4,168 Acres in Utopia, TX

HISTORY: This ranch has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. The ranch was once famous for horse racing, called by the New York Times One of the largest and most famous racing stables of its time. It is rumored that the Valdina Farms sent more horses to the Kentucky Derby than any other horse stable in the country outside of the state of Kentucky.

MAIN HOME: Enjoy your morning coffee on the covered front porch in a peaceful setting of the hilltop main home, or have a front row seat to spectacular sunsets and breathless 360 degree views from the surrounding lawn and grounds.

6 bedrooms, 7 baths, and 3 half-baths. Set at a high point overlooking the vast land is a solid, well constructed 1958, one-story brick home with unique original and updated features. The terraced entrance and front porch faces southwest, shaded in the morning. Distinctive features include tile flooring, teak paneled walls, crown molding, high ceilings, wrought ironwork, outdoor lighting plus multiple glass doors to access patios, porches and gardens. A center garden atrium is wrapped by a gallery hall that connects the flowing design. Included are a Great Room with fireplace, game/media room, study alcove with adjoining computer room, island kitchen adjoined by a breakfast/morning room with fireplace, 2 bedroom/2 bath guest wing, and a family room with fireplace & wet bar that buffers the master suite & 3 additional bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own bath and the master has dual closets and baths. All 3 fireplaces are equipped with soapstone wood-burning stoves. The home has been completely rewired and has a recent central HVAC system. The house features built-in pantries, handsome dual entry wet bar, closets, drawers, and excellent storage. A covered back porch and breezeway that faces east connects to a split wing that includes a guest/ staff suite or workshop with kitchen and bath. The porch is wrapped with gardens and lawn.

Two garages, one 2-bay & the other a single bay, numerous outdoor storage closets, 3-bay carport and a storage/workroom with bath. There is also a lower level 2-vehicle carport with access to a storm shelter. Total 12,000 s.f. with home, garage, shop/quarters, carport.

-OTHER BUILDINGS -

Foremans Home: 3,800 s.f Updated 2005.

Guest House: 1700 s.f.

Office: 1400 s.f. - Valdina Farms 1940

-RANCH IMPROVEMENTS -

Three large concrete & brick barns -

Track Barn

Foaling Barn

Equipment Barn

Old airplane hangar/shop:

Sheet iron shed: 14 overhead door

Fencing: Perimeter highfenced. Crossfenced.

Metal cattle working pens: Semi-circular approach to holding chute terminating in a covered hydraulic chute.

Permanent height-adjustable loading chute

Scales

Round pen

WATER: There are 8 water wells on the property, seven are currently operating. All wells are believed to be in the Edwards Aquifer with a depth of 600 feet. This ranch is in a major recharge zone for the Edwards Aquifer and qualifies for a conservation easement. Seco Creek traverses the property for 4 miles. This is a seasonal creek containing pools of water during wet times and providing good cover for wildlife.

VEGETATION: This transition zone ranch has brush species typical of both South Texas and the Hill Country. Parts of the ranch that resemble South Texas consist of persimmon, mesquite, white brush, guajillo, huisache, guayacan, prickly pear and black brush. The northern Hill Country area of the ranch consists of cedar and oak trees. Large oak trees are present through the ranch, plus large pecan trees, and hackberry trees are also present.

WILDLIFE: This ranch has an abundance of wildlife including whitetail deer, turkey, quail, dove, hogs and varmints. Free ranging exotics can also be found; such species are elk, Axis and Aoudad.

MINERALS: Seller owns just under 100% of the minerals. Owner will convey 50% of owned mineral interest. No production, no leases on this ranch.