5248 Lower Crabapple Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 - Gillespie County

DESCRIPTION

Quality improvements and a remarkable landscape elevate this ranch to a category of its own. The Red Gate Ranch is in close proximity to Fredericksburg, Texas, creating a fantastic opportunity for an individual seeking a full-time residence or a conveniently located weekend getaway ranch.

The terrain is diverse for a ranch this size. There are towering hardwoods and interesting rock formations along the Middle Creek, enticing an explorer to hike and discover. Much of the improved pastureland on the ranch has Pedernales fine sandy loam soils. Surrounding the open fields are groves of beautiful post oaks and other hardwoods native to the Hill Country.

The property has served as a recreational, family hunting, and cattle ranch over the years. The perimeter is predominantly low fenced, with the exception of high fencing along a portion of the eastern boundary. The ranch is extremely well watered with Middle Creek (seasonal) frontage on both sides, two stock tanks, and four water wells. An Ag exemption is currently in place.

LOCATION

Red Gate Ranch is located 6+/- miles north of Fredericksburg off of paved Lower Crabapple Road. The close proximity to Fredericksburg provides convenience to the many amenities the city has to offer.

Gillespie County Airport (T82) is located approximately 10+/- miles from the ranch.

40+/- miles from Horseshoe Bay

70+/- miles from San Antonio

80+/- miles from Austin

240+/- miles from Houston

260+/- miles from Dallas/Fort Worth

270+/- miles from Midland/Odessa

LAND

The landscape is diverse, with a nice variety of improved pastureland, heavy tree cover, and a beautiful section of (seasonal) Middle Creek. A large portion of the improved pasture has Pedernales fine sandy loam soils. Remnants of a pecan orchard with grafted pecan trees is still in place in one of the fields. A large portion of the cedar has been removed over the years, allowing native grasses to flourish and other hardwoods to thrive. Some native trees include live oak, post oak, blackjack, cedar elm, walnut, and pecan. The terrain has a gentle roll with elevation ranging between 1,720+/- ft asl to 1,740+/- ft asl.

WATER

Middle Creek flows through the ranch on both sides for 1,500+/- ft and is a highly desirable attribute, bringing great character to the ranch. One concrete dam is in place along the creek, creating a tremendous setting with towering hardwoods along its banks. The creek presents many recreational activities to enjoy. The seclusion, beauty, and exclusivity of this creek is a rare find. This portion of Middle Creek is a seasonal creek and flows in correlation with appropriate rainfall.

Additionally, two stock tanks on the ranch provide supplemental water to livestock.

WATER WELLS

The ranch has four water wells, two of which are currently in service. There is also an old hand-dug well located near the main residence. There is a quality waterline system on the ranch that services several troughs, as well as the improvements.

IMPROVEMENTS

Main Residence

At 2,328+/- sf, the historic German home is believed to have been constructed in the 1860s by a German settler, Gottlieb Burrer, and his family. The rock home is surrounded by several large live oaks and is situated to enjoy beautiful countryside views. The residence comprises three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms and was remodeled in the past by Richard Laughlin. The downstairs is an open floor plan with a beautiful-oversized stone archway separating the living room and kitchen area. Stunning wood floors are found throughout the home. The living room has a beautiful wooden ceiling and a wood-burning stove. Many of the windowsills are crafted in limestone. A utility room and a half bathroom are also downstairs, off the kitchen area. The upstairs consists of the sleeping quarters with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

There is half of an acre under a high fence near the home. In the past, this area served as a garden and fruit orchard. A waterline is in place that services this area.

Barns

A 3,000+/- sf corrugated steel tin barn with a concrete floor is in place and ideal for equipment storage. It includes three large exterior roll-up garage doors. Attached to the barn is a three-bay equipment shed with a dirt floor. The bays are ideal for additional storage and to keep equipment and implements out of the elements.

A second barn is located near the first barn and has matching corrugated steel tin and a concrete floor. The barn spans 1,400+/- sf and includes a single exterior roll-up garage door.

Between both metal barns is a 1,200+/- sf covered bay that is ideal for storing a large RV, boat, or ranch equipment.

A 775+/- sf wooden barn is also located near the headquarters. The barn has two stalls with a 7+/- acre turnout pasture. There is a hay loft upstairs in the barn.

Pioneer Cabin

A 285+/- sf pioneer cabin exists on the ranch, leaving a surviving trace of what is believed to be the original settlers of the property. It is believed the cabin was constructed and lived in before the Historic German rock home was built in the 1860s. The cabin is a tremendous relic and has been well-maintained over the years. The materials used to construct the cabin were large timber beams and stone. The roof is made up of wooden shingles. The cabin is not in living condition per se, but rather a memento appreciating the original settlers of Red Gate Ranch.

WILDLIFE

Red Gate Ranch has an abundance of native wildlife including axis, whitetail deer, turkey, dove, and other animals native to the Texas Hill Country.