For Sale: Wyoming’s Riffles ‘n Rises Ranch

Located a short 45 minute drive south of Jackson Hole in western Wyoming’s wild and scenic ranch lies Riffles ‘n Rises Ranch. Comprised of 562 acres, the entire ranch affords magnificent views of the Salt River Range to the east, the Snake River Range to the north, and the Caribou Mountains to the west. The ranch enjoys approximately 1 1/4 miles of frontage on the Salt River, a productive, meandering fishery quietly known by locals as a trophy wild cutthroat and brown trout haven. In addition to the excellent fishing resource of the Salt, the ranch features several miles of improved spring creeks.

The Riffles ‘n Rises Ranch enjoys a great fishing stretch of the Salt River. The classic trout water is present with good spawning gravel, great riffles, deep pools, and long dark runs below overhanging grassy banks. Resident trout grow up to 24” in length and trophy browns up to 31” migrate through the property each fall on their spawning run. Of the eight separate spring resources on the Riffles ‘n Rises Ranch, five have well-defined creek channels that wander across the ranch in various locations, providing a cumulative total of approximately 2 1/2 additional miles of moving water. The spring creeks on the ranch represent a tremendous opportunity for a fly angler to customize private fishing streams and aid the river system in the process. The existing premium waterfowl habitat makes the “cast and blast” a regular event on this property each fall.

Riffles ‘n Rises Ranch is an incredible offering with a custom home, excellent fishing opportunities and spectacular views. The ranch home of approximately 3,800 square feet was originally built in the 1960′s and has been extensively remodeled in 2003. This property is flush with private water resources for fisheries and waterfowl habitat and is situated perfectly for the horse enthusiast to saddle up and ride in thousands of wilderness acres in nearby national forest lands. The Riffles ‘n Rises Ranch is a true sporting ranch possessing a rare, highly desirable combination of natural attributes for the northern Rockies ranch market.

For more information on Riffles ‘n Rises Ranch, please contact Live Water Properties at (866) 734-6100 or info@livewaterproperties.com. Or contact the Live Water ranch broker directly, Tate Jarry at (307) 413-2180.

2012 Public Lands Deal of the Year: Moriah Ranch, Albany County, Wyoming

Talk about a match made in heaven ….

On a hunting trip to Wyoming, Stuart Phillips first caught wind of the 14,000-acre Moriah Ranch. A generic description of the Moriah would list it in the rolling foothills of the Laramie Mountains. A more accurate description would single out its location in Area 7, perhaps the best trophy elk unit in the state. Herds of 300-plus elk roam the ranch with many 350- to 400-class bulls on record. The avid outdoorsman had to see it for himself.

“It was mid-November, and there was a dusting of snow. I took a few steps and saw a mountain lion track,” he says. “That’s what sealed the deal.” Soon after buying the Moriah, his wife, Robin, an accomplished watercolorist, turned the ranch bunkhouse into a studio.

Beginning in 2003, the couple spent three to four months a year at the ranch, enjoying the recreational opportunities with their two sons. It was a magical place, one they believed would stay in the family.

But, according to Phillips, God had a different plan.

The couple was actively involved World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization founded in 1950 that focuses on bettering the lives of children around the world. Both Stuart and Robin had read The Hole in Our Gospel by World Vision CEO Rich Stearns. When Stuart picked up the book a second time during some quiet time on the ranch, something came over him.

“God asked me, ‘What possession do you value most?’” he recalls. “The ranch was the obvious answer. He also asked me, ‘Given the resources you have, how does that compare to the hunger in the world?’”

After a heartfelt conversation with Robin, the couple decided that their next step would be to sell their beloved ranch.

The Phillipses chose Dave and Hunter Harrigan of Harrigan Land Company as their broker. Based on years of experience hunting and fishing, the Harrigans listed the Moriah at $11.7 million. “This was the recession, and right away we got a very strong offer from a qualified buyer,” Hunter says. “But Stuart was not in a hurry. He wanted to make the right choice.”

