed precious with family and friends,” says Kyle. “That’s what ranches are all about. We helped them buy the ranch from a large pool of bidders. Now, I’m pleased to offer this lifestyle opportunity for the next owner of Timber Creek Ranch, to carry on the legacy.”
The 428-acre ranch is valued at well over $12 million, but is being offered in a unique split purchase: with water, without water, or water alone.
The 26-acre lakefront portion of the sale — located on Lake Cypress Springs — will sell without reserve, going to the highest bidder on auction day regardless of the bid price. There is, however, an undisclosed reserve on the ranch portion of the sale. The total property is a 428-acre working ranch. So, buy the 26-acre lakefront portion, the 402-acre upper ranch portion, or the whole kit and caboodle, consisting of 428 acres of pure Texas country with water.
The actual property address is 416 County Road South East 3390 in Winnsboro, Texas. But the property actually touches Lake Cypress Springs, just 1.5 hours east of Dallas.
It is such a short distance that we left at 7:00 am and made it to our grand-daughter’s pony show by 9:00. Few rural areas in Texas off this kind of proximity to downtown Dallas.
A waterfront is one very unique aspect of this property. Seldom do Texas ranches come with fantastic lakefront shores — and this one, on one of the best, deepest lakes in East Texas. I have been in Lake Cypress Springs and experienced the warm springs. It’s the perfect place to entertain guests. There are several houses on the property — a luxurious owners’ home and guest lodges — all totally over the top in terms of construction and amenities.
Identified by its signature pipe metal perimeter fencing, the property has been master-planned and executed to perfection. The 428 acres were amassed by 14 separate real estate closings, which creates a ranch with endless commercial and residential use opportunities: working and recreational ranch; a sportsman’s resort; a bed and breakfast and/or event center; and a community/neighborhood development.
I can totally foresee the latter — this is a prime community development with a multi-use potential that could end up being one of the most admired developments in the country. How about the Boot Ranch of East Texas? You get a Vaquero vibe with the rustic playground of a Rough Creek Lodge — a sportsman’s hunting paradise that is both lady- and family-friendly.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity for yourself,or anyone you know, who wants a ranch. Timber!
