Nelson Ranch @ Lake Fork Creek

Description

Overview: The Nelson Ranch @ Lake Fork Creek has been family-owned since the early 1970s. It is a versatile, unique offering in Lone Oak, Texas, just over an hour east of Dallas, TX.   

Down the quiet county road, the property's storybook setting begins with a quaint two bedroom/1 bath farmhouse overlooking silhouetted hardwood-lined pastures. Within walking distance is a rustic barn and shop where the current owner spends much of their time on woodworking projects utilizing native timber from the forested river bottoms.  The gentle herd of cattle grazing the ranch are thoroughly cared for and may act more like pets than livestock due to the owner's love and passion for livestock.  It is not uncommon for the herd to make its way up to the barn and be hand-sprayed with cool well-water to cool off from the Texas summer heat. 
         
Lake Fork Creek binds the ranch as most of the western and southern boundaries.  Meandering throughout the ranch is a seasonal creek, Arr Branch, which serves as a travel corridor for native wildlife that has remained untouched by the current owner for a number of years.  For the fishing enthusiast, the Nelson Ranch provides access to a shared 27+/- acre soil conservation lake on the ranch's east side. Some neighboring landowners have highly managed the lake, which has proven to be a very productive fishery for largemouth bass. 

Painstakingly cleared of most Honey Locust trees, the pastures are thoughtfully grazed throughout the summer. The community is tight-knit, and each neighbor lends a helping hand when needed and checks on each other from time to time.  
       
Location: The Nelson Ranch @ Lake Fork Creek is in southeastern Hunt County at the convergence of Hunt, Hopkins, and Rains Counties.  The ranch is approximately 4 +/- miles east of Lone Oak, Texas, and ~8 miles to either Lake Fork or Tawakoni. Conveniently located, the ranch sits on the south side of CR 3223, a short 1-hour and 15-minute drive from downtown Dallas. Physical address is 6923 CR 3223 Lone Oak, Texas 75453 

From Lone Oak, Texas, take FM 1567 East for approximately 0.7 miles, turning right at CR 3223. The main entrance to the ranch will be on your right, approximately 3+/- miles. 

Terrain & Wildlife Habitat: The undulating topography ranges throughout the ranch between 460' and 510' above sea level. Most western and southern boundaries are formed by Lake Fork Creek, abutting the property for over one mile.  

The ranch boasts abundant diversity within its boundaries, featuring mature hardwood stands that range from highly managed to native and bursting with wildlife habitat and native browse.  Native and improved pastures meander and create a mosaic of habitat structures throughout the ranch.   The timber stands consist of both red and white oak varieties, native pecan, an abundance of black walnut, bois d'arc, cedar elm, black gum, cottonwood, persimmon, and locust, with willow and river birch along the riparian areas—the northern and central portions of the property feature well-manicured areas with mature timber and excellent tree cover. Improved trails run throughout for reliable access. Both improved and native pastures meander through the ranch, providing the new owner with opportunities to graze cattle, hunt, trail ride, and raise hay. The native deer population on this ranch has remained untouched for over three years.  Wildlife food plots could be relatively easy to add, with some prime locations already cleared.   

Soil: Predominately sandy loam in nature, the soil in the southern portion of the ranch is Nahatche loam and frequently floods due to its proximity to Lake Fork Creek and Arr Branch.  This area appears to drain well and not completely inundated during times of flood.  As you move further north, the ranch gives way to Axtell loam and Rader fine sandy loam, both highly suitable for pastureland. Depending on soil tests, the potential is maximized with proper lime and fertilizer applications. 

Improvements: The ranch's improvements include a quaint yet functional 2/1 farmhouse, three barns and a storage container found on the northwestern portion of the property along CR 3223, while an additional hay barn is located northeast corner of the property next to the hay pasture. Cattle pens and loafing shed are in the center of the ranch at the convergence of most of the pastures. 

The farmhouse is estimated to be 1,091+/- square feet and has a covered back porch to enjoy fresh country air. Two barns totaling over 5,800+ square feet offer ample space for boats, ATVs, blinds, tools, tractors, equipment, and more. 

In the northeast corner of the property is a 3,915+/- square foot r-panel barn for hay storage. 

Water: Over 27+/- acres of surface water highlights the recreational appeal of the property, complemented by an improved and easily traversable trail system providing access throughout the property. Water features include 10 stock ponds, a duck slough, over 14,735 feet of year-round creeks and drainages, and a shared 27-acre soil conservation lake. The lake is well-managed, has a healthy appearance and boasts clean frontage, making it an excellent gathering place for friends and family.

The shared 27-acre lake was restocked in 2012 with Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and associated baitfish, records provided upon inquiry. 

Arr Branch meanders throughout the property, eventually tying into Lake Fork Creek at the southeast corner of the ranch. Over time, Arr Branch has created natural sloughs and shallow bodies of water where waterfowl frequent in the Fall and Winter months. These moist soil units can be enhanced with water manipulation and habitat management.  
 
Wildlife: The Whitetail Deer herd on the ranch has not been hunted under current ownership, allowing deer to thrive in the sanctuary that this property has become. Hogs, coyotes, varmints, and other wildlife species all call the Nelson Ranch home. Migratory ducks and doves also use the property, providing great hunting opportunities. 

Fences: Fencing is in average to good condition. The perimeter of the property is fenced, and the ranch is cross fenced for rotational grazing. Located in the NE corner of the ranch is approximately 19+/- acres that have been separately fenced for hay pasture.  

Interior/ Exterior Access: Access is provided by CR 3223 and interior roads/trails allow ease of travel throughout most of the ranch. 

Utilities: Electricity is provided by Farmers Electric Cooperative and currently runs along the south side of CR 3223 inside the ranch to the NE corner of the property. 

The Cash Water District provides rural water. 

Minerals: The owner does not believe they own any of the mineral estate. 

Easements: There is an access and utility easement located on the ranch's north boundary, as well as one in the northeast corner traversing to an adjacent landowner for residential power. To our knowledge, there are no pipelines or active O&G activity on the ranch. 

School District: The property lies in the Lone Oak Independent School District. 

The property lies within an Opportunity Zone, which may offer potential benefits to certain buyers, though it may not be advantageous for the majority. 

Taxes: 2023 Property Taxes were $2,235. Agricultural exemptions are currently in place. 

Summary: This unique ranch offers high-quality recreational components and well-established structures, allowing a new owner to operate and enjoy the property from day one. With close proximity to Dallas (approximately 1.25 hours) and water features, this Hunt County property is a quality investment and has wide-ranging recreational appeal.  

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

Contact: 

Cash McWhorter– Partner/Broker 
469-222-4076 Mobile 
cash@hrcranch.com 
 
Stephen Schwartz – Agent 
903-738-7882 Mobile 
stephen@hrcranch.com