That’s when the State of Wyoming came calling. Back in 1890, Washington deeded federal lands to the 44th state to be used to generate funds for public schools and other institutions. To date, Wyoming retains 3.5 million surface acres and 3.9 million mineral acres in this trust.

After analyzing a dozen different ranches, the Moriah was deemed a perfect fit. “We knew the public wanted greater access to hunting and fishing,” says Ryan Lance, Director of the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments. “But more importantly, we looked at revenue-generating opportunities such as grazing, the ability to lease for wind development, and opportunities for agricultural growth.” A deal was struck.

Today, the public now hunts and fishes on the ranch, the state has additional income from a grazing lease, and students from the University of Wyoming are studying the Moriah’s rich Native American heritage.

To Stuart and Robin Phillips, this was exactly what God had in mind. How many school kids are better off because of their sacrifice? How many outdoorsmen can now experience their beloved ranch? And what of the poverty that can been alleviated by their gifts to World Vision and other charities?

“When it first happened, it felt like a tragedy, but in time it felt like a love story,” Stuart says. “God was asking us to give up something great for something greater. To God be the glory.”

Based in Bozeman, Montana, Corinne Garcia freelances for Marie Claire and Country Living.

Download your digital version of the Spring 2013 edition of The Land Report.

Land Report Top Ten: March 2013

From the Pacific to the Northeast, here are America’s priciest properties, led by Walton Ranch in Wyoming, which is listed with Ranch Marketing Associates for $100 million.

1. Walton Ranch: $100 million

This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.

2. Big Homer’s Pond: $92 million

Located in the town of West Tisbury on Martha’s Vineyard, Big Homer’s Pond is comprised of 266 acres and includes ownership of all developable waterfront, exclusive rights for building on Big Homer’s Pond, and exclusive rights to private oceanfront lying to the east of Long Point Wildlife Refuge. Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

3. Broken O Ranch (Texas): $81 million

Located in Boerne, Texas, the historic Broken O Ranch is one of Texas’ finest ranches on the market today. Featuring breathtaking views that only the Texas Hill Country has to offer, this ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Trip duPerier with duPerier Texas Land Man, LLC has the listing.

4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $79 million

This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.

5. Four Peaks Ranch: $75 million

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, just outside Aspen, Four Peaks Ranch (pictured above) presents a rare opportunity to own a quintessential mountain paradise. Totaling 876 acres, the 18,000 sq. ft. home on this property features unparalleled views of Mt. Sopris, Mt. Daly, Capital Peak and Snowmas. Joshua & Co. has the listing.

6. Dillingham Ranch: $65 million

Located in Mokuleia, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this historic 2,700 acre estate offers all of the charms and essence of Hawaii, from white sandy beaches to mountain terrain and acres of open green space scattered with coconut trees, monkey pods, and rare plant species indigenous to Hawaii. Zackary Wright with Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing.

6. Sagg Pond Estate: $65 million
Located in one of the Hamptons’ most exclusive enclaves on the banks of the tranquil Sagg Pond, this 33-acre waterfront estate is bordered by dozens of acres of protected land, ensuring privacy and pristine conditions for generations to come. Debbie Loeffler of the Corcoran Group has the listing.

8. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million

Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.

9. Rosenthal: The Malibu Estate & Vineyard: $59.5 million

Situated 1,400 feet above the coastal fog and four miles from the beach, Rosenthal: The Malibu Estate & Vineyard offers a rare, private wine country lifestyle. Featuring a fully operational vineyard and winery, this Malibu Estate is one of the most sought after properties on the market today. Listed with Kerry Mormann & Associates.

10. Rockpile Ranch: $54.5 million

For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 39 on the 2012 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.

Click here to download a copy of the March 2013 newsletter.

Land Report Top Ten: January 2013

From the Pacific to the Northeast, here are America’s priciest properties, led by Walton Ranch in Wyoming, which is listed with Ranch Marketing Associates for $100 million. New to the list is Four Peaks Ranch just outside of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate & Vineyard in California.

