Blake Hortenstine
Partner/Broker
Ask Blake Hortenstine
Overview: Wilson Hollow on the Lake is a turnkey recreational retreat overlooking the waters of Lake Palo Pinto. The northern terrain is extremely scenic with boulders and impressive ridgelines on both sides of Wilson Hollow. Combining comfortable lodging, exceptional entertaining amenities, quality wildlife habitat, and direct access to one of North Texas' most peaceful lakes, the property is equally suited as a private family retreat, corporate getaway, or income-producing vacation rental.
The ranch is offered fully furnished and features a spacious main lodge, four guest cabins, an infinity-edge swimming pool and spa, extensive wildlife improvements, established road systems, and convenient lake access. Significant habitat improvements, including extensive cedar removal and brush management, have enhanced both wildlife habitat and long-range views throughout the property.
Location: Wilson Hollow on the Lake is located in south central Palo Pinto County in the scenic Palo Pinto Mountains on quiet FM 3137, an easy drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Directions from Dallas/Fort Worth: Travel west on Interstate 20 past Weatherford to FM 4 exit. Go north on FM 4 for 2.6 miles until Santo, TX, then continue north 6.25 miles until FM 3137. Turn left on FM 3137 and continue for 2.1 miles until the entrance on your right. (GPS coordinates: 32.6666, -98.3032)
Nearby Points of Interest:
History: Established in 1856 along the Texas frontier, Palo Pinto County has deep roots in the state’s ranching and cattle industry. Early cattlemen, including Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving, established ranches in the area during the 1850s, and the county later became closely associated with the famed Goodnight-Loving Trail. Today, Palo Pinto County retains much of the rugged landscape and ranching heritage that have defined the area for more than 150 years.
The property itself holds a tangible connection to this frontier history. Two graves dating to 1878 are located on the ranch and are believed to belong to outlaws pursued by Palo Pinto County Sheriff Jim Owens after reportedly stealing horses. According to local accounts passed down through generations, a running gun battle followed along Lake Creek, resulting in the deaths of both men, who were buried together near where they fell. Their original cedar grave markers were later replaced with carved stone markers bearing the 1879 date, preserving a unique piece of Palo Pinto County history on the property. (Refer to the property photo lineup for a photograph of one of the historic grave markers.)
Topography: One of the ranch's impressive natural features is its dramatic topography. Elevations range from approximately 900 feet to 1,200 feet, creating more than 300 feet of elevation change across the property. This impressive topography provides expansive views that stretch for miles while also creating a diverse landscape of elevated ridgelines, secluded canyons, and sheltered draws.
Water: Water is one of the property's defining features. Four drainages including Wilson Hollow run through the property and into Lake Palo Pinto. There are 5 stock ponds scattered throughout the ranch as well as over a mile of Palo Pinto Lake frontage. Rural water is provided by Palo Pinto Water Supply Corporation.
Palo Pinto Reservoir: Wilson Hollow has lake frontage and controls an impressive 1.4+/- miles of shoreline. This portion of the lake (150+/- surface acres) is separated from the main lake with a land bridge allowing little to no public access. There is one other neighbor on this portion of the lake essentially making it a private body of water shared by two landowners. Water depths are generally shallow with the deepest areas being around 10 feet deep. Waterfowl habitat and duck hunting potential are excellent. Primary recreational activities on this part of the lake are fishing and hunting.
Private Boat Ramps: There are two private boat launches, one adjacent to the lodge and cabins and the other located near the main entrance in a scenic park area.
Public Boat Ramp: There is a public boatramp across FM 3137 very close to the property's entrance providing easy access to the main part of Lake Palo Pinto, where watersports are more popular.
Wildlife: Wilson Hollow has been developed as a quality low and high-fenced recreational hunting and entertainment property. High fenced 1000+/- acre area includes genetic whitetail deer, Axis, Oryx, Sika, Blackbuck, Auodad, and Red Stag. Low-fenced 90+/- acres fronts the shores of Palo Pinto Lake. Native wildlife includes whitetail deer, turkey, dove, feral hogs, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions (2025 sighting). Waterfowl habitat and hunting on Palo Pinto Lake have the potential to be exceptional.
The property includes:
This is a "fair chase" hunting ranch with rugged terrain and heavy tree cover challenging the most skilled hunters. The property is not enrolled in the Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP).
Improvements:
Main Lodge- The centerpiece of the ranch is a spacious entertainment lodge designed for hosting family, friends, and corporate gatherings.
Features include:
A large covered patio overlooks Lake Palo Pinto and features:
Guest Cabins- The ranch includes four guest cabins. Two cabins each feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Two additional cabins are configured as individual bedroom and bathroom suites.
Previously, the owner successfully operated the cabins as Airbnb rentals, where they reportedly maintained exceptionally strong occupancy.
The ranch is being offered fully furnished, allowing immediate personal enjoyment or continued rental use.
Additional improvements include:
Trees, Grasses & Forbs: A healthy mix of trees including live oaks, red oaks, post oak, mesquite, elm, pecan, hackberry, and cedar, can be found on Wilson Hollow. There has been a significant amount of cedar removal and brush clearing completed. Native browse, grasses, and seasonal forbs are abundant and provide quality forage for wildlife.
Fencing & Entrance: A majority of the property is enclosed with quality high fencing constructed in 2020. The ranch includes two separate high-fenced pastures, the north mountain pasture (909+/- acres) and the south soft release pasture (93+/- acres). A new steel entrance with overhead was completed in 2026, and a new all-weather road meanders through the trees leading to the lodge and cabins.
School District: Santo Independent School District.
Minerals: No minerals.
Easements: Colt Natural Gas Pipeline and three electric transmission line easements.
Prospective purchasers should independently verify all easements and any associated mineral ownership.
Utilities:
2025 Taxes: Approximately $11,805.Agriculturally exempt through wildlife management.
Broker & Commission Disclosure: Buyer's Agent/ Broker must be identified upon first contact with Listing Broker/ Listing Agent and Buyer's Agent/ Broker must be present at the initial property tour in order to participate in the real estate commission. Commission splits will be at the sole discretion of Listing Broker.
Contact:
Blake Hortenstine- Broker/Partner
(214) 616-1305 mobile
blake@hrcranch.com
Cash McWhorter- Broker/Partner
(972) 222-4076 mobile
cash@hrcranch.com
Chris Wengierski- Agent
(214) 707-3474 mobile
chrisw@hrcranch.com
