Topography: The Viceroy Ranch offers over 400 of topographical relief with hilltop's reaching over 1,600 feet above sea level. Deep draws, rocky outcroppings, spring grotto's and extensive long-range view ridge-lines positions this ranch as an exceptionally diverse and sought after property positioned in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Habitat: Offering areas of dense flora the underlying habitat provide for an expansive tree diversity including Live Oaks, Ash Juniper, Spanish Oak, Shin Oak, Lacey Oak, Texas Madrone (rare), Cherry, Redbud, Black Walnut and Cypress trees near the spring-fed pond! Diverse brush species like cat-claw, succulents, clover and high-protein native grasses provide excellent forage for wildlife. Wildlife: The Ranch is home to populations of white-tailed deer, turkey, varmints, feral hogs, even Aoudad and other free-ranging exotic species. Bass and Bluegill Perch offer an angler with an opportunity to 'Wet-a-Line' at the secluded Spring Lake when the urge hits. Coupled with extensive hunting and fishing opportunities, the ranch is a veritable bird sanctuary with birds of prey including Hawks, Owls and a Bald Eagle has been witnessed soaring on the property. Other native and migratory birds makes this property a bird-watchers dream. Improvements: Viceroy Ranch has only been selectively enhanced, and due to its historical use as a more 'primitive' ranch, thus affords a beautiful canvas to build on an Owner's dreams and improvement placement. Near the entrance there is a functional bunkhouse on slab, enclosed barn, shed, covered picnic Palapas and an older set of livestock working pens. Towards the back (East) of the property, there is an older 2,000+s.f. ranch house with a separate water well, septic and electric. Fencing: The ranch has recently undergone fence-line clearing and all new 8-foot high-tinsel game-proof fencing has been installed. Over 90% of the fence-lines are accessible by vehicle with only a few very steep areas accessible by foot. The enhancement of new fencing provides for the possibility of exotic species integration and capitalize on superior wildlife management practices. Water: With various springs emanating on the property, surface water abounds and includes a primitive area known as Indian Spring. This area was believed to be used by early European Explorers, Comanche Indians and other Plains Indians seeking trade at the Missions of San Antonio and surrounding. Spring Lake is a serene oasis amid the hills and is surrounded by beautiful Cypress Trees and shady majestic Oak Trees. Well water is provided by two wells with submersible pumps. No other subsurface water availability has been explored, but the area is known to have good water availability. Historical Significance/Archaeology: Based on Collegiate Field Studies and archaeological findings, there are at least six sites of archaeological and historical significance on the ranch, most of which have yet to be fully explored, researched and documented. These sites include Indian Mounds, caves and possible silver mine locations. One area of special significance is a cave on the property believed to mark the oldest known European Explorer's in the Texas area. Formerly, the earliest known Europeans were believed to have canvassed the area in the early 1580's, yet the inscription denoted at the entrance of the cave places these explorer's in the Texas Hill Country area around the year of 1577. It is not only rare to come across a ranch of this size in the Texas Hill Country, but even more rare to find one with such a diverse hidden history. Summary: If you are looking for a ranch that is not 'over-improved', offers the perfect setting for a Corporate Retreat or private hunting/bird-watching property, the Viceroy Ranch is not one to be missed. The opportunities abound and this ranch is very well suited to qualify for a Conservation Easement, should a Buyer wish to extend the long-t
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