1. Walton Ranch: $100 million

This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.

2. Big Homer’s Pond: $92 million

Located in the town of West Tisbury on Martha’s Vineyard, Big Homer’s Pond (pictured above) is comprised of 266 acres and includes ownership of all developable waterfront, exclusive rights for building on Big Homer’s Pond, and exclusive rights to private oceanfront lying to the east of Long Point Wildlife Refuge. Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

3. Broken O Ranch (Texas): $81 million

Located in Boerne, Texas, the historic Broken O Ranch is one of Texas’ finest ranches on the market today. Featuring breathtaking views that only the Texas Hill Country has to offer, this ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Trip duPerier with duPerier Texas Land Man, LLC has the listing.

4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $79 million

This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.

5. Four Peaks Ranch: $75 million

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, just outside Aspen, Four Peaks Ranch presents a rare opportunity to own a quintessential mountain paradise. Totaling 876 acres, the 18,000 sq. ft. home on this property features unparalleled views of Mt. Sopris, Mt. Daly, Capital Peak and Snowmas. Joshua & Co. has the listing.

6. Dillingham Ranch: $65 million

Located in Mokuleia, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this historic 2,700 acre estate offers all of the charms and essence of Hawaii, from white sandy beaches to mountain terrain and acres of open green space scattered with coconut trees, monkey pods, and rare plant species indigenous to Hawaii. Zackary Wright with Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing.

6. Sagg Pond Estate: $65 million

Located in one of the Hamptons’ most exclusive enclaves on the banks of the tranquil Sagg Pond, this 33-acre waterfront estate is bordered by dozens of acres of protected land, ensuring privacy and pristine conditions for generations to come. Debbie Loeffler of the Corcoran Group has the listing.

8. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million

Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.

9. Rosenthal: The Malibu Estate & Vineyard: $59.5 million

Situated 1,400 feet above the coastal fog and four miles from the beach, Rosenthal: The Malibu Estate & Vineyard offers a rare, private wine country lifestyle. Featuring a fully operational vineyard and winery, this Malibu Estate is one of the most sought after properties on the market today. Listed with Kerry Mormann & Associates.

10. Rockpile Ranch: $54.5 million

For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 39 on the 2012 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.

Click here to download a copy of the January 2013 newsletter.

Land Report Top Ten: August 2012

From the Pacific to the Northeast, here are America’s priciest properties, led by $132.5 million Broken O Ranch in Montana, which is listed with Bates Sanders Swan Land Company. New to the list is a 33-acre Sagg Pond Estate in Sagaponack South (pictured above).

1. Broken O Ranch (Montana): $132.5 million

At 123,000 acres, this ranch has been in the making for the past 20 years. With its expansive cattle and farming operation, this ranch currently carries 3,500 mother cows plus 800 replacement heifers and 200 range bulls. The Broken O Ranch also contains Montana’s largest block of irrigated land, approximately 13,000 acres, and has historically averaged 25,000 tons of alfalfa hay and 700,000 bushels of small grain crops annually. Mike Swan of Bates Sanders Swan Land Company has the listing.

2. Walton Ranch: $100 million

This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.

3. Broken O Ranch (Texas): $81 million

Located in Boerne, Texas, the historic Broken O Ranch is one of Texas’ finest ranches on the market today. Featuring breathtaking views that only the Texas Hill Country has to offer, this ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Trip duPerier with duPerier Texas Land Man, LLC has the listing.

4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $79 million

This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.

5. Dillingham Ranch: $65 million

Located in Mokuleia, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this historic 2,700 acre estate offers all of the charms and essence of Hawaii, from white sandy beaches to mountain terrain and acres of open green space scattered with coconut trees, monkey pods, and rare plant species indigenous to Hawaii. Zackary Wright with Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing.

