Big Pine Ranch

Description

Overview: One of a kind, intensively managed and thoughtfully designed East Texas masterpiece. Big Pine Ranch is meticulously managed for wildlife, fisheries, cattle and hay production. This legacy ranch was built over many years and 22 transactions with no detail being forgotten. Opportunities like this do not come around very often.

Location: Big Pine is located in both Van Zandt and Henderson Counties. Approximately 80 miles from Dallas (1 hour 15-minute drive), only ~16 miles SE of Canton and ~19 miles West of Tyler. This is in an exceptional location in a highly sought after area being less than 1 mile from Edom, ~5 miles north of Brownsboro and 8 miles SE of Ben Wheeler, TX. 

Road Frontage: There are at least 8 entrances on three paved roads. With approximately 10,728' of road frontage, access is excellent adding to the investment value of this unique asset. Several entrances are accessed by code with automatic gates. 

Lodge: The lodge is approximately 5,500 square feet, complete with 4 beds and 5.5 baths. It is in outstanding condition and is set just off the shores of the 30+/- acre Lake Emerson. The back windows and porches offer extraordinary views across the lake. The lodge has a security system in place. The lodge also has working mosquito/pest misters to provide an enjoyable outdoor experience while relaxing by the lake.

Lake Emerson: Lake Emerson is approximately 30+/- acres and is located next to the lodge. The lake is stunningly beautiful and is an excellent fishery. It is a professionally managed fishery, and has produced bass in excess of 10 lbs. The lake has historically remained at a constant level. It is spring fed and has a 1,300+/- acre drainage basin that keeps the lake full. Water exits the lake via a standpipe in the dam and there is an emergency spillway to handle large volumes of water after a big rain. The lake is approximately 22’ deep. Numerous underwater structures for fish habitat have been strategically placed throughout this body of water. There is an impressive boat dock, Zak’s pier and even a small island. 

Lake Sharon: Lake Sharon is approximately 11.76+/- acres and is reported to be about 35’ deep. It is located near the SE corner of the ranch. The lake fishes very big with two primary arms and a point creating close to a mile of shoreline. This lake is also professionally managed and has an excellent location to build a cabin or dock, if desired.

Lake Lottye: Lake Lottye is approximately 1.42+/- acres, just above Lake Emerson to the east. These waters are crystal clear and are fully encased in a majestic stand of pine trees. There is a land bridge between these two bodies of water adding to the appeal.  

Lake Christopher: Lake Christopher is approximately .75+/- acres and appears to be fed by a prolific spring, as the lake is constantly spilling over the spillway. Over the years the flowing waters have etched out an iron-ore rock creek basin with water falling into numerous pools as it traverses through the timber, before running into another major drainage. This lake is heavily surrounded by hardwoods and pine trees, and can be accessed through a series of walking bridges that offer a peaceful spot to hike and enjoy with family and guests. 

Lyndsay Lookout: Lyndsay Lookout sits on a ridgeline below Lake Emerson overlooking the majestic rolling pastures and the surrounding countryside. Views are magnificent.

Creek & Springs: Cow Creek meanders through the property from North to South. There are approximately 1.35 miles of Cow Creek on the property with numerous tributaries feeding it. Cow Creek and three other drainages are the primary source of water for Lake Emerson. Springs are believed to be numerous throughout the property creating constant level lakes and ponds.

Entrances/ Drive-up Appeal: The drive-up from along the County Road, into the main gate, through the courtyard and down to the lodge is unmatched in beauty. It is one of the prettiest drive-ups you will find on any property, anywhere. Immediately upon entering, you are met with towering pines, immaculate Coastal Bermuda hay pastures, and distant views to the North and Northwest. As you traverse the crushed asphalt road that winds its way through the hay pastures dotted with majestic pines down to the main lodge you pass numerous well thought out and beautifully designed landscaping features, each set to the design theme of the lodge and accented with lighting features. 

Irrigation: The areas around the lodge with numerous landscaped features are under sprinkler irrigation. The irrigation runs off Lake Emerson water and keeps the grass, trees and landscaping lush. 

Rock Lined Creek: This manmade feature is very impressive and provides the sights and tranquil sounds of a natural running stream with several waterfalls, pools and natural stonework. Water is pumped from Lake Emerson up to the top pond, which waterfalls into a second pond, and then water falls to the rock lined creek, under the pergola and down to the lake.

Pergola: The pergola is located near the lodge and boat dock, it is a place of peace and serenity. The rock lined creek traverses under the pergola, as it winds its way down from the two man-made ponds into Lake Emerson. A wonderful place to enjoy a cup of coffee or a good book, while listening to the calming effects of running water. The pergola also has working mosquito/pest misters to add to the enjoyment experience. 

Boat Dock: The boat dock is a short walk from the main lodge and pergola via a stone path. The boat dock’s design theme matches the lodge, and is complete with 3 covered bays, a pier, and an exceptional tackle room. Two of the bays have working electric boat lifts. For those days you want to come in from the lake for a quick snack or break, the 3rd bay has been converted for boats to pull up for convenience, without having to raise up your boat onto the lift. Potable well water has been plumbed down to the lake to a sink for cleaning fish. The boat dock is also retrofitted with working mosquito/pest misters, has a fish feeder and swimming platform.

Main Barn: The main barn is approximately 3,600 square feet and is on concrete slab. It is just east of Lake Emerson towards the north portion of the ranch. The metal barn is thoughtfully painted in green and blends in perfect to the surrounding landscape, making it almost unnoticeable. It has three garage doors and one man-door. A half bath is located within the barn and the barn has its own water well and septic system.

