Atwell Ranch

Description

General Description: The Atwell Ranch is a prime cattle ranch in the east-central portion of Callahan County. It offers convenient access with CR 417 on the west side and CR 403 on the east. The ranch consists of 80% pastureland and 20% tree cover. The terrain is gently rolling, featuring post oaks, live oaks, mesquite, hackberry trees, and other native vegetation typical of the area. The property includes five stock tanks that provide water for wildlife and cattle, with excellent underground water available. 

Location: Located approximately 7 miles southeast of Putnam, Texas, fronting on quiet County Road 417. The property has 1/4 mile of paved CR 417 road frontage on the west side and 1/2 mile of all-weather County Road 403 frontage on the east. It is 2 hours and 15 minutes west of Dallas, 1 hour and 45 minutes west of Fort Worth, and 45 minutes east of Abilene.

Directions: From the south side of Putnam, Texas, take Interstate Highway 20 and turn south on Houston Street (FM 880). Travel 5.2 miles south until turning east on FM 1864. Continue for approximately 3 miles until CR 403, then turn right. The entrance gate is 2.16 miles down CR 403 on the right. A "For Sale" sign marks the entrance.

History: Atwell, Texas, was established in the 1870s and named after William Hawley Atwell, a district attorney for the Federal District Court of Northern Texas. Early settlers included Tobie Bell, Uncle Johnny Surles, J. T. Purvis, J. P. Hutchins, and Frank Abbott. By 1905, the community had a gin, a blacksmith shop, three churches, and several merchants. However, the population declined after 1915, and the post office closed in 1929. From 1925 to 1948, the population was recorded as 65; in 2000, it was estimated at eight. Today, one church remains.

Terrain: The terrain is rolling to level, with an elevation change of approximately 45 feet. The highest elevations are in the south-central portion, gently sloping to the lowest points in the southeast and western corners. The eastern side of the property offers lovely distant views. The ranch features four coastal wheat fields and pockets of hardwoods along much of the perimeter. A couple of drainages meander through the property, feeding five stock tanks spread across the property.

Vegetation: The property is populated with mature post oaks, live oaks, hackberry, mesquite, and other trees common to the area. Coastal Bermuda can be found in the pastureland, increasing the productivity of the land. Native grasses include side oats grama, bluestem, switchgrass, Texas wintergrass, dropseed, buffalo grass, and various other grasses. Forbs, browse, and cactus species include wild plum, elbowbush, skunkbush, prickly pear, catclaw, lotebush, and greenbrier. 

Water: Five earthen stock tanks provide water for livestock and wildlife. The area receives an average of 29 inches of rainfall annually. The ranch has an older, non-active water well, and the property to the south has a new well producing 40 GPM. Good underground water is accessible, as the ranch is located above the Trinity Aquifer.

Wildlife: The ranch supports abundant whitetail deer, turkey, hogs, quail, dove, ducks, and other native wildlife, offering excellent hunting and viewing opportunities. Migratory ducks utilize the stock tanks in the fall and winter. The ranch has not been leased for hunting, ensuring wildlife to be in excellent condition.

Grazing: Carrying capacity is approximately one animal unit per 20 acres. Productivity could be increased substantially by fertilization and weed control. Four old cultivated fields were once utilized for peanut production, but haven’t been farmed in years. Coastal Bermuda will do very well in the sandy soils. 

Soils: The soil across the ranch is predominantly Pedernales loamy fine sand, which has some limitations that may require special conservation practices. The soil is suitable for cultivated crops, pasture, range, woodland, and wildlife.

Fencing: The perimeter fences are in good to fair condition, with one internal cross fence separating the western and eastern sides.

Internal Roads & Access: The road frontage on CR 417 features one entry gate in the northwest corner, with a back gate on CR 403. The interior road system is limited and could be improved upon.

Electricity: Electricity is provided by Taylor Electric Cooperative, with poles located along the county roads.

Wind Energy: All wind rights will convey. There is wind production in the area with a wind farm situated just north of the ranch.

Oil & Gas Production: There is no active oil or gas production on the property.

School District: Cross Plains ISD.

Airports: Gregory Simmons Airport, located 18 miles from the property, offers a quality airport with a 6,500-foot runway, superior amenities, and state-of-the-art facilities. Fuel is available.

Hospitals: Eastland Memorial Hospital is located 28 miles east of Atwell in Eastland, Texas.

Broker & Commission Disclosure: Buyer's Agent/Broker must be identified upon first contact with the Listing Broker/Agent and must be present at the initial property tour to participate in the real estate commission. Commission splits will be at the sole discretion of Hortenstine Ranch Company, LLC.

Comments: The Atwell Ranch is a raw tract of land with excellent potential. The property is a blank canvas for a new owner to design a road system, revitalize the fields/food plots, enjoy hunting, create more surface water, or build a house for a country retreat.

Property Taxes: 2023 Taxes are $484.41 

Price:  $3650 per acre ($1,576,800) 

Contact:

Jack Fauntleroy- Broker Associate
940-550-4432 mobile
jack@hrcranch.com 

Blake Hortenstine- Broker/Partner
214-616-1305 mobile
blake@hrcranch.com