5. Sagg Pond Estate: $65 million
Located in one of the Hamptons’ most exclusive enclaves on the banks of the tranquil Sagg Pond, this 33-acre waterfront estate is bordered by dozens of acres of protected land, ensuring privacy and pristine conditions for generations to come. Debbie Loeffler of the Corcoran Group has the listing.

7. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million

Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.

8. Swain’s Neck: $59 million

Spread out on almost 70 acres, Swain’s Neck is an exclusive waterfront estate on Nantucket Island. Featuring spectacular, unobstructed 180-degree views of Polpis Harbor, this property includes a sprawling main residence which embraces the magnificent views, a charming guest cottage, a private studio/office, a boathouse, a gatehouse with apartment, several fenced-in pastures, a sport court and meticulously manicured grounds and gardens. Listed with Gary Winn with Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty.

9. Hana Ranch: $55 million

This 4,500-acre working ranch on eastern Maui surrounds the town of Hana. The property boasts two miles of Pacific oceanfront and rises over 2,200 feet up the slopes of Haleakala. Dan Omer of Island Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

10. Rockpile Ranch: $54.5 million

For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 41 on the 2011 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.

Photo Credit: Corcoran

Click here to download a copy of the August 2012 newsletter.

Land Report June 2012 Newsletter

A lot to discuss in our June newsletter, in particular, the late-breaking news about the pending sale of the Hawaiian island of Lanai by David Murdock to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. To give you an idea of the importance of this transaction, none other than Hawaii’s Governor, Neil Abercrombie, broke the news to the general public. No word on the final sale price. According to published reports, however, Murdock had been asking between $500 and $600 million for the 141-square-mile island.

For up to the minute reports on listings, auctions, sales, and breaking news pertaining to land and landowners, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Land Report is also on Pinterest.

Land Report Top Ten: May 2012

From the Pacific to the Northeast, here are America’s priciest properties, led by $132.5 million Broken O Ranch in Montana, which is listed with Bates Sanders Swan Land Company. New to the list is Dillingham Ranch in Hawaii and Swain’s Neck (pictured above) on Nantucket Island.

1. Broken O Ranch (Montana): $132.5 million

At 123,000 acres, this ranch has been in the making for the past 20 years. With its expansive cattle and farming operation, this ranch currently carries 3,500 mother cows plus 800 replacement heifers and 200 range bulls. The Broken O Ranch also contains Montana’s largest block of irrigated land, approximately 13,000 acres, and has historically averaged 25,000 tons of alfalfa hay and 700,000 bushels of small grain crops annually. Mike Swan of Bates Sanders Swan Land Company has the listing.

2. Walton Ranch: $100 million

This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.

3. Broken O Ranch (Texas): $81 million

Located in Boerne, Texas, the historic Broken O Ranch is one of Texas’ finest ranches on the market today. Featuring breathtaking views that only the Texas Hill Country has to offer, this ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Trip duPerier with duPerier Texas Land Man, LLC has the listing.

4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $79 million

This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.

5. Dillingham Ranch: $65 million

Located in Mokuleia, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this historic 2,700 acre estate offers all of the charms and essence of Hawaii, from white sandy beaches to mountain terrain and acres of open green space scattered with coconut trees, monkey pods, and rare plant species indigenous to Hawaii. Zackary Wright with Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing.

6. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million

Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.

7. Swain’s Neck: $59 million

Spread out on almost 70 acres, Swain’s Neck is an exclusive waterfront estate on Nantucket Island. Featuring spectacular, unobstructed 180-degree views of Polpis Harbor, this property includes a sprawling main residence which embraces the magnificent views, a charming guest cottage, a private studio/office, a boathouse, a gatehouse with apartment, several fenced-in pastures, a sport court and meticulously manicured grounds and gardens. Listed with Gary Winn with Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty.

8. Hana Ranch: $55 million

This 4,500-acre working ranch on eastern Maui surrounds the town of Hana. The property boasts two miles of Pacific oceanfront and rises over 2,200 feet up the slopes of Haleakala. Dan Omer of Island Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

9. Rockpile Ranch: $54.5 million

For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 41 on the 2011 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.