Equipment Shed: The equipment shed is approximately 4,800 square feet. This metal shed is painted to match the main barn and also blends into the surrounding landscape. It has a gravel base floor and is perfect for storing equipment and implements. 

Additional Barns, Sheds, Shops & Cattle Pens: The ranch is ready to go for any cattle and/or hay operation desired. Centrally located and away from the main house, the hay barn can store between 2,000 and 2,400 round bales (4' x 5') and has a concrete floor. The hay barn was converted from a covered feeding area for livestock, and it could easily be re-converted if desired. An equipment storage shed is on a concrete slab and is approximately 5,500 square feet. A 1,250 square foot shop is located adjacent to a set of covered working pens that is approximately 4,200 square feet. An additional set of cattle pens were inspired by the famed Temple Grandin. An additional covered area for working cattle is also located and is approximately 8,800 square feet of covered space. Another equipment shed on concrete slab is approximately 3,000 square feet and is a great place to store additional equipment and implements. Some additional metal buildings are on the ranch and are approximately 5,400 square feet and have mostly not been utilized since 2009. 

Trees, Grass & Forbs: Massive mature pine trees and hardwoods can be found throughout the property. There are dogwood trees, ferns, American beautyberry, some Coastal Bermuda pastureland, and a variety of other native grasses, trees, forbs, and shrubs. 

Topography: The ranch has a high elevation of 550’ above sea level and a low elevation of 410’ above sea level for a total elevation change of 140 feet. Mile long views and rolling topography are found throughout the ranch showcasing the stunning beauty of East Texas.

Soils: Sandy to sandy loam soils are dominant and perfect for trail riding horses, growing Coastal Bermuda, planting pine trees and more. Soils are productive for livestock and wildlife providing the ability to run hundreds of head of cattle or to bale thousands of round bales. 

Wildlife: Numerous hunting opportunities abound, both within the high fence and low fence portions of the ranch. Within the high fence, you will find native whitetail deer, axis deer & fallow deer. Within the low fence portion, excellent opportunities are available for whitetail deer, feral hogs, and other small game animals/varmints. During the winter months, waterfowl can be found across the numerous water features on the ranch, including two natural wetland areas. A flock of resident geese reside on the ranch throughout the year. The ranch is also home to bald eagles, with their nest residing on the ranch.

Cattle/Hay: The term combination ranch is often used to describe many ranches in the marketplace today, however, Big Pine Ranch personifies that term. The ranch has incredible recreational components, and it is also a rancher’s dream for how a cattle & hay operation should be setup. The ranch has not run cattle since 2019, as it shifted to more of a Coastal Bermuda hay program, however, the excellent fencing is setup for high density rotational grazing, and with lanes and cattle pens in place, cattle can easily be worked with 1-2 individuals. At its high point, the ranch was running about 550 pairs. 

Water is supplied to every pasture via ponds or through a series of underground pipes from the 3 livestock water wells that feed into water troughs on float systems. 

Fisheries: The lakes are being professionally managed and maintained by Solitude Lake Management. Largemouth bass are the focus and lakes are shocked annually. Fishing is excellent with plenty of fish for anglers of all skill levels. A catfish pond is also located near the additional barns and hay pastures. The catfish pond is off channel from your featured bodies of water. In addition to the named lakes above, several other small lakes/ponds are found throughout the ranch.

Internal Roads & Access: There is an excellent system of roads providing access throughout the property. Some of the roads are iron ore and semi-all-weather. Numerous well-constructed bridges, built to handle tractors and other machinery, are located throughout the ranch over numerous drainages/creeks. 

Management: Big Pine Ranch is impeccably managed. A quick tour on the ranch and the level of care & attention to every detail is abundantly clear. The ranch currently employs 3 individuals that keep the ranch in perfect condition. Contact broker for additional details. 

Surface Leases: There are not believed to be any active surface leases.

Fencing: Fencing is in excellent condition. Approximately 255+/- acres are under High Game Fence. The remainder of the ranch is low fenced with steel posts and 5-strand barbed wire and/ or high tensile mesh wire. Numerous pastures are in place and set up perfectly for rotational grazing.

Water Wells: Groundwater is abundant in this area. There are 6 water wells on the ranch, with 2 being potable. One potable well provides water to the Lodge and Boat Dock. An additional potable well provides water to the main barn on the NE side of Lake Emerson. In total, 3 of the water wells are located within the high fenced portion of the ranch, with the remaining 3 being livestock water wells located near the cattle facilities and pastures. 

Minerals: Owner does not believe that any mineral interests are owned and thus none can be conveyed with the property.  If any minerals are owned, the owner will convey those interests with an acceptable contract. 

Area: Edom, TX is a small, artistic east Texas community. The rapidly growing city of Tyler is located 19+/- miles away from the ranch. Ben Wheeler is 8+/- miles from the ranch and hosts several good restaurants, live music, and shopping. Chandler is located about 12 miles away from the ranch, and has probably the closest large grocery store, as well as several restaurants and additional lodging. This is one of the choice destination areas people like to visit in East Texas. Brownsboro is the closest town of size which is located south of the ranch and only 5+/- miles away. Canton is home to the popular First Monday Trade Days (known as the world’s largest flea market) and is only 16 miles away from the ranch.

School District:  Van Independent School District. District is A-rated.

City Limits: There are 63+/- acres within the unincorporated city limits of Edom. There are no known ordinances that appear to negatively impact this portion of the property. 

Easements: Utility easements for electricity are located on the property. No known pipeline or transmission line easements are present.

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: 

Chance Turner
972-765-7326 mobile
chance@hrcranch.com

Cash McWhorter
469-222-4076 mobile
cash@hrcranch.com

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

Hortenstine Ranch Company, LLC
Dallas, Texas
214-361-9191 office
www.hrcranch.com