10. Aspen Valley Ranch: $52 million

Billed as the largest ranch near Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley, this ranch boasts senior water rights as well as over 800 acres and is located just 10 minutes from the Aspen airport. Joshua Saslove of Joshua & Co. has the listing.

Click here to download a copy of the May 2012 newsletter.

Land Report Top Ten: March 2012

From the Pacific to the Southwest, here are America’s priciest properties, led by $175 million Jackson Land and Cattle Ranch, which is listed by Hall and Hall. New to the list, and pictured above, is the Broken O Ranch in the Lone Star State of Texas.

1. Jackson Land and Cattle: $175 million

These 1,750 acres are simply the most phenomenal property to come to the market in the Teton Valley in decades. Jackson Land and Cattle is one-of-a-kind in every respect: world-class improvements, including an equestrian center designed by Jonathan Foote, AIA; lack of any development restrictions; and don’t forget the stunning Teton views. Hall and Hall’s John Pierce has the listing.

2. Broken O Ranch (Montana): $132.5 million

At 123,000 acres, this ranch has been in the making for the past 20 years. With its expansive cattle and farming operation, this ranch currently carries 3,500 mother cows plus 800 replacement heifers and 200 range bulls. The Broken O Ranch also contains Montana’s largest block of irrigated land, approximately 13,000 acres, and has historically averaged 25,000 tons of alfalfa hay and 700,000 bushels of small grain crops annually. Mike Swan of Bates Sanders Swan Land Company has the listing.

3. Walton Ranch: $100 million

This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.

4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $84 million

This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.

5. Broken O Ranch (Texas): $81 million

Located in Boerne, Texas, the historic Broken O Ranch is one of Texas’ finest ranches on the market today. Featuring breathtaking views that only the Texas Hill Country has to offer, this ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Trip duPerier with duPerier Texas Land Man, LLC has the listing.

6. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million

Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.

7. Hana Ranch: $55 million

This 4,500-acre working ranch on eastern Maui surrounds the town of Hana. The property boasts two miles of Pacific oceanfront and rises over 2,200 feet up the slopes of Haleakala. Dan Omer of Island Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

8. Rockpile Ranch: $54.5 million

For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 41 on the 2011 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.

9. Aspen Valley Ranch: $52 million

Billed as the largest ranch near Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley, this ranch boasts senior water rights as well as over 800 acres and is located just 10 minutes from the Aspen airport. Joshua Saslove of Joshua & Co. has the listing.

10. Dana Ranch: $45 million

With only two distinguished owners in nearly 100 years and an unmatched record of profitability, the Dana is considered by many to be the finest operating and recreational ranch in the Rocky Mountain West. Supporting 3,000 animal units on 59,000± acres, it boasts over 13 miles of superb fisheries and an incredible diversity of wildlife resources from elk to waterfowl to upland birds. Listed by Dave Johnson with Hall and Hall.

Click here to download a copy of the March 2012 newsletter.

Vistas: Wyoming’s Rome Hill Ranch

The Rome Hill Ranch is located in Wyoming’s Big Horn Basin in Washakie County on the west slope of the Big Horn Mountains. The ranch lies approximately 12 miles southeast of the charming little cowboy town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming. This area is known for its true western heritage and lifestyle. Mixed with Native American and ranching history, Ten Sleep’s fertile soils, abundant artesian wells and various creeks, rivers and waterways provide the ideal Wyoming setting for ranching and raising livestock.

The Rome Hill Ranch acreage is as diverse as Wyoming’s varied landscapes. Controlling over 20,000 acres, of which 9,342 is deeded and contiguous; the ranch’s varied terrain makes this property unique. The ranch goes through a transformation from its lower acreage to its high country pastures. The base elevation at 4,800 feet is comprised of 400 irrigated acres of meadows, creek, spring-fed lush pastures and wetlands. It rises to hillsides, rock outcroppings with junipers and dense dark timber at 7,500 feet. One of the ranch’s most notable natural resources is the canyon; this particular region of Wyoming is well known for its abundance of natural aquifers and limestone canyons.

Built and designed under current ownership, the main home and guesthouse were strategically placed on 5 acres that are beautifully manicured and landscaped. The owner’s compound is fenced and gated, complete with underground sprinkler system and newly-enhanced and stocked trout pond between the two homes. The setting is slightly elevated, providing dramatic views of the ranch in every direction.

The Rome Hill Ranch is very unique, as it offers something special for anglers. For the fisherman, the ranch includes approximately 7 miles of meandering, private Spring Creek with populations of brown, cutthroat and brook trout. There are many springs that feed the creek as it descends through the property, keeping the water clear and cool throughout the year.

The abundant wildlife of Rome Hill adds magnificent value to the overall experience on the ranch. Herds of elk, Mule deer and antelope are practically present year round. The average elk herd has ranged from 300 to 800 animals. In 2010, it is said that a game warden counted upwards of 1,200 elk on the property.

Representing one of the finest working cattle ranches and mixed-use sporting properties in the West, the Rome Hill Ranch is a one-of-a-kind offering.

Rome Hill Ranch is listed with Live Water Properties for $15 million.

Land Report Top Ten: February 2012

From the Lone Star State to Hawaii, here are America’s priciest properties, led by $175 million Jackson Land and Cattle Ranch, which is listed by Hall and Hall. Two new properties have joined this mix: Broken O Ranch in Montana and Hudye Farms along the Colorado-Kansas state line.

1. Jackson Land and Cattle: $175 million

These 1,750 acres are simply the most phenomenal property to come to the market in the Teton Valley in decades. Jackson Land and Cattle is one-of-a-kind in every respect: world-class improvements, including an equestrian center designed by Jonathan Foote, AIA; lack of any development restrictions; and don’t forget the stunning Teton views. Hall and Hall’s John Pierce has the listing.

2. Broken O Ranch: $132.5 million

At 123,000 acres, this ranch (pictured above) has been in the making for the past 20 years. With its expansive cattle and farming operation, this ranch currently carries 3,500 mother cows plus 800 replacement heifers and 200 range bulls. The Broken O Ranch also contains Montana’s largest block of irrigated land, approximately 13,000 acres, and has historically averaged 25,000 tons of alfalfa hay and 700,000 bushels of small grain crops annually. Mike Swan of Bates Sanders Swan Land Company has the listing.

3. Walton Ranch: $100 million

This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.

4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $84 million

This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.

5. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million

Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.

6. Aspen Valley Ranch: $59 million

Billed as the largest ranch near Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley, this ranch boasts senior water rights as well as over 800 acres and is located just 10 minutes from the Aspen airport. Joshua Saslove of Joshua & Co. has the listing.

7. Hana Ranch: $55 million

This 4,500-acre working ranch on eastern Maui surrounds the town of Hana. The property boasts two miles of Pacific oceanfront and rises over 2,200 feet up the slopes of Haleakala. Dan Omer of Island Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

8. Rockpile Ranch: $54 million

For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 41 on the 2011 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.

9. Hudye Farm: $49 million

Spanning two states, Hudye Farm is the largest dryland and irrigated farm ever to be offered for sale in eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Assembled over the past ten years, this ranch includes 17,741 acres of high quality farmlands with excellent production history, topography, soils and water conditions. Located in the top grain growing region of this area, the crops grown are primarily corn and wheat. Bart Miller of Mason & Morse Ranch Company has the listing.

10. Dana Ranch: $45 million

With only two distinguished owners in nearly 100 years and an unmatched record of profitability, the Dana is considered by many to be the finest operating and recreational ranch in the Rocky Mountain West. Supporting 3,000 animal units on 59,000± acres, it boasts over 13 miles of superb fisheries and an incredible diversity of wildlife resources from elk to waterfowl to upland birds. Listed by Dave Johnson with Hall and Hall.

Click here to download a copy of the February 2012 newsletter.

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